You are here

For Employers

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers an incentive for employers to hire target group members who have certain barriers to employment.  By employing target group members, an employer can lower their federal income tax liability by claiming up to $2,400 per each qualified new hire.
 
Target groups include:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients
  • Veterans (recent food stamp recipients)
  • Qualified ex-felons
  • Vocational Rehabilitation referrals
  • Food-stamp (FS) recipients 18-24 years of age
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients

Click here for more information.

Montana Bonding Program

This unique job placement tool is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and is a business insurance policy that protects the employer from any loss of money or property due to employee dishonesty.  The bond is free-of-charge to the employer who hires a job applicant who is a risk based on their personal background.

Risk factors include:

  • Criminal history -  record of arrest, conviction or imprisonment; anyone who has ever been on parole or probation, or has any police record
  • Substance abuse - rehabilitated or participating in treatment for alcohol or drug abuse
  • Credit history - poor credit record or have declared bankruptcy
  • Dishonorable discharge from the military
  • Lack of work history and from a low income family

For more information, visit Montana Federal Bonding Program. 

Working with U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services

While under the supervision of U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services, it is our responsibility to assess the risk to the community as well as monitor the conditions imposed by the court.  As a result, many individuals under our supervision participate in random drug screening; they must be in contact with their assigned supervision officer on a monthly basis; and barriers to employment (i.e. substance abuse, mental health) are identified and minimized through treatment and close monitoring.

Benefits of hiring individuals under our supervision:

  • Probation officers are a direct point-of-contact and will provide continued support by intervening if problems arise.
  • Individuals are guided to seek employment in areas in which interest and abilities meet the work requirements; thus improving the likelihood of job retention.
  • By reducing the risk of re-offending behavior, the community benefits with safer neighborhoods.
  • Employed defendants and offenders become tax-paying citizens.
  • Many individuals must maintain employment and submit to random drug testing as conditions of supervision.
  • We are engaged with many community partners who can provide wrap-around services to those who are ready and motivated to change.