Employment Component

Employment Readiness Curriculum

Before Residents begin their off-site employment phase, they complete a comprehensive Employment Course designed to transition them from a "job" mindset to a "career" mindset. This curriculum addresses soft skills, legal rights, practical job-hunting tools, and conflict resolution to ensure they are reliable, professional, and successful employees. 

The following is covered in the Employment Course:

• Professional Conduct & Soft Skills: We emphasize that keeping a job requires more than just technical skills; it requires character.

• Core Values: The importance of a strong work ethic, dependability, and honesty.

• Workplace Behavior: Essential habits such as time management, effective communication, and maintaining a positive attitude.

• Professional Standards: We cover the "Do's and Don'ts" of the workplace, such as proper dress codes, avoiding gossip, and prohibiting personal phone calls or visitors during work hours.

• Defining Harassment: We educate residents on what constitutes unlawful harassment (verbal, physical, and visual) and the legal consequences of creating a hostile work environment.

• Workplace Harassment Prevention: The curriculum covers how to identify offensive conduct—such as inappropriate jokes or intimidation—and the importance of keeping personal thoughts and physical contact to oneself.

• Job Acquisition Tools: We provide residents with the tangible assets they need to secure employment.

• Documentation: Residents learn how to draft professional resumes, cover letters, and reference sheets. Note: Residents can request assistance creating a resume while at the ISF.

• Interview Preparation: We drill interview etiquette, including punctuality, body language, and how to answer difficult questions regarding their criminal history or employment gaps

• Employer Network: We discuss "Felon Friendly Employers" and identify major companies known to hire individuals with backgrounds to help stream-line their search.

• Worker Rights: We cover the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), safety regulations, and laws against discrimination based on race, religion, or disability.

• Financial Literacy: The course explains the difference between W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, including how taxes and benefits work in different employment scenarios.

• Identifying Barriers: We have open discussions about common obstacles such as fear of failure, anger management issues, and fear of asking for help.

• Situational Judgment: We utilize "What Would You Do?" scenarios to practice ethical decision-making regarding workplace theft, conflict with co-workers, and handling constructive criticism without becoming defensive.