Employer Resources
Resources for Employers Interested in Becoming a Second Chance Employer
Why become a second chance employer
75% of surveyed business leaders surveyed report that their second chance hires were just as or more dependable than hires without criminal records;
81% reported that the cost-to-hire second chance employees was the same or less for hires without criminal records;
Second chance hires are more loyal and have lower turnover rates;
Millennials now comprise a huge percentage of the work force and a majority of them want to work for a company that has inclusive employment policies and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Public safety is enhanced because second chance employees are less likely to reoffend.
Employers are strongly encouraged to work with a non-profit or government partner that has trained or can refer employment-ready people. These organizations specialize in working with returning citizens (formerly incarcerated people) and others with criminal backgrounds. They often provide support to the person after he or she is employed, and they are always looking for second chance employer partners. See the list below of non-profits who work with returning citizens eager to return to work.
The Maryland Federal Bonding Program protects employers whose second chance employees commit fraud, theft, or forgery. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/wdfedbondingflyer.pdf
The federal Workforce Tax Credit provides employers a tax credit equal to between 25% to 40% of a returning citizen’s qualifying wages. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit#targeted
Maryland also offers a Workforce Tax Credit- https://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/wotctaxcreditmatch.shtml
Who can help?
The following Baltimore-based organizations can assist employers looking to become a second chance employer.
Turnaround Tuesday
Contact: Jermietra (email:jcarroll@turnaroundtuesday.org phone: 443−794−0672)
Pivot (Women Only)
901 North Milton Ave-Baltimore, MD 21205.
Phone: 410−657−2352
Email: info@pivotprogram.org
Additional Sources of Potential Employees
American Jobs Centers throughout the state. To find one near you, click here.
American Job Center in Baltimore City
Contact: Tzadda (email: Tcarpenter@vehiclesforchange.org phone: 410−242−9674)
Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
Contact: Kelli (email: kelli@prepare-parole.org phone: 443−207−1148)
Contact: Claudia (email: changinglives@htphomes.org)
A Great How-To Guide
How-to-We strongly recommend interested employers read businessman, Jeffrey Korzenik’s Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community. It is an excellent second chance employment how-to guide that also includes templates for screening, recruiting and coaching documents along with other excellent resources.
Self assessment- Answer this 10-question survey offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. It will use your answers to generate a report complete with tools and resources that can be used as you prepare to become a second chance employer.