Finding a job can be challenging for anyone, but for those with a criminal record, it can be even more difficult. In particular, sex offenders face a unique set of challenges when it comes to finding employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with a history of sexual misconduct due to concerns about safety and liability. This can make it tough for sex offenders who are trying to turn their lives around and reintegrate into society. However, despite the obstacles, there are still jobs for sex offenders. In this article, we’ll explore some of the options available and offer tips on how to navigate the job search process. So if you’re a sex offender looking for work or someone who wants to help support this population, read on to learn more. Firstly, let’s explain;
What Is Sex Offense?
This is a statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat.
Therefore, you’re considered a sex offender if you engage in such an act. Below, are the list of examples of a sex offense ;
- Having sex with a minor.
- Assault someone sexually.
- Child molestation.
- Showing indecent.
- Sexual intercourse with a minor.
- Incest.
- Kidnapping for sex, murder involving sexual assault, imprisonment for sex, and burglary with a sexual motif.
Before finding a job, a felon should know the possible negative outcomes in job opportunities for being a sentenced sex offender.
Yes, there are many negative effects of having a sex conviction on your career. Most companies and business owners cross-check every candidate applying for a job. Even if a sex offender secures a job, colleagues will believe that he is severely dangerous. They will not talk or interact with the felon. They will try to avoid him as much as possible. This situation will make the working environment more difficult.
Another negative impact of sex conviction is limited usage and resources. A sex offender will be restricted from using many things. They will also have restrictions on talking or interacting with certain people.
Jobs For Sex Offenders
It’s easy to get frustrated and discouraged when applying for jobs even under the best circumstances. Having a sex conviction can make this even more challenging.
However, there are several areas in which a sex offender can find work.
Fields that have skilled labor and intensive training are often areas where individuals with a sex-related conviction can gain employment.
Also, many companies are looking forward to employing felons. Sex offenders are also getting jobs in these companies. These companies try to focus only on the capabilities of a person. Mind you, they also adhere to the rules and regulations of the state for hiring someone that is being convicted of a sex crime.
While it may not be an easy or obvious path, gaining a college degree in a specialized field can be an advantage.
Many college degrees lend themselves to felons getting an education and finding employment, even with a sex crime.
Below, are the list of job a sex offender can consider going for;
- Driving
There are so many truck driving jobs available, so, if a sex offender has a driving license, they can apply for jobs in any truck driving company.
This job does not include public interaction. So, employers think it is safe to hire sex offenders in this job position.
- Study In College
A lot of colleges have degree programs that allow sex offenders to pursue research and find a career after getting a degree. So are you ready? You may get admission in criminal justice and engineering subjects. Complete your degree and find a placement. You may find such a college and start your studies.
- Restaurants
Some fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald’s, and Subway hire sex offenders in their restaurants. Why not try there? You may surely get a job if you have some expertise. If you can cook, apply for a job related to cooking. Otherwise, start with entry-level jobs.
- Livestock
The livestock sector requires a lot of labor for basic jobs and does not need a lot of skills from you. You may be hired in animal shelters because there is lesser public dealing. Livestock farms often hire sex offenders. If you show skills, you may become a livestock worker. They are known to hire sex offenders since there is little contact with the public.
- Being Self Employed
This requires you to start up a business with your idea, either a skill you’ve already acquired. Here, you are your boss. This is one of the best ideas a sex offender can come up with, to be independent.
- Online Jobs
Online jobs should be encouraged because the advantages overcome the disadvantages. The office has no longer been the only workplace since many people are considering working from home, especially for convicted felons, and also no background check. Some may argue the majority of employees should change their workplace from office to home.
In my opinion, the benefits of working from home can surely surpass the drawbacks due to some reasons. Working from home is more comfortable for most people because workers can save lots of time and money since they don’t travel often. Which means people have enough time for themselves and work. However, if you work from home, you’d be less stressed, because you decide when to rest and when to work. All that’s required for this job is a proper internet connection, a phone, or a computer.
There are many available online jobs, you would find in this link, online Jobs for felons where you may work as a freelancer, writer, designer, and also develop websites, even as a YouTuber.
- Construction
There are many opportunities in the construction industry. Smaller companies are more willing to allow a sex offender to demonstrate his or her skills in a particular trade within the construction field. Below, are the list of construction industries that employ sex offenders
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roofing
- Welding
- Painting
- Temp Agencies
Another option for you to make your career is joining a temp agency. They may hire sex offenders for temporary jobs. Temp agencies work with different clients so that might induct you. If you are bright, you may grab a job in a permanent position.
Jobs Sex Offenders Find Challenging
If you want to join a federal department or agency, you must fulfill specific requirements. You may be disqualified if you are a criminal, whether it is a sex crime or not. If you are convicted, you cannot join a federal position.
Some states do not bar sex offenders from working on individual posts in some occupations. However, licensing authorities may refuse to give you a license. Thus, you may be denied a permit and may not work on specific jobs.
You may not work in daycare centers as an operator. Becoming a teacher is impossible. You may not become a coach. You may be denied a physician license or other healthcare-related positions.
- You may not become a swimming instructor
- You can’t work as a gym instructor
- You may also be prohibited from working in health centers
- You can’t also work in daycare centers
- You can’t also work in an open park
- You can’t work as a schoolteacher
Consequences You May Face As A Sex Offender And Punishment Under Federal Jurisdiction
Though state laws govern most sexual offenses. Some sexual crimes fall under federal laws. Such criminal offenses include:
- Child sexual trafficking.
- Sexual assault on minors.
- Pornography involving children.
Most offenses involving criminal sexual conduct fall under the jurisdiction of state law.
Federal sexual offenses include:
- Selling or buying children.
- Sexual exploitation of minors.
- Interstate or foreign trade of individuals for illegal sexual motives.
- Minor transportation for sexual activities to another state or foreign country.
Any person who is indulged in the following activities must be declared as a sex offender.
- Kidnapping forcefully for sex.
- Sexual attack.
- Sexual attack during a burglary.
- Selling sex.
- Abusing minors for sex.
- Indecency affair with children.
- Exposing yourself indecently many times.
- If you sell and display prohibited sexual content.
- A sexual performance involving a child.
Punishment for sex offenders
If you’re caught in any of the mentioned crimes, you’ll face imprisonment depending on how severe your crime might be. You may have the following convictions listed below ;
- Have to remain imprisoned, punishable by up to life imprisonment.
- Have to pay fines.
- May be held under probation or parole.
- May lose your job.
- Are devoid of civil rights such as voting or buying a gun.
- Your reputation is damaged to a great extent.
- May also lose access to the internet.
Factors To Consider Before Hiring A Sex Offender
There are many risk factors to consider before hiring a sex offender. Your employer may want to run some background checks, just to know the extent of your crime. It may be beneficial to you if you understand and co-operation with the employer.
Mainly the employers hire them following the state’s laws. Other deciding factors for appointing a sex offender are;
- Your exact age when you committed the crime.
- Duties and responsibilities to a job or post.
- How severe was your crime?
- The exact period when you committed the crime.
- State of the victim.
- To know if the sex offender is able and capable to work in a particular position or not.
- Reports from rehabilitation centers.
It is also advisable for felons to meet a psychologist to find out the reason behind the offender’s actions. The physiologist interacts with the felon and gives back progress reports. The felon also gets a certificate after the session.
This is to certify that the sex offender is mentally stable now. This also assures the employer of the behavior of the sex offender.
How To Apply For Jobs As A Sex Offender
Being convicted and trying to apply for jobs, may not be as easy as it seems. But, also know that a felon has an equal right to get a job.
Yes, it becomes drastically tricky to get a job with past criminal records. The employers have a negative perception of the felons. They think about the security of their customers in the case of sex offenders. But above all, a sex offender must do a job to survive. Their sex crime limits the job opportunities available to them.
In criminal history questions, you must give information about your sex offense. If there is no question about conviction, then disclose nothing. If you are explicitly asked about it, you must clearly state the situation. Don’t hide anything, be honest and truthful with your answers, or you will be disqualified. Here are some suggestions;
- You should tell what you have learned from your past mistakes.
- Be honest and truthful with your words.
- Tell the current situation and your moves after conviction.
- You must take responsibility for what happened
- Explain what happened
- Explain the feeling of being over with what happened in the past.
Try as much as possible to explain everything in detail to your employer. This might just enable you to get the job faster.
A sex offender can move past the incident and become a better person.
Conclusion
The most important step to being a good person is accepting the guilt and taking responsibility for the offense. If sex offenders can accept the past and move forward to a better life, they can also live peacefully. They can also get a job and survive.
Taking responsibility for our mistakes is the primary step to being a better human being. Keeping this in mind, we can also assure that a sex offender can also become a better human being.
Don’t try to hide the truth. All your record is before your employer. Tell him what you have learned from that offense. What have you done to change yourself? Show repentance. Answer all the questions adequately and to the point. Don’t try to be unaware. It will make you dishonest. Tell directly what you know. Your sex conviction is a fact, and fact cannot be hidden.
Making mistakes is part of life. Showing that he or she is qualified and honest will give the best chance to find employment.
I’m Cli, also known as Castro. An author of felhus.com
I’ve got great passion for felons and wanna see them live absolutely normal again.