Alaska Labor & Workforce: Employment After Incarceration

Hi there, My name is Savannah and I work at the Mat Su Job center and today I'm going to be talking with you about Employment after incarceration.

There are currently 13 job centers in Alaska, one in Anchorage, Midtown, Mat Su, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Nome, Kenai, Sitka, Valdez and Bethel. If you notice at the top of the page there's a toll free number that you can call to locate the job center nearest to you.

We offer services both online and in person. Our Job Center Resource Room provides a space to access the most up to date employment and training resources. You can utilize computers for completing online applications. We provide tools such as printers, copiers, scanners and staff to assist you one on one with various employment services. We have workshops available anytime at the Job center to include effective resumes, interviewing skills, Workplace Alaska which is the State of Alaska Jobs USA Jobs, which is the Federal jobs, Employment after Incarceration and Career support and training orientation.

There's also certifications to add to your resume such as typing 10 key data entry and the National Career Readiness Certificate. Utilizing study and testing in the workkeys curriculum. We also have career assessments such as the World of Work Inventory which we refer to as our WWE Assessment to see how your career interest, work styles and aptitudes match to various career paths. Career support and Training orientation is our state and federal grants which are available for training to earn a recognized credential, degree, diploma or license, employers hiring and information such as upcoming job fairs, free training or other hiring events and job boards Apprenticeship information. You can find both union and non union opportunities.

Labor market information you can find high growth career information. The labor market refers to the supply and demand for labor where workers, the supply side provide their skills and services and employers, the demand side seek workers to fulfill job roles. It's essentially the market where individuals offer their labor and companies or organizations hire them in exchange for wages, salaries or other compensation. The labor market is used by businesses to find the appropriate talent for their open positions and by job seekers to find the employment opportunities that match their skills and interests. It also helps in determining wages and salaries for various roles based on the supply of workers and the demand for particular skills.

For example, if there's a shortage of qualified software engineers, wages for that position will tend to rise.

Alaska Jobs is accessed through your MY Alaska account and MY Alaska is a secure single sign on for Alaskans to access multiple State of Alaska services such as pfd, Unemployment, Child Support, DMV and ARIES for medical assistance through public assistance. Alaska Jobs replaced Alexis in 2020 and is the online labor exchange system that connects job seekers and employers. You can click on the state map to log in the main menu in quick links on the right is filled with additional information that the Division of Employment and Training Services provides labor market information where to find your nearest job center job fairs and recruitments, just to name a few. Within Alaska Jobs, you can search for open jobs. Create a resume.

Load all of your documents such as ID, Social Security card, food workers card credentials, etc. That you can have access to at any time.

You can earn certifications to increase your job prospects such as a high school diploma through Nine Star Education and Employment. Who assists with GED exams to earn your high school diploma in the MAT, SU and Anchorage area? You can earn your Alaska Food Handler's Permit online for $10 or in person at a DEC location. We also have office certifications such as keyboarding 10 key and data entry free at any local job center.

We also have the workkeys curriculum Career Readiness Certification with Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace documents. There's also pre apprenticeship trade certificates. Alaska Works Partnership has free electrical, telecom, carpentry and heavy equipment 40 hour classes. Once you complete a class, you can then attend an OSHA 10 hour CPR and first aid course. Health and Human Service Apprenticeship opportunities.

You can jump start a healthcare career with PATH Academy for CPR and Mental Health first aid training. In addition to the exams required for the National Career Readiness Certificate, the workkeys curriculum has additional curriculum in business writing, applied technology, and workplace observation. If you've been out of the workforce for some time, graduated high school a long time ago, or would like to build up your confidence that your skills match, meet or exceed the needs of employers. Workkeys is an excellent assessment and free at your local job center. Note that most union apprenticeship programs require workkeys testing to be accepted into their programs.

Workkeys assessments measure a range of hard and soft skills relevant to any occupation at any level across industries. The three core assessments earn a National Career Readiness Certificate are Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. For people considering apprenticeships, workkeys testing helps them gauge if they have the skills needed for success in technical or trade careers. It provides insight into areas where they might need further development before committing to a specific apprenticeship program helping them enter the workforce with more confidence.

When it comes to career planning, you want to identify your goals. What type of job do you want? You can research jobs at ONET online to learn about minimum requirements, training, pay and if there's growth? Is it a high growth, high demand field? Will there be more jobs in the future or fewer?

Will the job pay enough to offer families sustaining wages? Will what jobs will meet your needs? Find a career to suit your lifestyle and obligations. Can you meet the physical and mental demands of the job? What are the job requirements in the job description?

Do you meet the minimum requirements? You can compare your current skills with the required skills. Is there a skills gap? You want to identify the skills, education or certifications that you need to learn, practice or earn to overcome a skills gap. Do you need training?

Make a plan to fill your skills gap with training or experience. You can learn new skills for [email protected] they have over 1000 free online employment related Classes the Department of labor and Workforce Development website offers job seeker information regarding education and training options available throughout the state. You can explore labor market data research for the most current trends in labor market information including job growth and pay. The site could also feature programs designed to help certain populations such as youth, individuals with disabilities or displaced workers connect to job opportunities and support services. It often includes details on worker rights, wage laws and anti discrimination policies which can help job seekers understand their rights when entering the workforce.

Career Support and Training Services do you need funding to get a job, keep a job or make more money? State and federal grants are available. Workforce Innovation Opportunity act is our federal funding and the State Training and Employment Program is our state funding. Training and supportive service funds are available to assist with obtaining a recognized credential degree, documentary diploma or license that will lead to full time year round employment at a family sustaining wage. Career Support and Training is a performance based program.

The way that we know how we are performing is by having regular contact with your assigned case manager. Your success is our success. We report information on the grant, funding spent, completion of training and the employment information once obtained. Everything that we do is about employment at the end and training is just one way to gain employment. These programs offer opportunities to diverse groups including underrepresented minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and people returning to the workforce after a break.

This inclusivity enhances the workforce's overall strength and diversity. Career support services often facilitate access to apprenticeships, internships or on the job training programs. These provide valuable hands on experience in real world settings, making job seekers more competitive and prepared for long term career success.

You must have one employment goal and the training program must be on the eligible training provider list or the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education. The process for applying would be to contact your local job center, update your Alaska Jobs profile, complete an Eligibility Explorer assessment and then provide the required documents and paperwork. Requested contact requirements with your case manager are during application, during training, during work search, and then quarterly for a year after receiving training and going to work. Your success is our success.

Apprenticeships which are a great way to earn as you learn there's free trades pre apprenticeship trainings at Alaska Works Partnership Hands on training which is where you learn while you earn as an employee. Training typically leads to journeyman level pay after a number of years and many apprenticeships are sponsored by unions and unions pay a portion of your wage into health and retirement benefits. Apprenticeships provide practical on the job training that can always be gained in a classroom setting. They allow individuals to directly apply the skills they're learning in real world environments, giving them a deeper understanding of their chosen trade or profession. One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that participants get paid while they're learning.

This makes it a financially viable option for people who want to gain valuable skills without accumulating student debt, which is common with traditional college degrees. Many apprenticeships offer certifications or qualifications that are recognized within the industry. These credentials help validate a person's skills and expertise, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Many union positions in Alaska may be seasonal and offer great opportunities if you can save up for those times when there is no work. There are non union apprenticeships such as Associated Business Contractors Alaska, better known as ABC of Alaska who has trades in electrical, plumbing, pipe fitter, sprinkler fitter, sheet metal, carpentry, insulation and H Vac. There are also non trade apprenticeships in culinary arts and peer support as well as grants that may be available for required tools and gear. You can ask at any local job center.

The Alaska Small Business Development center do you want to start your own business? You can visit the aksbdc.org to find workshops, webinars, business counseling and tools to support business startups and business expansion. They provide free and low cost business workshops both as on demand self service videos and via live webinars. You can explore their collection of free documents, spreadsheets and templates that their advisors use on a regular basis. They also offer no cost confidential one on one business coaching.

Their advisors assist with pre launch, growth, recovery, buying and selling, funding assistance and more. Starting a business can be overwhelming, but the Small Business Development center can provide the essential support, resources and expertise that new entrepreneurs need to succeed by offering services like business planning, funding advice, market research, training and personalized consulting. SBDCs help business owners avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions and grow their businesses with confidence. For anyone launching a new business utilizing the resources and support available through an SBDC is an incredibly wise choice that can increase their chances of long term success.

Challenges or Barriers Transportation documentation such as Social Security card, birth certificate or ID child care health emotional, mental and physical finances and budgeting basic needs like housing and food time management education and training work history, technical and soft skills physical, mental or learning disabilities and sobriety and support system. These are some common barriers or challenges that need to be considered or overcome upon release. Our piece is Rapid Attachment to Employment Job center staff can assist you in locating support and assistance in overcoming these barriers. We know that finding and maintaining meaningful employment can make all the difference in reducing the chances of returning to prison or not and as a part of our community, we want you to be successful for yourself and your family. If you begin working with a case manager in one of our job centers, please ensure that you sign a release of information so that way we can communicate with any other case managers you may be working with.

For example Probation, re entry education Public assistance treatment programs. We want to be sure that we are all on the same page as part of your team in assisting you reach your goals.

This is the Barrier Crimes Matrix. There are permanent 10 year, 5 year, 3 year and 1 year barriers. Some crimes can be a barrier to employment in certain occupations or industries jobs where people may need to work with vulnerable populations. So the Barrier Crimes Matrix was developed based on statutes and regulations that the Background Check Program use to evaluate applications. It is a reliable tool for determining barrier time frames.

The Barrier Crime Matrix is a tool used by various organizations, including government agencies and employers, to evaluate the criminal history of individuals in relation to employment, housing or other opportunities. It helps determine which crimes might serve as a barrier to accessing certain rights, benefits or services. The Matrix provides a structured way to assess whether a past criminal conviction should prevent someone from obtaining a job, living in a particular housing unit or participating in specific programs.

So what shows up on a State of Alaska Criminal Background Check if an employment Background check report includes criminal history information, you will see the following information about each offense Criminal Case number Arrest date charge or charges Disposition and disposition date Severity of the charge, whether it be felony or misdemeanor Sentence information you want to keep copies of charging documents in case you ever need to file for a background variance, you may need them. The Department of Health often refers to uses the Barrier Crime Matrix as part of its process to determine whether an individual with a criminal history can be eligible for certain health related employment, licensing, or certification programs. Specifically, this matrix helps the Department assess whether an applicant's criminal background poses a risk to public health and safety, while also allowing some flexibility for certain circumstances. The barrier crime matrix is typically used to evaluate whether a criminal conviction of will prevent an individual from being hired for a position or licensed in certain healthcare professions. It helps the Department determine if a criminal history should be considered a barrier to employment while also providing a fair process for individuals to request a variance or exemption.

In some cases, this process allows applicants to demonstrate why their criminal record should not disqualify them from employment or licensing. The variance process provides the opportunity for individuals to present documentation or proof that they have made positive changes, such as completing rehabilitation programs, community service, or other efforts to demonstrate personal growth.

Some jobs have background checks as part of the employment process, especially if it requires working with vulnerable people such as in healthcare positions. If you receive notification from the background unit stating that you've been issued a not eligible determination, you may start the process to request a background variance. Either you, your current employer, or prospective employer may submit a variance request. You can learn more about the background check program and requesting a variance through the State of Alaska Department of Health. Steps to apply would be the applicant and provider submit a complete application to their oversight division for review.

Oversight agency reviews and makes recommendation background check Committee reviews and makes a recommendation if applicable. Division Director reviews and makes a recommendation if permanent and then the commissioner reviews the application and makes the final decision.

Fidelity Bonding is an insurance policy for the employer providing no cost, no deductible bond for hiring at risk job seekers to overcome barriers to employment and helps alleviate employer concerns about hiring at risk job applicants. Employment Assessment For Fidelity Bonds, the job must pay wages with federal taxes withheld. A job offer must be made and a start date set. The position can be full or part time. It can be a current employee who needs the bond for a promotion or to prevent layoff.

There is no age restrictions and no one is denied, so this bond covers the employer and does not follow the job seeker and a new bond would be applied for each new employer if needed. The bond covers against loss of money or property due to employee dishonesty through theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement. The bond helps build trust between the individual and their potential employer by showing that there is a mechanism in place to cover losses. The person with a justice involved background demonstrates responsibility and willingness to adhere to high standards of behavior. It also signals that the individual is actively working to overcome their past and regain trust in the workforce.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for employers. It is an incentive for businesses to hire and retain employees from certain populations such as qualified ex felons, people on short term tanf, long term tanf, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, which is food stamps, vocational rehabilitation, Supplemental Security Income, and qualified veterans. If you are working with an employer that would like more information about Fidelity Bonding or Work Opportunity Tax Credit, please have them reach out to the JobCenter staff for the process of applying for these employer incentives. The U.S. department of labor defines a qualified ex felon as someone who is hired within a year of being convicted of a felony or being released from prison for a felony. By securing employment through the wotc, justice involved individuals can find stable long term employment that is crucial for rebuilding their lives.

Having a steady income enables them to provide for themselves and their families and fosters a sense of purpose and independence. Employment offers significant social and emotional benefits for justice involved individuals such as improved self esteem, financial independence and a reduced likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. The WOTC helps open doors to these benefits by incentivizing employers to give people with criminal backgrounds an opportunity to work.

Applying for a job is a full time job. Our current labor market provides vast opportunities for you to find meaningful work because there are two jobs for every one job seeker in Alaska and many people are finding work who have never worked before who experience significant barriers to employment. So employers need employees to be sure to apply to jobs that you can do and would earn enough to be self and family sustaining for you. If you meet the minimum requirements apply. Remember, preferred does not mean required.

If you apply to five jobs a day, you you should start to get interviews within two weeks, most likely sooner. And if you're not getting interviews, please work with the job center staff to identify what needs to change in your process. The short term goal is to find a job as quickly as possible to cover basic needs. The long term goal is to work towards a career that will not only pay self sustaining wages but family sustaining wages. You can apply for grants for training if needed at your local job center or we are here to help you be successful.

Your applications and resumes get you interviews. You want to use a functional resume format to highlight your skills and minimize gaps in employment. Spell check everything. You can visit a job center for help and write clearly on applications. You can get a free [email protected] with your name and use Gmail's free tools to edit your resume.

You want to make sure that you have a professional voicemail on your cell phone and remember to check it, especially if you're actively applying for jobs.

Employers want employees with these skills and responsible, reliable, self disciplined and safety conscious ability to get along with others, thinking before acting or speaking A willingness to learn pride in doing a good job computer literate or at least a willingness to learn and figure it out Able to read, follow instructions and follow the rules Good customer service listening attentively to customers Be respectful and treat everyone with respect. Be reliable, show up on time, do what you say you will, do a positive attitude, be a team player and overcome challenges and most importantly, honesty and integrity. Do the right thing even if no one is watching.

This is work. Keep applying to jobs to keep getting interviews. Eventually you will find a good fit, learn from your mistakes and practice to do better next time. You can also ask your local job center for a mock interview and keep practicing your interview skills and make necessary improvements. You should be mentally prepared for rejection because you may not be everyone's cup of tea or they may not be yours.

Interviews go both ways and it should be a good fit for both you and the employer. If you have a phone or video interview, we can help you practice and learn facetime, zoom or teams at your local job center.

Preparing for an interview is important. You should research the business and review their website. Review the job posting and your resume before the interview. Dress appropriately for success. If it's a public place, go in prior and see what other employees wear.

Clothing of vouchers for interview clothing may be available at your local job center. It's always a good idea to plan to be 15 minutes early. Wait patiently, sit with confidence, relax and breathe. Your interview begins when you drive into the parking lot. Make sure you treat everyone respectfully because the person at the front desk may be the owner or the hiring manager.

Tell them how you and your skills can help their success. Show interest and ask appropriate questions. Be friendly and mindful of your tone of voice and body language. Make appropriate eye contact, smile and be respectful. Never badmouth an old employee or boss.

It wasn't a good fit, I found a better fit or the job ended and you can stand out in the end by sending a thank you note or an email after the interview. It's also a good idea to have at least three questions prepared at the end of the interview. If pay was not already provided in the job posting or is depending on experience, do not ask about pay or benefits during an interview. Ask when they call to offer you the job.

Critical conversations, how, when and what to disclose you want to be smart and intentional about when to disclose your information about your background. When you're in an interview, find the appropriate time to say, in spite of my skills, experience and accomplishments, I had a lapse in judgment that led to a conviction for state the crime and the date of the conviction. You do not have to include details and if there is a silence, you do not need to fill it. Employers wait and see if you're going to share too much information and give them reasons not to hire you. So stop and answer questions only if asked.

Some employers don't care about an employee's criminal history and therefore they don't ask at any point during the hiring process. If you can do the work and are aligned with their culture, they will hire you. A good way to know if background is important is that they will ask this during the application process, which is mostly all done online through their company website for the employers who will inquire about your criminal background. Many only want to go back for a specified period of time, usually five to seven years. In fact, many states forbid employers from going back more than seven to 10 years unless you're working in an occupation that works with vulnerable populations.

Assuming the employer will at some point in the hiring process ask about your criminal conviction, it is better to get out in front of the issue by bringing up your conviction during the interview process. This will demonstrate that you are forthright and transparent and affords you the space to give context to the offense. The last thing that you want is for the hiring manager to later discover it through another source and draw their own conclusions, or worse, for you to appear to be deceitful.

Simply tell the employer on date of conviction, I was convicted of insert crime. Do not profess your innocence or bash the legal system. Employers want to know if you have taken personal accountability, are moving forward, and are making different choices now. Always end on a positive note. Share your successes and what you are proud about and the changes that you've made.

Talk about what you'd like to contribute to your community, their company, and the position that you're applying for, and practice this so that you are comfortable talking about a difficult topic or part of your life.

Using the hidden job market can be especially beneficial for justice involved individuals because it can provide opportunities that aren't widely advertised or available through traditional job search methods. The hidden job market refers to job openings that aren't posted on job boards or publicly advertised, but are filled through referrals, networking, or internal promotions. Traditional job postings often require individuals to submit their resumes online or in person, which means they must reveal their criminal history up front. In many cases, this can result in bias and discrimination, as many employers may automatically reject candidates with criminal records even if they are otherwise qualified. By focusing on the hidden job market, justice involved individuals can often bypass this initial screening process and be considered based on their skills, qualifications, and character rather than their past criminal history.

In many cases, employers in the hidden job market are more likely to hire based on personal connection and recommendations, which may lead to a fairer and more personalized evaluations. Some ways that you can use the hidden job market are by volunteering, getting active on social media in a positive light. Create a LinkedIn account, get to know recruiters and hiring managers, network creatively, get training and apply for grants. And of course, visit your local job center.