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Are you a job seeker or a recently hired employee? Are you having difficulties getting or keeping a job? Did you know that a lawyer may be able to help solve some barriers?
Barriers to employment can include:
- Homelessness or threat of homelessness
- Substandard housing
- Family issues: custody, issues getting child support
- Being in an abusive relationship, relocating or moving to get away from an abusive partner
- Bad credit reports
- Debt
- Criminal records, arrest records
- Loss of driver's license
- Identity theft
Once you have a job, lawyers may also be able to help with:
- Discrimination and rights in the workplace
- Wage theft- your employer not paying you what you are owed
Here is an example of an attorney helping a jobseeker with barriers to employment: Paul's Story and Pivotal Role of Legal Services
UDC-TV Sound Advice Program on NLSP's approach to Barriers to Employment
Resources for jobseekers who have legal barriers to employment:
Please note that the information contained within this presentation should not be considered legal advice. Unless otherwise noted, the information is specific to the laws of Washington, D.C., and the contained information may not apply elsewhere. If you are interested in legal advice or representation on a legal issue related to this presentation, you can contact Neighborhood Legal Services Program to conduct an intake.
Credit Reports:
Presentation: Breaking Barriers to Employment Credit Reports
Presentation: Breaking Barriers to Employment Student Loans
Background Checks: Tips for Job Applicants (Federal Trade Commission)
DC Banned the Box, but what other records do employers check?
Custody, Child Support and Other Family Issues:
A Day in the Life of A Jobseeker: Child Support and Drivers License Suspensions
Presentation: Removing Barriers to Employment Custody and Child Support
Family and Medical Leave Fact Sheets: www.dcejc.org/need-legal-help/publications/
Identity theft: www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
NLSP Presentation at FTC Fraud Affect Every Community Presentation: www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_events/579161/faecw_slides_2.pdf
Criminal Records:
Information about the DC "Ban the Box" law: ohr.dc.gov/page/returningcitizens/applicants
Presentation: Breaking Barriers to Employment Criminal Records
Background Checks: Tips for Job Applicants (Federal Trade Commission)
DC Banned the Box, but what other records do employers check?
Wage Theft:
www.knowyourrightsdc.org/ En Espanol: derechosdc.org/
Still have questions? A lawyer may be able to help with some legal barriers. NLSP handles some barriers and consumer cases for low-income DC residents. If you think you have a legal barrier to employment, come to one of our offices or call 202-832-NLSP. Our intake hours for new clients are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
You can also attend a Jobseekers Legal Clinic or Barriers to Employment Presentation at a DC Public Library location near you. Check out our upcoming events.
Learn more about the NLSP- DCPL partnership: blog.psjd.org/2014/11/12/pro-bono-trend-lawyers-at-the-library-now-in-dc/
