Question 1

What is "second-chance" hiring?"

Accepted Answer

The term "second-chance" hiring describes the employment opportunities extended to men and women who have either been incarcerated or who have a criminal background (misdemeanors and/or felones). By restoring men and women to the workforce, employers assist in the process of increasing the tax-paying citizens of their community. And, truth: for many, it's really a first chance.

Question 2

What are the advantages in partnering with Damascus for second-chance hiring?

Accepted Answer

There are many myths that accompany employing formerly incarcerated men and women. Overall, men and women who are given a second chance are grateful, loyal, and have proven to be the hardest-working employees in the building.

However, there are many factors in an under-resourced life that can derail a worker's success, such as domestic issues, transportation, reporting to a parole officer, and health issues. As an employer, you will be more frustrated than successful in navigating second-chance hiring without an expert alongside you. THAT is the advantage of partnering with Damascus. We understand business. We understand under-resourced lives. We have proven our ability to knit the two together successfully.

Question 3

Is there a cost to work with Damascus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Damascus is set up exactly like a staffing agency. We operate contractually with our employment partners and are paid based on the employees we provide and the work they do. The advantage to the employer, however, is that the services we provide outside of work to ensure that workers are well-equipped to begin and sustain work, are simply value add. Damascus is a 24/7 operation. If our employees are working at your company--no matter what the shift--we are on-call to assist them and you.

Question 4

Can my business really receive a tax credit for hiring from the second-chance work force?

Accepted Answer

YES. At least in Ohio. While Damascus employees begin as temporary workers, the goal is always permanent employment. Once a Damascus employee transfers from our payroll to yours, a tax credit called the Workforce Opportunity Credit is available, which is described below:
 
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.
 
WOTC joins other workforce programs that incentivize workplace diversity and facilitate access to good jobs for American workers.
 
One of the "targeted groups" in this federal credit is "qualified ex-felons". While Damascus does not use labeling language such as this, we get what they're after here. For the sake of your business, that is defined as a person hired within a year of being convicted of a felony or being released from prison for the felony.
 
More information can be found here.

Question 5

What is the difference between Damascus Staffing Solutions and Damascus INployment?

Accepted Answer

If you have a need for onsite employees, Damascus Staffing model is your answer. Structured like traditional staffing, Damascus has worked with and placed over 5,000 individuals in 90-day temp-to-hire positions throughout Ohio and Kentucky--closing the gaps on the typical pain points new employees need to overcome: attendance, transportation, family challenges, and job readiness.

If you are a local manufacturer with a product that can be transported and completed by an entry-level workforce, Damascus INployment is your solution. Damascus staff members work with manufacturers to determine how to complete and deliver completed piecework by employing a workforce that is nearing release from a regional treatment or correctional facility. Damascus manages the workforce, collaborates with the manufacturer and provides a completed product.

To learn more about either of these workforce solutions, contact us here.

Question 6

How long does it take for Damascus to provide employees at the work site?

Accepted Answer

We know that you are calling us because you need workers quickly. To that end, we meet with your team to learn more about your organization, your company culture, and the challenges you have in hiring/keeping workers.
 
Once we understand your goals, we match workers to the opportunity. Depending on the complexity of the positions, the skills required, and your market factors (location, shift, wages), Damascus workers are available to you within a week or two. Once we are partnering on a regular basis, Damascus can prepare people in advance so that placement can occur within a day or two.
 
In short, Damascus would rather adequately prepare a worker for success than send you a warm body. When we spend time up front, your organization benefits long-term.

Question 7

Does Damascus really have a 99% first-day show-up rate?

Accepted Answer

Yep. Here's why:
 
1. We spend time getting to know our workers, so if we have decided that they should work for you, it's because we believe they have the desire, the ability, and the capacity to show up for the job.
 
2. The Damascus Model includes hiring men and women in teams to promote community and peer accountability. If our worker doesn't show up for work, someone else on their team loses an incentive. It matters.
 
3. Damascus has its own transportation fleet. This eliminates many concerns about attendance, tardiness, or transportation reliability for both the worker and the employer.
 
4. Our Client Reps accompany our workers to the job site on Day 1 to provide support, introduce them to their supervisor, and remind them of two things: we are truly in it with them and the work site organization is our partner.

Question 8

Why are there no company partners listed on the Damascus website?

Accepted Answer

Damascus respects the privacy of our partners and will  list them on our website or mention them in public only with their permission. We offer the same discretion to your business. 
 
Want to talk with someone who has partnered with Damascus? Give us a call. We have HR Specialists, CEOs, CFOs, Plant Managers, and Shop Supervisors with whom we work and to whom we can connect you with to answer any questions you have about partnering with Damascus and hiring our workers.

Question 9

How can I get started with Damascus?

Accepted Answer

Click on the "Partner with Damascus" button on this page and provide us with some information about your company through the form provided. We'll reach out and set up a time to discuss your specific staffing needs and how Damascus can help.
 
Even if you just have more questions, we'd love to strategize with you.

WE BELIEVE

That No Question is Off Limits, REALLY.

Frequently asked questions