KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Last week we introduced you to a Knoxville man who was having a harder time than even the normal person finding a job.
Like thousands of fellow Tennesseans he was laid off. Despite wonderful references, multiple skills and a history of leadership, overcoming a felony conviction in his past is too much. But there are government programs available to employers that may help.
"It's hard, it's real hard", describes Jonathan Lewis.
For Lewis, searching for a job results in the same story. "They say, we'll get ahold of you tomorrow, have a good day and you never hear from them." describes Lewis.
A weak economy and what some would see as a sketchy background is a double whammy for this ex-con. "I made a mistake, it's not something i'm proud of. It's a stigma and once you get it, it don't go away." says Lewis.
Three months ago Lewis was laid off from his factory job, a place he says he had built the trust of his employers for over four years.
"They knew my record, knew my past, but gave me an opportunity."
Opportunity, a word Lewis says is now seemingly impossible to come by due to his past. "As soon as they do a background check and see you have been incarcerated it is an automatic no."
Lewis does have someone on his side, The Tennessee Department of Labor works with career centers statewide to encourage employers to hire ex-cons that have proven themselves. So much, that they offer big incentives. The work opportunity tax credit,the disability navigator program and the federal bonding program to name a few.
The bottom line. The Department of Labor says most ex-cons aren't looking to come and go. Most likely they are in for the long run because they know the consequences and choose the right actions. "I missed my sons first basketball game, my daughter running into the house telling me that daddy the boy down the street likes me. I missed that and it won't happen again." says Lewis.
The Tennessee Department of Labor provided Volunteer TV with the following letter concerning programs available for employers:
Tennessee Career Centers are where people and jobs connect. Tennessee has a network of centers across the state where employers can go to find the workers they need and job seekers can get assistance and career information. Each center offers computerized labor market information, internet access, workshops, in addition to job placement, recruitment, and training referrals. Ex-offenders, who are released from state correctional facilities, have several barriers to overcome in order to successfully transition back into society. Our career center system is an essential component of this transition.
TDLWD established Reentry Point of Contacts (POCs) in all comprehensive career centers. These individuals were selected to provide assistance to ex-offenders entering the career center system. The POCs also serve as a liaison between the local correctional facility and the local career center.
The Career Centers will provide you with valuable input from businesses and private industry statewide. The result is a system able to provide maximum workforce results from one convenient location. To find a location near you please call (615) 253-4809.
Other opportunities such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program and the Federal Bonding Program may assist you with your endeavors.
Employers who hire individuals from certain targeted groups may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. This can be used as a marketing tool to encourage employers to hire you. Employers needing more information can contact the WOTC Unit at (615) 253-6664.
The Federal Bonding program provides a six-month fidelity bond to employer’s free-of-charge and serves as an incentive to the employer to hire job applicants who are ex-offenders. You may call the Federal Bonding program toll free number 1-(877) 872-5627.
This is another program that may influence other interest. The Disability Navigator Program: is a resource dedicated to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities or other special needs maximize their potential for independence and achieve their personal goals of employment, effective learning, and independent living through assistive technology, assistive aids, and support services.
The information can be found on TDLWD’s website http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/.
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