New Employment Readiness group at Bronx Community Solutions

A new study shows that nearly one third of American adults have been arrested by the age of 23. This record will keep many people from obtaining employment, even if they have paid their dues, and are qualified for the job and unlikely to reoffend. At the same time, it is the chance at a job that offers hope for people involved in the criminal justice system, as we know from research that state employment is an important predictor of successful re-entry and desistance from crime.                                                     Amy L. Solomon

In Search of a Job: Criminal Records as Barriers to Employment 

National Institute of Justice

 

With great excitement, Bronx Community Solutions launched its first employment-focused group, titled Employment Readiness in October 2013, for those who are court involved and actively seeking employment.

 

The psycho-educational group provides a supportive environment for discussion around the process of obtaining employment and identifying the barriers that individuals may face when they have been court involved. It is an opportunity for individuals to obtain important information on the intersection of criminal records and employment, discussing conviction outcomes, what employers may legally ask, and an individual’s rights to protect against job discrimination. The group additionally discusses resources for job placement, support or training, documentation needed for employment, and S.M.A.R.T. goal setting.

 

Upon completion of court mandate participants may obtain a referral to Employment Works, a job placement agency which exclusively serves individuals with criminal convictions. The collaboration between Bronx Community Solutions and Employment Works has enhanced Bronx Community Solutions’ ability to effectively connect clients with an organization that understands the specific needs of court involved individuals seeking  stable legal employment.

 

The need to secure stable employment for those with criminal justice involvement can be quite challenging; offering clients the support and opportunity to make strides in this area is clearly a goal of Bronx Community Solutions.




By: Megann Rogers,
Social Work Intern,
Facilitator for Employment Readiness group.