Felon Friendly Jobs in Denever | Second Chance
In Denver, second-chance employment opportunities are growing, providing essential support for individuals with felony records seeking stable work. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, nearly 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after release, largely due to hiring discrimination.
However, Denver has made strides in addressing this issue, with an increasing number of felon-friendly companies participating in the “Ban the Box” initiative, which removes conviction history questions from job applications. Denver Workforce Services and local organizations like the Second Chance Center provide job placement, training, and mentorship to further support reentry efforts, contributing to lower recidivism rates and stronger economic inclusion in the region.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Denever
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Places That Hire Felons in Denever
Finding stable employment can be challenging for ex-offenders, but Denver offers a range of industries and organizations open to hiring individuals with criminal records. Below are some sectors and types of businesses in the area that are often receptive to second-chance employment opportunities.
- Community-Based Organizations: Nonprofits and social service agencies in Denver are often committed to reintegration and community support, providing job opportunities to those looking for a fresh start. Organizations like the Second Chance Center and Denver Workforce Services not only help with job placement but also provide training and mentorship to increase employability.
- Small Businesses: Many smaller, family-owned businesses in Denver are open to considering candidates with criminal backgrounds. These businesses often have flexibility in hiring practices and may value a person’s skills and willingness to work over past records.
- Construction and Skilled Trades: The construction industry is a reliable field for second-chance employment in Denver. Jobs in this sector include roles like carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical work, and general labor. Large companies and smaller contractors alike frequently hire individuals with diverse backgrounds, as construction is in high demand and has ongoing labor needs.
- Hospitality and Food Service: Many hotels, restaurants, and catering companies in Denver offer entry-level roles such as kitchen staff, servers, cleaners, and front desk personnel to those with criminal records. With tourism being a significant part of the city’s economy, this industry provides a steady flow of job opportunities that are often accessible to ex-offenders.
- Warehouse and Logistics: The warehousing and logistics industry in Denver, which includes roles such as forklift operators, package handlers, and shipping clerks, is another option for felons seeking work. Companies in this sector often prioritize reliability and hard work, providing an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their skills and build a stable career.
- Manufacturing: Denver’s manufacturing sector is open to hiring felons for roles in assembly, packaging, quality control, and machine operation. Many companies in this industry provide on-the-job training, allowing individuals to develop skills and advance within the organization.
- Transportation and Delivery Services: Some companies in Denver’s transportation sector, such as local courier services and certain rideshare companies, are open to hiring individuals with felony records, depending on the nature of the offense and the role requirements. Positions in this field can range from delivery drivers to warehouse support, offering various opportunities to start fresh.
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Denver
In Denver, several companies are committed to offering employment opportunities to individuals with criminal records, providing valuable second chances across various roles and industries. Here are some notable companies and the types of jobs available to ex-offenders:
1. Aramark
Aramark, a company providing food, facilities, and uniform services, is known to hire felons for roles like food service, custodial, and laundry positions in Denver. The company values reliability and offers on-the-job training, making it a strong option for those reentering the workforce.
2. Goodwill Industries of Denver
Goodwill Industries hires felons for positions in retail, donation processing, and warehousing. In addition to providing employment, Goodwill offers job training and skill development programs, helping individuals gain valuable experience for future opportunities.
3. Walmart
As a major retailer, Walmart hires individuals with felony convictions for roles like customer service, stocking, and cashier positions. Walmart has a history of providing second-chance employment, with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
4. UPS
UPS is known to hire individuals with criminal backgrounds for seasonal and permanent positions, particularly in package handling, sorting, and warehouse roles. With its busy distribution hubs in Denver, UPS is an excellent place to start for those seeking steady work.
5. Safeway
This popular grocery chain hires felons for various entry-level roles, including cashier, stock clerk, and food prep positions. Safeway values consistency and offers flexible hours, making it a good fit for those reentering the workforce.
6. Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is open to hiring individuals with criminal records, particularly in store roles like cashier, sales associate, and stock support. With locations across Denver, Ace provides training and a supportive work environment for felons looking to build skills.
7. Taco Bell
Fast-food chains like Taco Bell frequently hire felons for roles like cook, cashier, and shift leader. Taco Bell offers flexible hours and potential for advancement, making it a good starting point for those needing work experience.
8. AutoZone
AutoZone hires individuals with criminal backgrounds for positions such as sales associate, delivery drivers, and warehouse support. The company provides training on car parts and customer service, offering valuable knowledge for future roles in the automotive industry.
9. Labor Finders
Labor Finders, a staffing agency, connects felons with temporary and temp-to-perm positions in various fields, including construction, warehousing, and manufacturing. This agency is a great option for felons seeking immediate employment and on-the-job training.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Programs and Resources for Felons in Denever to Find Employment
Denver offers a range of programs and resources specifically designed to support felons in securing employment and successfully reintegrating into the workforce. Here are some key programs and resources available to help individuals with criminal records in Denver:
1. Denver Workforce Services
Denver Workforce Services provides job search assistance, career counseling, resume help, and skill-building workshops for job seekers, including felons. They offer specialized reentry programs, connecting individuals with local employers that are open to hiring those with criminal backgrounds. Additionally, they help with job training and certifications to increase employability in high-demand fields.
2. Second Chance Center, Inc.
Based in Denver, the Second Chance Center offers a variety of services focused on reentry, including job readiness training, career development workshops, and employment referrals. The organization works with local businesses to secure job placements for clients and provides mentorship, counseling, and other support to ease the transition back into the community.
3. Goodwill Industries of Denver – ReHire Colorado Program
Goodwill Denver’s ReHire Colorado program provides a pathway to employment through training, paid work experience, and job placement assistance for individuals with barriers to employment, including felons. Participants receive hands-on training in various fields like retail, warehousing, and food service, and many transition into permanent positions after completing the program.
4. Turnabout, Inc.
Turnabout is a nonprofit organization offering reentry support to those recently released from incarceration. They provide job readiness training, vocational skills development, and one-on-one career counseling. Additionally, Turnabout connects felons with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records, helping to establish a stable income and career path.
5. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs
WIOA programs are available in Denver to help individuals with employment barriers, including felons, access free job training, education, and career services. These programs focus on in-demand industries like healthcare, construction, and transportation. WIOA funding covers costs for training programs, certification courses, and other employment preparation resources.
6. CrossPurpose – Career Development Program
CrossPurpose is a nonprofit organization that offers a free, six-month career development program to help low-income individuals, including felons, gain employable skills. The program includes career training, networking opportunities, and job placement support in various fields like information technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
7. Hope House Colorado
Hope House Colorado offers job training and employment resources for young mothers with criminal backgrounds. This organization provides skills training, educational assistance, and career counseling to help individuals become financially independent and secure stable employment.
8. Empowerment Program
This nonprofit organization supports women with criminal backgrounds by offering job training, career counseling, and education resources. The Empowerment Program focuses on empowering women with skills and confidence to reenter the workforce, providing connections to felon-friendly employers and a supportive community.
9. Labor Finders
Labor Finders is a staffing agency that helps felons and individuals with other employment barriers find temporary and temp-to-hire jobs in construction, warehousing, and manufacturing. The agency partners with employers willing to give second chances, allowing participants to gain work experience and earn a stable income.
What are the Background Check Limits in Denver for Felon Hiring?
In Denver, background check limits for hiring are regulated by both state and local policies that aim to balance employer needs with fair hiring practices for individuals with criminal records. Colorado’s “Ban the Box” law, enacted in 2019, prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications for positions across the state, including Denver. This allows applicants to be evaluated based on their skills and experience rather than being immediately disqualified due to a criminal record.
However, once applicants reach the later stages of the hiring process, employers are allowed to conduct background checks. Colorado law also places some restrictions on how employers use criminal history in hiring decisions. For example, if a conviction is not related to the job’s responsibilities, the employer must assess whether the conviction reasonably impacts the applicant’s ability to perform the job. Additionally, employers cannot consider arrests that did not lead to convictions or sealed and expunged records in employment decisions.
Denver also aligns with federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines, which require employers to obtain written permission from applicants before conducting a background check. If an applicant is denied employment based on their background check, employers must inform the applicant and provide details of the report, giving the individual an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies.
These regulations promote fair hiring practices by allowing individuals with felony records a better chance to reenter the workforce, while still giving employers the discretion to assess job-related concerns.
Conclusion
In Denver, felon-friendly jobs and second-chance employment opportunities are creating vital pathways for individuals with criminal records to reintegrate into society and build stable careers. With initiatives like “Ban the Box,” community organizations, and supportive employers, Denver is actively promoting inclusion and reducing barriers to employment for those with past convictions. By offering background-friendly jobs and connecting individuals with resources tailored for their success, the city is fostering a supportive environment where everyone can contribute to the workforce. As more companies embrace jobs that hire felons and expand second-chance programs, opportunities for stable employment and personal growth continue to improve, benefiting both individuals and the Denver community.
