Felon Friendly Jobs in Indiana | Second Chance Employment
In Indiana, 15% of the population has a criminal record, but the state is promoting second-chance employment. Many industries, such as construction and healthcare, are open to hiring individuals with criminal records. 75% of employers are willing to consider it, and 40% have already done so with positive results. The state offers tax incentives and training programs to support this effort, leading to an increase in felon-friendly job opportunities and successful reintegration into the workforce.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Indiana
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
Places That Hire Felons in Indiana
In Indiana, several sectors and types of businesses are known for hiring individuals with felony records, providing them with a pathway to stable employment and career growth. Here are some of the key sectors:
1. Manufacturing and Production
Indiana’s manufacturing sector, one of the largest in the nation, actively hires individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with felony records. Many roles in this sector, such as assembly line workers, machine operators, and warehouse personnel, are accessible to felons. These positions often do not require advanced education and focus more on skill and reliability, offering on-the-job training and opportunities for upward mobility. Indiana companies in automotive, steel, and equipment manufacturing are particularly open to second-chance hiring.
2. Warehousing and Distribution
With Indiana’s central location and growing logistics industry, warehousing and distribution are significant employers of second-chance workers. Companies in this sector often seek reliable employees for roles such as inventory management, forklift operation, and packaging. Because this work is essential to supply chains, employers are often more open to hiring individuals with past convictions, focusing on performance and work ethic.
3. Construction and Skilled Trades
Construction companies in Indiana frequently hire felons for labor-intensive positions like carpentry, masonry, and general labor. Skilled trades such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work also offer career paths for felons who complete trade certifications or apprenticeships. Many construction businesses value hands-on experience and are willing to provide training, making this field accessible for those looking to rebuild their careers.
4. Food Service and Hospitality
The food service and hospitality industries, including restaurants, catering, and hotels, are often more lenient with hiring policies. These sectors provide various entry-level jobs such as food preparation, serving, and housekeeping, which typically have high turnover and lower barriers to entry. Many of these roles offer flexible hours and the chance for promotion based on performance, providing felons with a reliable income source and job stability.
5. Retail and Customer Service
Some retail businesses in Indiana hire felons, especially for roles like stocking, cashiering, and customer service. Grocery stores, chain stores, and local businesses may be open to hiring felons, often focusing on filling high-demand roles that support daily operations. The retail sector is a practical starting point, especially for individuals who excel at customer interaction and teamwork.
6. Transportation and Delivery Services
Indiana’s transportation sector, including trucking and delivery services, offers opportunities for felons with the appropriate licensing. CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) certification allows access to many driving jobs, as companies regularly need drivers for deliveries, truck transport, and logistics. Many transportation firms value practical skills and dependability, which makes this field accessible to those with a criminal record after certification.
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Indiana
In Indiana, several well-known companies have shown a commitment to second-chance hiring, offering felons an opportunity to gain stable employment and rebuild their lives. Here are some specific companies across different sectors that are known to hire felons in Indiana:
| Company | Sector | Roles for Felons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Motors (GM) | Manufacturing and Automotive | Assembly, Machine Operation, Maintenance | GM plants in Indiana provide roles for felons with focus on skills and reliability. |
| Amazon | Warehousing and Distribution | Packing, Sorting, Shipping | Amazon’s fulfillment centers offer advancement opportunities within their operations. |
| McDonald’s | Food Service and Hospitality | Crew Member, Kitchen Staff | McDonald’s franchises often hire felons, providing flexible scheduling and growth options. |
| CVS Health | Retail and Customer Service | Cashier, Stocking, Customer Service | CVS hires for retail and warehouse roles and offers health benefits and career growth. |
| Kroger | Retail and Grocery | Stock Clerk, Cashier, Customer Service | Provides on-the-job training and values reliability, offering roles across Indiana. |
| Goodwill Industries | Retail and Nonprofit | Retail Associate, Warehouse | Goodwill supports felons with job training and counseling resources for reintegration. |
| Tyson Foods | Food Production and Manufacturing | Production, Packaging, Maintenance | Tyson offers competitive wages and second-chance opportunities in production plants. |
| Menards | Retail and Home Improvement | Warehouse, Cashier, Stock | Menards emphasizes work ethic and provides growth opportunities for committed employees. |
| Swift Transportation | Transportation and Logistics | CDL Driver, Logistics | Swift hires felons who obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for driving roles. |
| UPS (United Parcel Service) | Delivery and Logistics | Package Handling, Warehousing, Seasonal Delivery | Offers flexibility and potential full-time roles based on performance. |
| Trinity Industries | Manufacturing | Assembly, Welding, Machine Operation | Focuses on skill-based roles and provides structured training programs. |
| Second Chance Staffing | Staffing Agency | Various (Manufacturing, Construction, Admin) | Specializes in connecting felons with employers willing to hire across multiple sectors. |
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
What are the Background Check Limits in Indiana for Felon Hiring?
In Indiana, employers conducting background checks on potential hires, including those with felony records, must adhere to specific state and federal regulations. Below are key points regarding background check limits for felon hiring in Indiana:
1. Reporting Time Limits
- Indiana’s Seven-Year Rule: Indiana does not have a specific state-level restriction on reporting convictions, but under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), non-conviction records (e.g., arrests without convictions) are limited to a seven-year reporting window.
- Convictions: Convictions can be reported indefinitely unless explicitly restricted by a job-related requirement.
2. Ban the Box Law
Indiana does not currently have a statewide Ban the Box law that prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. However, some local ordinances may apply, particularly for government jobs or contracts.
3. Expungement and Sealed Records
Indiana law allows individuals to petition for the expungement or sealing of their criminal records under certain conditions:
- Expunged Records: Cannot be accessed during background checks.
- Sealed Records: Are only accessible to select agencies, limiting their visibility to most employers.
- Eligibility for expungement varies depending on the type of conviction and time elapsed since the sentence completion.
4. Compliance with EEOC Guidelines
Employers in Indiana must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, which discourage blanket policies of rejecting applicants with criminal records. Employers must:
- Consider the nature and gravity of the offense.
- Assess the time elapsed since the offense.
- Evaluate the relevance of the offense to the job in question.
5. Consent for Background Checks
Under the FCRA, employers must:
- Obtain written consent from the applicant before conducting a background check.
- Provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if the background check is used to deny employment.
6. Negligent Hiring Protections
Indiana law includes protections for employers who hire individuals with criminal records, reducing liability in negligent hiring claims if they act in good faith and follow due diligence.
Practical Advice for Felons Seeking Employment
- Understand Expungement Options: Seek legal advice to explore record expungement opportunities.
- Prepare for Transparency: Be honest about your criminal history during interviews if asked, while focusing on rehabilitation and relevant skills.
- Seek Felon-Friendly Employers: Target employers are known to give second chances, such as those listed in local felon-friendly job resources.
Programs and Resources for Felons in Indiana to Find Employment
Indiana offers several programs and resources to assist felons in finding employment, providing second chances and pathways to economic stability. Below are key options:
1. State-Sponsored Programs
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
- WorkOne Centers: These centers provide career counseling, job training, resume assistance, and job placement services tailored to individuals with criminal records.
- Next Level Jobs Program: Offers free training in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, which can lead to certifications and better job opportunities.
Indiana Correctional Industries (ICI)
- ICI provides training and work opportunities for incarcerated individuals, helping them develop skills in fields like carpentry, manufacturing, and textiles. These skills are transferable to civilian jobs upon release.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- For individuals with disabilities, this program offers assistance in finding employment, training, and adaptive technologies.
2. Federal Programs
Federal Bonding Program
- Offers free fidelity bonds to employers hiring individuals with criminal records, protecting against theft, fraud, or dishonesty. This incentive encourages businesses to hire felons without financial risk.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Employers can receive tax credits for hiring individuals with felony convictions, making felons more attractive as job candidates.
3. Community Organizations
PACE (Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry)
- In Indianapolis, PACE offers job readiness training, resume writing, and direct placement services for individuals re-entering the workforce after incarceration.
Goodwill Industries of Central & Southern Indiana
- Provides job placement services, skills training, and career counseling for individuals with barriers to employment, including criminal records.
Second Chance Indiana
- Focuses on helping individuals with criminal records access housing, education, and employment opportunities.
4. Online Job Portals and Networks
Indiana Career Connect
- A state-run job portal where felons can find job listings, training opportunities, and career development resources.
Felony-Friendly Job Boards
- Websites like Indeed and Help for Felons often include job listings for companies willing to hire individuals with criminal backgrounds.
5. Education and Training Resources
The Excel Center
- Operated by Goodwill, this adult high school program helps individuals, including felons, earn high school diplomas and certifications in Indiana.
Ivy Tech Community College
- Offers affordable education and workforce training programs. Some campuses provide specialized programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
6. Faith-Based and Non-Profit Organizations
Wheeler Mission Ministries
- Offers vocational training, job readiness programs, and support for men and women re-entering the workforce.
Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE)
- Managed by the Indiana Department of Correction, HIRE partners with employers to provide job placement services for individuals nearing release or recently released.
7. Legal Support for Employment
Expungement and Record Sealing Services
- Organizations like Indiana Legal Services and local reentry programs assist with expungement petitions, helping individuals clear their records for better employment opportunities.
Reentry Coalitions
- Regional reentry coalitions across Indiana provide comprehensive support, including employment assistance, mentorship, and legal aid.
8. Success-Oriented Strategies
- Networking Events: Attend job fairs and networking opportunities tailored to reentry individuals.
- Apprenticeships: Explore paid apprenticeships in fields like construction, welding, or HVAC.
- Mentorship Programs: Engage with mentors through organizations like PACE or local churches for career advice and emotional support.
Conclusion
Finding felon-friendly jobs in Indiana is an achievable goal, thanks to the state’s growing focus on second-chance employment and reentry support. From government programs and community organizations to proactive employers, there are numerous pathways for individuals with criminal records to rebuild their lives and careers. By leveraging available resources like the Federal Bonding Program, HIRE, and Goodwill Industries, and exploring training opportunities at institutions like Ivy Tech, individuals can develop the skills and connections needed to secure meaningful employment. Indiana’s commitment to fostering inclusive hiring practices ensures that with determination and persistence, those seeking a second chance can find opportunities to thrive.
