Ex‐offenders, persons with criminal and limited job histories, are being released into communities every year. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) focuses on several cognitive–person variables and on the interaction effect with the environment. Conceptually, the author views the integration of SCCT and the self‐determination theory as a promising model for engaging ex‐offenders in behavior change and job counseling. A fictional case study is presented that applies the integrated theory model.