Curriculum Review of I Need a J-O-B! The Ex-Offender’s Job Search Manual
by Sarah Barton, FASTEN Editorial Staff, 2005
Authored by Reverend Louis Jones, the Executive Director of Conquest Offender Reintegration Ministries, I Need a J-O-B! The Ex-Offender’s Job Search Manual is a faith-based resource designed to help ex-offenders prepare for the difficult task of finding a job following their release from prison.
The manual encourages the ex-offender to consider all of the life-enhancing benefits of employment. It emphasizes that getting paid is not the only benefit, and that there are many other less obvious benefits as well.
Using a battle analogy, the manual then examines the factors that may work against ex-offenders who are looking for a job, including external forces as well as the ex-offender’s own emotions. It provides the ex-offender with strategies about how to deal with these obstacles.
I Need a J-0-B emphasizes the importance of identifying skills, interests, and preferences to help the ex-offender determine the types of jobs at which he is most likely to succeed. The ex-offender will learn how to evaluate his personality, skills and abilities, knowledge, hobbies, health, and other factors that will impact his choice of a job.
Practical help for the job search, such as information regarding resume writing, cover letters, appropriate dress for interviews and references is included. In addition, the manual provides information specifically of interest to ex-offenders, such as the availability of bonding programs covering employers who hire ex-offenders and facts about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which provides employers who hire low-income ex-offenders with tax benefits. Ex-offenders also will learn about the importance of a positive attitude, interviewing techniques, and how to follow-up after the interview.
Helpful appendices include a sample of an Employment Eligibility Verification Form, a list of items the ex-offender should collect before starting his job search, and a summary of federal anti-discrimination laws.
Faith-based organizations providing training for ex-offenders who are preparing to begin the job search will find I Need a J-O-B! to be an excellent resource which ex-offenders can use individually or as part of a course.
