Hiring the Justice-ImpactedCornell Certificate Program

The approach to mass incarceration in the United States has created significant barriers to employment and societal reintegration for justice-impacted individuals. This complex issue requires human resources professionals to develop a deep understanding of how historical policies, systemic discrimination, and societal stigma have contributed to labor market exclusion. While many professionals have a basic grasp of the criminal justice system, a more comprehensive framework is needed to effectively address the intersecting challenges of employment access, racial disparities, and successful reintegration into society.

In this course, you will examine the key factors that shape employment outcomes for justice-impacted individuals, including legal restrictions, collateral consequences, and discriminatory hiring practices. Through an exploration of labeling theory, person-centered language, and historical contexts, you'll develop critical analytical skills to evaluate systemic barriers and identify solutions. By understanding these interconnected issues, you'll be better prepared to support successful employment outcomes and broader societal reintegration for justice-impacted individuals.

The landscape of employment background screening has evolved significantly over time, shaped by legal precedents, technological advances, and shifting societal attitudes. From early negligent hiring cases to modern digital databases, conducting criminal background checks has become increasingly complex. This complexity is further amplified by recent legislative changes, including cannabis decriminalization and Clean Slate laws, which have introduced new considerations for employers and hiring managers across the United States.

In this course, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of criminal records and their role in employment decisions. Through practical scenarios and real-world examples, you'll discover how to identify common errors in criminal records and understand their potential impact on hiring decisions. You'll also examine the historical context of background screening and how recent legislative changes are reshaping hiring practices. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, fair, and compliant hiring decisions while navigating the evolving landscape of employment background screening.

You are required to have completed the following course or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Understanding Mass Incarceration and Fair-Chance Hiring

The landscape of hiring practices is evolving to become more inclusive and equitable, particularly regarding the consideration of criminal records in employment decisions. Federal laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Title VII, and EEOC guidance, along with state and local requirements like Ban the Box laws, create a complex framework that employers must navigate to ensure fair and legal hiring practices. Understanding these requirements while maintaining effective screening processes is crucial for organizations seeking to expand their talent pool while avoiding discriminatory practices and potential liability.

In this course, you will consider implementing compliant background check procedures and conduct thorough individualized assessments using established frameworks like the Green factors specified by the Supreme Court. You'll discover strategies for evaluating candidates holistically, considering elements such as rehabilitation efforts, time elapsed since conviction, and job relevance. You'll also develop skills to create fair-chance hiring practices that not only ensure legal compliance but also strengthen your organization through improved retention rates and a more diverse workforce.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Understanding Mass Incarceration and Fair-Chance Hiring
• Managing Background Screenings and Fair-Chance Hiring

In today's evolving workplace landscape, organizations face the dual challenge of creating more equitable hiring practices while effectively managing risk and compliance. Fair-chance hiring has emerged as a critical approach for employers seeking to expand their talent pools and provide meaningful opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Understanding how to implement these practices effectively, from leveraging community resources to utilizing appropriate technology tools, is essential for modern HR professionals and hiring managers.

In this course, you will be presented with comprehensive strategies for developing and implementing fair-chance hiring practices in your organization. Through exploring automated hiring systems, restorative practices, and community-based resources, you'll gain practical skills for creating more strategic hiring processes that benefit both employers and candidates. You'll examine how to balance technological efficiency with effective hiring practices, utilize tools like the Restorative Record platform, and develop a customized action plan that aligns with your organization's goals while removing unnecessary barriers for justice-impacted individuals.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Understanding Mass Incarceration and Fair-Chance Hiring
• Managing Background Screenings and Fair-Chance Hiring
• Legal Frameworks for Fair-Chance Hiring

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The HR Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we’ll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of human resources work. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the HR field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.