Listen to this informative podcast, Improving Offender Employment Through Employer-Focused Programming, from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA). Aired on March 11, 2015, this radio program focuses on the Employer-Driven Employment Model, “a new framework developed by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) for improving the employment outcomes of job seekers with criminal histories. In this program, we uncover the four parts of the model and examine how savvy correctional organizations might engage with employers by following a comprehensive program of public relations, marketing, and community outreach."

The Employer-Driven Employment Toolkit provides examples of effective practices, strategies, tips and resources for implementing four key processes in the model:

1. Use labor market information to identify high-growth occupations and target specific businesses.
2. Address employer needs and expectations in marketing, placement, and job retention efforts.
3. Prepare justice-involved individuals for employment, with an emphasis on soft-skills and industry-standard training and certifications that will meet employers’ expectations for qualified applicants.
4. Engage and partner with stakeholders who can help provide critical resources and support services.

Guests on the show include John Rakis, consultant to NIC, and Francina Carter, Correctional Program Specialist and Program Manager of Offender Workforce Development for the National Institute of Corrections

NIC documents outlining the steps of the “The Employer-Driven Model” are available at http://www.nicic.gov/employerdrivenemploymentmodel.

Find more employment resources, including information on how to become an Offender Workforce Development Specialist, at www.nicic.gov/owd.