C.I.R.V. to sponsor clinic Sept. 26

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, directed by Guy Burney, will host the next Certification for Qualification of Employment clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Saturday at the Rockford Activity Center, 1420 Dogwood Lane.

This effort is in collaboration with Home for Good Re-Entry Resource Referral Center, the Center for Community Empowerment and United Returning Citizens.

Senate Bill 337 created the CQE to relieve, on a limited basis, potential liability to employers for negligent hiring and to provide relief from collateral sanctions imposed by law on ex-offenders – individuals who have previous felony and/or misdemeanor convictions.

The certificate lifts the sanctions that prevent ex-offenders from standing before more than 730 licensing boards in Ohio. It also allows an employer to consider, on a case-by-case basis, whether it is appropriate to grant or deny a job opportunity, without the fear of being held liable for negligent hiring.

All candidates who obtain a CQE increase their opportunities to be viewed on a case-by-case basis in the employment field. Ultimately, it assists with removal of barriers to employment or licensing for both people with misdemeanor and felony records.

With a misdemeanor, a person can apply for a CQE six months after the sentence, including supervision, is completed.

For a felony, a person can apply for a CQE one year after the sentence, including supervision, is completed. All convictions must have taken place in Ohio.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic, and there is no cost at the time of applying for the petition. To expedite the process, the information is needed: a copy of employment history (including addresses and phone numbers), three references from family members (including addresses and phone numbers), and three references from nonfamily members (including addresses and phone numbers).

For information or to register, contact C.I.R.V. at 330-742-8779; Home for Good Re-Entry Resource Referral Center at 330-743-3700; Center for Community Empowerment at 330-740-1982; or United Returning Citizens, 330-809-4710.