September’s Workforce Wednesday discussion highlighted the opportunities and potential obstacles tied to hiring second chance workers. We heard from a panel of employers and subject matter experts who shared available tools, programs and partnerships that help employers better reach second chance community members. Following is some of their great advice:

Richard Owen - Founder and Executive Director, Fair Chance Employer

• A good approach for all organizations is to give every potential new hire a background check, so that every applicant is treated the same.
• Don’t run background checks on individuals until a job offer has been extended and accepted by the applicant.

Jeanette Reuter - Human Resources Manager, Martin-Brower

• When interviewing second chance candidates, make sure they’re treated the same as any other applicant.
• Provide some coaching to new hires during the onboarding process so they have the best chance possible of succeeding in a new work environment.

Rachael Okerlund - Employer Engagement Specialist/PROWD Program Manager, DEED
Mark Schultz - Training and Development Lead/PROWD Program Manager, DEED

• Rachel and Mark shared information on the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) program that helps incarcerated individuals prepare for and find employment in Minnesota after their release from federal correctional facilities.
• They also mentioned the Federal Bonding Program which provides fidelity bonds to employers for hard-to-place jobseekers to help break down employment barriers to justice-involved individuals.

View a recording of this session and other past sessions, find a full slate of downloadable resources mentioned during September's session, and access a schedule for upcoming Workforce Wednesday sessions on the Workforce Wednesday page on CareerForceMN.com.