Career development for ex-offenders

An ex-offender is an individual who has committed a crime and was convicted as the result thereof. We use the term ex-offender to afford the individual some level of dignity after they have served their time instead of labelling them by the crime they committed.

One of the most important instructions given to ex-offenders when they leave a correctional service is that they should find employment. However, often times ex-offenders are not equipped with the necessary information on how to go about finding a job. Ex-offenders need not to just be told, to go get a job without being prepared for what is waiting for them out there in the big world. They must be encouraged to look for jobs but at the same time they must understand that their case will always be different as compared to the rest due to their criminal records.

Employment is essential to keep an ex-offender busy while earning an income. It is already hard to come out of prison and trying to mingle with the community. The stigma isolates you and one may find themselves all alone, but it is even harder for an ex-offender struggle to find employment as this might cause them to commit another crime in an a bid for survival.

Important considerations

Below is a list of important considerations an ex-offender should bear in mind:

Your criminal record may limit some of your career aspects

Remember, most employers are reluctant or do not want to employ ex-offenders. You may run into a lot of roadblocks. That should not discourage you at all, but rather keep on trying until doors get open. Employers need to know and understand that employment of ex-offenders contribute immensely in cutting down on the re-offending behaviours and in ensuring a general safer environment.

Once you understand what you can or cannot apply for, you will not waste your time trying to enter into careers that are regarded as “no-go areas” for offenders due to their nature.

 

Consider volunteering

Sometimes getting a job can be a daunting task, even for a person without a criminal record. However, there are many things you can still do to boost your CV, good reputation and self-esteem in the community. One of those things are volunteering. You can volunteer at the local soup kitchen, sports club, church, orphanage, old age homes, etc. once you get involved, you can start meeting people and even develop confidence in telling your story. This type of networking will enable you to connect with people who can eventually get you employment.

Remember, restoring your reputation and self-esteem as an ex-offender is a big task, you need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that indeed you have changed and are ready to abide by societal rules.

There are a number of agencies and individuals who have collaborated to assist people who are coming out of prison, to ensure that they are kept busy and are quickly absorbed into the labour market.

Career Development Services in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services offers a career awareness programme in prisons across the country. This is an initiative taken to ensure that offenders are well informed about their options when they leave the correctional facilities.

The Department of Labour has joined hands with the Department of Correctional Services to provide an employability enhancement service to ex-offenders, parolees and probationers.