Why Hire Parolees
Employers who hire ex-offenders have a “silent partner” in the Parole Board. The Board closely supervises and monitors the behavior and performance of each parolee, including regular and frequent drug and alcohol testing. In addition, employers can obtain tax credits and free Federal bond insurance for each ex-offender they hire.
Benefits to Employers
- Work Opportunity Tax Credits
- Federal Bonding Protection
- Receipt of Background Information
- Close Supervision by the Board
- Interaction with the NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
WOTC is a Federal program designed to encourage employers to hire former offenders and others who face difficulty in securing employment. Employers are eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $2,400 for the first year of employment of each qualified employee.
Federal Bonding Program
Employers who hire former offenders are eligible for fidelity bond insurance coverage through a special Federal Bonding Program that protects the employer from losses due to employee dishonesty or negligence. The bond insurance issued ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 for a six month period with no deductible amount.
Parole Supervision
When hiring an eligible parolee the employer gets, at no cost, a “silent partner” that monitors the employee’s behavior and encourages that worker to succeed. As part of their parole supervision, employees are required to report on a frequent and regular basis, and in person, to their parole officer. Such reporting normally includes updates and progress reports about their employment as well as random testing for drug and alcohol use. The Parole Board can also provide the employee with certain forms of transportation assistance to get them to their jobs. Upon request, parole officers are available to address employers’ concerns.
Of added benefit to the employer is the fact that the Parole Board maintains a close relationship with the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development. This provides parolees with ongoing access to a broad array of occupational training and literacy programs as well as full-time vocational counseling.
