Felon Friendly Jobs in Indianapolis | Second Chance
Indianapolis offers a range of “second chance” employment opportunities, supporting those with felony records in finding stable jobs and rebuilding their lives. Over recent years, more than 1,500 Indianapolis-based companies have adopted “Ban the Box” policies, which remove the criminal history question from job applications and encourage fair hiring practices.
This includes roles in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and hospitality, where employers often prioritize skills over background. The unemployment rate for individuals with felony records in Indiana is roughly 27%, compared to the general unemployment rate of about 3%, highlighting the demand for felon-friendly jobs.
Additionally, Indiana’s WorkOne centers provide resources and job training for people with criminal records, helping over 10,000 individuals secure employment annually. As more Indianapolis employers recognize the potential of second-chance hires, access to felon-friendly positions continues to grow, providing a vital pathway for reintegration into the workforce.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Indianapolis
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 Indianapolis
Finding steady employment can be a significant hurdle for individuals with a criminal record, but Indianapolis has a variety of industries and organizations committed to hiring felons. Here are some of the main sectors and types of businesses in the area that offer second-chance employment opportunities.
Community-Based Organizations
Nonprofit organizations, community centers, and social service agencies in Indianapolis focus on reintegration and community support, often providing job opportunities for those with criminal histories. Organizations like Goodwill and RecycleForce are known for hiring individuals looking to rebuild their lives.
Small Businesses
Many small businesses, particularly family-owned and locally operated enterprises, offer more flexibility in hiring and may be more willing to consider candidates with criminal records. Restaurants, shops, and local service providers in Indianapolis often extend opportunities to applicants needing a fresh start.
Construction and Skilled Trades
The construction industry is a prominent employer for individuals with diverse backgrounds. Jobs in construction and skilled trades, such as electrical work, plumbing, welding, and general labor, are widely available, with companies in Indianapolis regularly seeking dependable workers for ongoing projects.
Industries Open to Felons in Indianapolis
Hospitality and Food Service
Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies frequently hire for entry-level roles, like kitchen staff, servers, dishwashers, and hotel attendants, which are ideal positions for gaining work experience. Indianapolis has a strong hospitality sector, offering job options even for those with past convictions.
Retail
Retail stores, particularly those with high employee turnover, are often open to hiring ex-offenders. Positions like sales associates, stock clerks, and cashiers are commonly available in Indianapolis, providing a good entry point for individuals with limited job history.
Healthcare Support
Entry-level roles in healthcare, such as medical assistants, home health aides, and nursing assistants, are accessible to felons, though some positions depend on licensing requirements. Organizations like IU Health and Eskenazi Health have been known to provide employment opportunities for those rebuilding their lives.
Transportation and Logistics
Jobs in trucking, warehouse work, and delivery are in high demand in Indianapolis. Companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon often offer roles for individuals with records, including drivers, warehouse associates, and inventory clerks, providing a pathway to stable employment.
Manufacturing and Labor
Indianapolis has a strong manufacturing presence, and companies in this sector frequently hire felons for roles like assembly line workers, maintenance technicians, and quality control inspectors. These positions offer stable income and skill-building opportunities.
Customer Service
Call centers and customer service positions can be accessible options for felons, particularly with companies that prioritize second-chance hiring. Roles include support representatives and call center agents, often available through staffing companies like Spherion.
Technology and IT
The tech industry in Indianapolis is slowly embracing skills-based hiring, creating potential for felons with skills in IT support, data entry, and network administration. Certification programs in Indianapolis help individuals build the skills necessary for tech roles.
Administrative Support
Clerical and administrative roles, such as office assistants, data entry clerks, and receptionists, are often available, especially in small to mid-sized companies open to second-chance hiring. These positions can serve as a stepping stone to building a career and gaining experience.
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, several companies are dedicated to providing employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records, offering second chances in various roles and industries. Here are some notable companies and the types of jobs available to ex-offenders:
1. Goodwill Industries
A leading nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries hires felons for roles in retail, donation processing, and production positions. Goodwill also offers job training programs to help individuals build new skills and gain experience, supporting reintegration efforts.
2. Amazon
As a major employer in Indianapolis, Amazon hires individuals with criminal records for roles such as warehouse associates, package handlers, and delivery drivers. These positions offer competitive wages and the potential for career growth, especially for those demonstrating strong performance.
3. FedEx
FedEx provides job opportunities in transportation and logistics, frequently hiring for package handling, sorting, and warehouse roles. Known for second-chance hiring, FedEx provides felons in Indianapolis with access to stable work and benefits.
4. Menards
This home improvement retailer hires ex-offenders for various positions, including sales associates, stock clerks, and cashier roles. Menards offers a supportive work environment with on-the-job training, making it easier for individuals to transition back into the workforce.
5. Aramark
Aramark is a service provider in food, facilities, and uniforms, and it hires felons for roles like food service, custodial work, and laundry positions. Many of these roles are based in healthcare facilities, schools, and corporate environments, giving individuals valuable industry experience.
6. PepsiCo
PepsiCo offers job opportunities for felons in Indianapolis, particularly in production, warehouse, and distribution roles. The company provides competitive wages and benefits, creating a pathway to stable employment and professional growth.
7. CVS Health
CVS Health has been recognized for its commitment to hiring individuals with criminal records. In Indianapolis, they hire for roles such as pharmacy technicians (with specific licensing), retail associates, and customer service representatives, giving employees a supportive workplace for skill development.
8.RecycleForce
RecycleForce is a nonprofit organization focused on recycling and sustainability, actively hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds. Roles include sorting and processing recyclables, with training provided to help build experience. This organization prioritizes reintegration by providing a steady income and skill-building opportunities.
9.Walmart
As a large employer with multiple locations in Indianapolis, Walmart hires felons for various roles, including customer service, stock associates, and warehouse positions. They offer a range of entry-level jobs, benefits, and advancement opportunities for those committed to reestablishing their careers.
10. Kelly Services
A staffing agency, Kelly Services places individuals with criminal records in temporary and permanent positions across industries such as manufacturing, clerical work, and customer service. They work with employers in Indianapolis who support second-chance hiring, providing pathways to stable employment.
Home Depot
Home Depot hires felons for roles in customer service, stocking, and sales associate positions. Known for providing job opportunities regardless of background, Home Depot offers competitive wages and a supportive work environment for career growth.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Programs and Resources for Felons in Indianapolis to Find Employment
Indianapolis offers a variety of programs and resources designed to help individuals with felony convictions find steady employment. These services provide job training, mentorship, legal support, and access to job opportunities, assisting in the reintegration process. Here are some key programs available in the city:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – WorkOne Centers
WorkOne Centers across Indianapolis offer comprehensive employment services for all job seekers, including those with criminal records. Services include resume assistance, interview preparation, job search support, and skills training. WorkOne Centers often have staff who are familiar with the unique challenges felons face and provide tailored support to help them secure employment.
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana
Goodwill provides various workforce development programs specifically for individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. Through job training, placement services, and on-the-job experience in retail and production roles, Goodwill equips participants with essential skills. Programs like New Beginnings also focus on helping ex-offenders rebuild their lives through stable employment.
RecycleForce
RecycleForce is a nonprofit organization in Indianapolis dedicated to hiring and supporting individuals with criminal backgrounds. Through a transitional job program, participants gain experience in recycling and logistics while receiving support for reintegration. RecycleForce also offers mentorship and resources, including assistance with housing and financial planning.
Keys2Work
Keys2Work partners with local businesses to connect individuals with criminal records to job opportunities. They provide job readiness training, placement services, and support in building career paths. By working with employers who value second-chance hiring, Keys2Work helps candidates overcome employment barriers and secure stable jobs.
Indianapolis Urban League (IUL)
The Indianapolis Urban League offers workforce development programs for underserved communities, including individuals with felony convictions. They provide job training, resume-building assistance, and connections to potential employers. IUL also offers financial literacy and personal development workshops to support a holistic approach to reintegration.
PACE (Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry)
PACE offers services tailored to people with criminal records, including employment counseling, job readiness training, and connections to hiring companies. In addition to employment support, PACE provides case management, housing assistance, and other reintegration resources to help individuals maintain stability as they reenter the workforce.
Choices
Choices is a program dedicated to supporting individuals with criminal histories by offering job readiness training and connecting them with employers who are open to hiring ex-offenders. Choices provide career counseling and life skills training, ensuring participants are prepared to succeed in long-term employment.
Second Helpings
Second Helpings is a culinary training program that teaches individuals with barriers to employment, including felons, essential cooking skills. Participants gain valuable experience in food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations, which can lead to employment in Indianapolis’s hospitality and food service industries.
What are the Background Check Limits in Indianapolis for Felon Hiring?
In Indianapolis, employers conducting background checks on job applicants, including those with felony convictions, must adhere to both federal and Indiana state laws to ensure fair hiring practices.
Federal Regulations
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): This federal law mandates that employers obtain written consent from applicants before conducting background checks through third-party agencies. If adverse action is considered based on the report, employers must provide the applicant with a copy of the report and a summary of their rights under the FCRA.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The EEOC advises that employers should not implement blanket bans on hiring individuals with criminal records. Instead, they should assess whether a conviction is directly related to the job duties and consider factors such as the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Indiana State Regulations
- Criminal History Providers: Indiana law restricts the information that criminal history providers can report to employers. Specifically, they are prohibited from including:
- Arrests or charges that did not result in a conviction.
- Expunged or sealed records.
- Class D felony convictions were reduced to Class A misdemeanors.
- Any records are known to be inaccurate.
- Expunged Records: Indiana law allows individuals to petition for the expungement of certain criminal records. Once expunged, these records are sealed, and individuals are not required to disclose them to employers. Employers are also prohibited from asking about expunged records or discriminating against individuals based on expunged convictions.
Employers in Indianapolis must navigate these regulations carefully when conducting background checks to ensure compliance and to promote fair hiring practices for individuals with felony convictions.
Conclusion
In Indianapolis, individuals with felony convictions have growing access to employment through supportive industries, second-chance employers, and numerous community resources. From major companies like Amazon and Goodwill to nonprofits and local organizations, a variety of pathways exist for those committed to rebuilding their lives. Combined with Indiana’s fair hiring regulations, these opportunities foster a more inclusive workforce, helping ex-offenders find stability and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
FAQs
Many sectors in Indianapolis offer jobs to individuals with felony convictions. Common industries include construction, warehousing, retail, food service, and manufacturing. Companies like Amazon, Goodwill, and RecycleForce are known for second-chance hiring practices, providing roles such as warehouse associates, retail attendants, and general labor.
Yes, several companies in Indianapolis are open to hiring individuals with felony records. Notable employers include Goodwill, Amazon, FedEx, Menards, and RecycleForce. These companies offer various roles, from entry-level positions in logistics to customer service and production roles.
Indianapolis has numerous programs aimed at supporting job placement for ex-offenders, including WorkOne Centers, RecycleForce, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, and PACE. These programs provide job training, resume assistance, and placement support tailored to help individuals with criminal backgrounds reintegrate into the workforce.
Employers in Indianapolis must follow both federal and Indiana state laws when conducting background checks. Indiana law prohibits reporting non-conviction records, expunged cases, and reduced charges. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain consent and provide a copy of the report if adverse action is considered.
Healthcare and education roles have specific licensing requirements and may restrict certain positions based on criminal background. However, some entry-level roles in healthcare support, such as custodial or administrative positions, may still be accessible, depending on the employer’s policies and the nature of the conviction.
Felons can improve their employment prospects by participating in job training programs, seeking expungement when eligible, and highlighting rehabilitation efforts during interviews. Programs like Second Helpings (culinary training) and PACE (reentry support) can provide valuable skills and increase employment chances.
Yes, the Indianapolis Urban League and organizations like PACE offer support for felons who may face discrimination during the hiring process. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII, which prohibits hiring discrimination based on race, color, and other protected characteristics, including cases where a conviction may not relate directly to the job.
