by Donna Hicks

Created on: September 21, 2010

When one is released from prison, one of the first plans the ex-convict should have is seeking employment. If the person has been released on parole, then securing and maintaining employment is almost certainly a condition of the parole. Finding a job is already difficult for many people who have not been in prison, so for the former inmate, finding a job may be extremely difficult. But it is not impossible, and the ex-convict should garner enough motivation and determination to obtain and maintain legal employment as soon as possible after release from prison. One way the ex-convict can assist his or her job search is to learn about and take advantage of available resources.

Parole Officer

If the parole officer feels the parolee is not making genuine effort to find employment, the parole officer may feel that the county jail on a parole violation can help the parolee decide to get up and out on the path to employment. The parole officer may not be the person the ex-convict wants as a best friend, but that parole officer is a walking employment directory for parolees. Most parole officers automatically hand the ex-convict a list of employers who hire ex-convicts. There may be other resources posted or available at the parole office. The ex-convict should ask the parole officer for information about employers where the ex-convict may get hired.

Non-Profits and Religious Organizations

Some agencies, such as the Salvation Army assist ex-convicts with employment, especially if the ex-convict is residing in a Salvation Army-sponsored halfway house program for parolees. The Salvation Army occasionally hires those with a criminal record to work at its facilities. The pay will not be great, but it will be a start and a positive reference to enable the ex-convict to obtain more substantial employment down the road. Local churches may have resources for the ex-convict as well.

Internet

If the ex-convict does not have access to a computer at home, the library allows patrons to use their computers for an hour at a time. There are websites where the ex-convict can get information about employment. Prisontalk.com is one site that gives some advice to former inmates from former inmates. Those who have already been out a while already know who will and will not hire a convicted felon. In the article, “Jobs for Convicted Felons,” on Buzzle, information is offered to the convicted felon to obtain a legal wage. Suggestions such as since 2006, both the U.S. Navy and

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