Chamber releases fair-chance hiring toolkit
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) recently released a toolkit for businesses outline the process of becoming second-chance employers. The Chamber released the handbook at its June Chamber Forum, where a panel discussion highlighted the practice of fair-chance hiring.
“We know that stable employment is the best indicator of whether or not a justice-involved individual will return to incarceration,” said Timothy Tardibono, executive director of the Oklahoma County CJAC. “Removing outdated stigmas and unnecessary barriers to work is one of the most important things individual businesses can do to continue our justice reform progress.”
The handbook outlines important legal and ethical implications, discusses the important culture shifts that must take place within a company, and offers resources to help employers get started. The toolkit, which was created with input from the vocational re-entry team at Moore Norman Technology Center, also includes information about incentives that may be available to employers who hire justice-involved individuals.
“Our region’s companies are very clear: workforce availability is one of the biggest issues that they are facing,” said Lee Copeland, director of talent and business growth for the Chamber. “When you consider that one in three working-age adults has some sort of criminal background, becoming a fair-chance employer can really expand your talent pool.”
Additional resources for businesses
The Chamber Forum panelists and attendees shared additional resources for companies and organizations interested in fair-chance hiring.
- ReMerge, a pre-trial diversion program working with mothers in Oklahoma County, is hosting a fair-chance employer breakfast on June 29. You can also support the participants of their programs by shopping at Catalyst Cookies.
- The OSU-OKC Center for Social Innovation teaches participants life skills and offers courses that count toward a certificate or degree. The first cohort of the program, which launched in September 2020, graduated in May 2021. Applications for the August 2021 cohort are due on June 30, 2021.
- The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides participants with immediate access to transitional employment, daily pay, and comprehensive employment services. The organization can provide your business with pre-screened candidates who are carefully selected and matched to your needs.
- Moore Norman Technology Center offers re-entry employment services. MNTC offers re-entry advocate training and can help your organization reach the job candidates you want. The organization is also hosting the 2nd Chances Job Fair on July 15.
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