Supervisor SpotLight

Sterling    Township’s    hope    is    that    employers    will consider   hiring   individuals,   who   for   one   reason   or another,   have   difficulty   becoming   employed.   It   is easy   to   believe   that   everyone   who   wants   to   work can   find   work.      That   is   not   always   the   case.      At times      life’s      circumstances      makes      securing employment difficult for many individuals. We   do   not   advocate   that   employers   hire   “at-risk” individuals   who   are   not   a   fit   for   their   organization nor   do   we   promote   hiring   individuals   who   will   be a    risk    to    the    day    to    day    function    of    business.      However,   we   do   promote   giving   a   second   chance especially   to   those   that   have   earned   it.   Did   you know   as   an   employer   that   the   federal   government offers   a   program   termed   “Fidelity   Bonding?”   The feature   of   the   program   is   to   support   individuals who   are   at   risk   job-seekers.      Information   can   be found   at   the   Illinois   Department   of   Employment Service (IDES). “To   encourage   employers   to   give   a   second   chance to    “at    risk”    job    seekers,    the    Fidelity    Bonding Program   acts   as   a   free   insurance   policy.   It   protects the   employer   if   the   new-hire   commits   a   dishonest act,    such    as    theft,    forgery    or    embezzlement” (IDES,    2014).        According    to    IDES    (2014),    eligible participants   include   those   who   have   a   poor   work history,   substance   abuse   background,   those   who have    been    incarcerated    and    those    with    credit worthiness    issues    or    individuals    who    have    filed for     bankruptcy.          Also,     Individuals     currently receiving    public    assistance    and    military    service members   who   were   dishonorably   discharged   may qualify for the program.  By   most   standards   the   Fidelity   Bonding   Program is   a   success.      According   to   IDES   (2014),   only   one percent   of   the   participants   bonded   ever   require use   of   the   funds   set   aside   for   the   program.      This means   that   employers   reap   the   benefit   of   hiring an    “at    risk”    individual    without    the    pain.        The insurance   of   the   Fidelty   Bonding   Program   protects the    employer    in    the    instance    that    an    incident occurs.      The   upside   of   the   program   is   that   the insurance      curbs   the   fear   of   hiring   the   “at-risk”   job seeker   and   most   often   the   employer   finds   that   he has gained a more than suitable employee. Our     purpose     in     sharing     this     information     is relevant   to   the   programs   of   the   Sterling   Township. A    goal    of    our    job    search,    work    and    training program   is   to   remove   barriers   to   employment   for those     who     qualify     for     township     assistance. Through       programs       like       Fidelity       Bonding, employers    can    assist    us    in    helping    well    able individuals   work,   which   enables   them   to   provide for     themselves     and     their     family.     Employed individuals    rarely    use    taxpayer    subsidies.        We promote   self-reliance   as   a   true   principle   that   can lift people from the ranks of the unemployed. Be   assured   that   the   Sterling   Township   in   no   way advocates     hiring     dangerous     persons.     We     do desire   that   those   who   want   to   work   can   work.   We forge     forward     as     sponsors     for     good     in     this community.      We   do   it   with   our   mission   in   mind “Responsible,         Responsive,         and         Effective Government with The Commitment to Do It Best!” Reference: des-businessnews@lists.illinois.gov

Matthew J. Howze, Supervisor

815.625.3990 ext 105

supervisor@sterlingtownship.com