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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 5
Using this guide ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Before You Are Released......................................................................................................... 6
After You Are Released ........................................................................................................... 7
Where can I find out about benefits that can help me?.......................................................................................... 7
What other resources are available to help me with my post-release transition? ........................................ 7
Searching for Employment – First Steps ............................................................................... 8
What documents do I need before I start my job search? ..................................................................................... 8
What other documents may be useful? ........................................................................................................................ 9
What are Certificates of Rehabilitation? ....................................................................................................................... 9
Why should I apply for one? ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Will a certificate completely protect me from being denied a job or license because of my criminal
conviction? ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
How many types of certificates are there?................................................................................................................ 10
What is the difference between these two certificates? ...................................................................................... 10
Who qualifies for the Certificate of Relief from Disabilities? .............................................................................. 10
Who qualifies for the Certificate of Good Conduct? ............................................................................................. 10
How do I apply for one of these certificates?........................................................................................................... 11
Getting and Correcting Your RAP Sheet .............................................................................. 12
What is a RAP sheet? ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Who can legally request a copy of a RAP sheet from DCJS? .............................................................................. 12
Why is it important for me to see a copy of my RAP sheet before applying for jobs? .............................. 13
How do I get a copy of my RAP sheet? ....................................................................................................................... 13
Where can I get my fingerprints taken for my RAP sheet request? ................................................................. 13
How can I correct any errors on my RAP sheet? ..................................................................................................... 14
Employer Access to Your Criminal History .......................................................................... 15
Know Your Rights .................................................................................................................. 15
Hiring Incentives for Employers ........................................................................................... 16
Federal Bonding Program............................................................................................................................................... 16
Work Opportunity Tax Credit ........................................................................................................................................ 17
On-The-Job Training ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
NYS Department of Labor: One-Stop Career Centers ......................................................... 17
Apprenticeship Program ...................................................................................................... 18
Requesting a T.A.P.E.R. Document ............................................................................................................................... 19
Planning Your Job Search ..................................................................................................... 20
Tips to get started .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Where Can I Find Jobs? ......................................................................................................... 20
Networking – It’s all about who you know ............................................................................................................... 20
Working for the Government ............................................................................................... 21
Filling Out Job Applications ................................................................................................. 22
Helpful tips for completing job applications ........................................................................................................... 22
Have you ever been convicted…? ............................................................................................................................... 22
Preparing Your Resume ........................................................................................................ 23
Where can I go to get help with my resume? .......................................................................................................... 23