Economic Stimulus... in real time and effect...

The American Corrections Association auditor dropped by with the Associate Superintendent of Programs, and I got to try and wow him with my wonderful library and what we do for the prison population. I guess I did alright, seems I was mentioned in the outbriefing (which I didn't attend, since I do have a library to keep) for the evidence of a fine library well used. That was nice.

Today I had six inmates on the Call Out for testing and Job interview at 9:10 AM. I prepared ten test packets and got the other three workers on the normal Thursday work. I have only one open position and I really want the best worker for the job. I know one will be late since he has to see the medics first, and one of those coming has a position in the Chapel Library and wants to stay there and he looks a little older than I (only my opinion but he does) so I allow him to return to his work without a test. My workers do tell me about one of the names on the list - and identify him as a page cutter, and show me an example of his most recent ripping out an article from Men's Health. No, I am not allowed to shoot him on sight - probably why they don't allow me to pack pistols in prison. I have four people to test and interview, so I pass out pencils and tests and go back to prepare for the interview.

The first one done is an old worker, trying to get back into a job in this library and away from the terrible Corrections Officer that supervises him. I guess I am much easier, he passes the test without missing any of the answers, but he sure did get creative in reducing the number of pencil strokes to answer the questions. I interviewed him first, and used my "wake up and tell me who you really are" questions. I like to think all those promotion boards I sat upon have sharpened my pointed prying at the joints in the armor, it could be painful if I don't find out now about problems later. Then I relax, explain and we discuss a bit, and since he and I have some knowledge about each other - I tell him about my concerns over his weaknesses in his past performance, I am sure that hurt a bit but he can figure a better way to be, and I expect he will.

The second inmate comes in with his test and pencil and explains that he isn't qualified for the job, since the minimum education is a GED and he hasn't finished his yet. He has a body, and face full of tattoos, no minimum education and looks like a thug in size and shape of muscles - but I like the honesty and good manners in his voice. So I tell him to take a seat and talk about how he should get that GED finished and come back again, or get an even better job. I think Life has now gotten his attention, and he is looking for better ways of living.

The third man in is the page ripper, and I grade his test finding fourteen errors - it is almost like you really have to try and be that bad, but I think he just isn't as smart as the man with all the tattoos - and from his surly attitude during the interview I couldn't see hiring him ever. Still the job interview is always a teaching point for each inmate's future so I talk to him about presentation, answers to questions that would be better and wish him well on his next attempt to find work. Funny, if I were still an Army Drill Sergeant I would have marked this one for running off - not tough nor smart nor responsive enough to become a better soldier with more time and trouble. But I am not a Drill Sergeant and there isn't anywhere to get run off to, this is the end of a line in life that hasn't worked, so change directions and get with the program.

Fourth man comes back from his medical appointment, takes the test and I grade it with only two mistakes, he went a bit too fast and jumped a cutter, and reversed the answer. He also knew it immediately when we talked about it. He was awake for my questions, answered well and wants the job, because he doesn't have one, he worked in the library at another prison but didn't get enough hours, so didn't get paid enough so he changed jobs. He would do fine, so I will make my recommendation to the Job Center, telling them the first and second choice, explaining the selections and any problems I had during the Call Out - two no shows means something wasn't as it should have been. By the end of the day I still haven't any idea which of the two I would hire is going to be assigned to this position; for some good news waiting isn't that bad.

The inmates get forty-two cents an hour, my crew gets about forty-four dollars a month to buy their stuff with. For real staff (like myself) there is a better pay scale and the opportunity to pay taxes and earn a retirement and have health and dental care, two positions open, just not on my island in My Library, until I win the Lotto. It is all about me, ya know?