Finding employment for someone who has been incarcerated can be a difficult task once they are released back into society. Officials from the Mississippi Department of Corrections are trying to make that transition smoother for former inmates, as well as for businesses looking to fill positions.

Statewide Re-entry Coordinator Matthew L. Riley and his team are traveling across Mississippi, visiting all 82 counties to speak directly with potential employers. They are in Warren County this week and will make stops in Humphreys, Issaquena and Sharkey counties.

Riley, who started in the newly created position Sept. 1, said most employers who have been contacted so far have been positive to the idea of hiring a former inmate. Some, however, have zero tolerance for hiring a person with a criminal record, and then there are some who are willing to work with the offender based on the type of conviction and how old it is.

The Federal Bonding Program is available to protect employers with reservations about hiring ex-offenders for fear that the persons would be dishonest, he said. The workforce service protects employers from loss of money or property.

“We are asking employers or businesses for their policy on hiring, if they have a job opening, if they are hiring and what type of employees are they looking for,” said Riley.

MDOC is visiting a variety of businesses, including those in the hotel and restaurant industry, manufacturing, poultry processing, welding, heating and air conditioning, construction, electrical, retail, and the auto mechanic industry.

“We are grateful for the fast-food companies that have been very supportive in providing our returning citizens employment opportunities,” Riley said. “However, we are expanding our focus and reaching out to other employers in the state. Our goal is to secure long-term employment. We want to find out what skill set employees are looking for and match those offenders with those employers.”