Felon Friendly Jobs in Arkansas
Did you know that over 130,000 residents in Arkansas have a felony on their record, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections. While the past can’t be erased, there’s hope.
The good news is Arkansas offers a growing number of second chance employment opportunities for individuals striving to rebuild their lives. It’s inspiring to see the state embracing the potential for positive change and giving people the support they need to move forward.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Arkansas - June 2024
Searching for “no background check jobs near me” and living in Arkansas ? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the state. Residents of Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Bentonville, Pine Bluff, or any other city in Arkansas should apply for the positions mentioned below.
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 Arkansas
Many industries and companies in Arkansas are known to be more open to hiring ex-offenders. Here are some key occupations and companies that hire felons in Arkansas, which are ideal for job-seeking felons. Clicking on the company name will open their job hiring or major resource section, allowing you to apply quickly. This will save you a lot of time and resources in finding and applying for a job
Retail
- Walmart
- Dillard’s
- Murphy USA
- Sam’s Club
- Harps Food Stores
- America’s Car-Mart
- Windstream Holdings
Transportation and Logistics
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- ArcBest Corporation
- Arkansas Best Freight
- USA Truck Inc.
- PAM Transport
- Maverick Transportation
- CalArk International
- ABF Freight
- American Freightways
- Bruce Oakley Inc.
Food Processing
- Tyson Foods
- Conagra Brands
- Riceland Foods
- Simmons Foods
- Cargill Meat Solutions
Aerospace and Defense
- Lockheed Martin
- Dassault Falcon Jet
- Raytheon Technologies
- Aerojet Rocketdyne
- General Dynamics
- Orbital ATK (now part of Northrop Grumman)
- Triumph Group
- Aero Tech Aviation
- Galley Support Innovations
- Central Flying Service
Agriculture
- Cargill
- Arkansas Egg Company
- Pilgrim’s Pride
- Ozark Mountain Poultry
- Peco Foods
- Allen Canning Company
- Producers Rice Mill
Technology
- Acxiom
- Windstream Holdings
- Apptegy
- Metova
- First Orion
- Mainstream Technologies
- Innovate Arkansas
- PrivacyStar
- RevUnit
- The Venture Center
- Team SI
Healthcare
- Baptist Health
- CHI St. Vincent
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- UAMS Medical Center
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Arkansas Heart Hospital
- Conway Regional Health System
- White River Medical Center
- Baxter Regional Medical Center
Manufacturing
- Nucor Steel
- ABB
- Dassault Falcon Jet
- Aerojet Rocketdyne
- Big River Steel
Finance
- Stephens Inc.
- Bank OZK
- Simmons Bank
- Arvest Bank
- First Security Bank
- Encore Bank
- Centennial Bank
- Southern Bancorp
- Farmers Bank & Trust
Background Check Limits in Arkansas
Background checks are a standard part of the hiring process for many employers that involve reviewing an applicant’s criminal history, credit reports, and other relevant information. Employers use these checks to assess an applicant’s suitability for a position.
Legal Framework in Arkansas
Ban the Box Legislation
Arkansas does not have a statewide Ban the Box law. However, some local jurisdictions within the state, including Pulaski County, Pine Bluff, and Little Rock, have their own Ban the Box laws.
Fair Chance Hiring
Employers in Arkansas are encouraged to consider an applicant’s qualifications before their criminal record.
Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993
The Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 prohibits employers from discriminating against candidates based on race, religion, ancestry or national origin, gender, or disability.
Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records
Candidates with sealed or expunged criminal records do not have to disclose that information to the employer.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act applies to employers that work with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) to complete background checks.
Protecting Your Rights
If you believe an employer has violated your rights during a background check, you have options. Here are some resources that can help:
Job Market in Arkansas
The job market in Arkansas is not just growing; it’s thriving, with an expected increase of 29,811 jobs, equivalent to a 2.13% growth in employment.
The state’s services-providing industries are leading this growth, projected to add 24,721 jobs. This positive outlook extends to individuals with criminal records, as attitudes among employers are shifting.
A recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 60% of U.S. companies are more open to hiring individuals with a past conviction than they were five years ago.
In Arkansas, industries like Construction & Trades, comprising 20.7% of jobs, offer promising prospects with a projected growth rate of 8.1% by 2031. Transportation & Logistics, accounting for 12.2% of jobs, have high demand for CDL truck drivers, providing competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Manufacturing, constituting 9.8% of jobs, seeks production workers with strong work ethics, offering stability and potential for advancement. Hospitality & Customer Service, making up 11.2% of jobs, provide openings for reliable staff, serving as a solid foundation for rebuilding work history.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Resources for Felons in Arkansas
In-Demand Industries:
Felons have promising job prospects in sectors like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and hospitality, offering stable employment and growth opportunities.
Reentry Programs:
Individuals with criminal records can benefit from programs by Goodwill Industries and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, providing valuable job training and placement services for successful reentry into the workforce.
Community Support
Local organizations play a crucial role in assisting felons with job searches, offering guidance, resources, and a supportive network to help them secure employment.
Arkansas Department of Corrections Reentry Services
The department’s reentry services provide essential support and resources for individuals transitioning from incarceration to employment, promoting successful reintegration into society.
Indeed
Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Arkansas. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.
SimplyHired
Search for “felony friendly employers” in Arkansas. SimplyHired connects job seekers with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
LifeChangers, Inc.
This organization offers a compilation of resources for felons seeking employment, including financial assistance programs and links to job boards.
Final Thoughts
In Arkansas, over 130,000 residents face the challenge of having a felony on their record. However, the state offers a growing number of “second chance” employment opportunities. This positive trend reflects Arkansas’s support for individuals looking to rebuild their lives.
We discusses the latest job openings for felons in Arkansas, highlighting key industries and companies known for hiring individuals with criminal records. It also outlines the legal framework regarding background checks and fair chance hiring practices in Arkansas.
Despite these challenges, the job market in Arkansas is thriving, with projected job growth and increasing openness among employers to hire individuals with past convictions. Resources such as reentry programs, community support networks, and online job search platforms are available to help felons find meaningful employment opportunities.
Overall, Arkansas presents a hopeful outlook for felons seeking employment, with a supportive environment and growing job market offering opportunities for a fresh start.
FAQs
Yes, Arkansas offers several programs and organizations dedicated to helping felons secure employment and develop new skills. Organizations like Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Arkansas Workforce Center provide job training, placement assistance, and other support services to felons looking to re-enter the workforce.
One way individuals can improve their chances is by obtaining relevant certifications or completing job training programs. Additionally, networking with professionals in their desired field can help felons discover hidden job opportunities and showcase their skills and dedication.
Arkansas has laws in place to protect felons from discrimination during the hiring process. These laws prohibit employers from asking about expunged records or arrests that did not lead to convictions, giving felons a fair chance to compete for job opportunities.
One common misconception is that hiring felons is a risky decision. However, many employers in Arkansas have found that felons can be loyal and hardworking employees when given the chance. Educating employers about the benefits of hiring felons, such as access to a motivated and diverse talent pool, can help dispel these misconceptions.
Yes, several resources are available to felons in Arkansas, including job placement services, resume assistance, and interview coaching. These resources can help felons present themselves in the best possible light to potential employers and increase their chances of finding meaningful employment.
One way felons can enhance their resume is by highlighting any relevant skills or experiences they have gained, such as through volunteer work or internships. Additionally, obtaining certifications or completing training programs can demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth, making felons more attractive to potential employers.
Felons can address gaps in their employment history by focusing on the skills and experiences they gained during that time. They can also use their cover letter to explain the circumstances of their incarceration and how they have worked to overcome any challenges they faced.
Yes, industries such as hospitality, construction, and manufacturing are known for being more inclusive and willing to hire individuals with criminal records. These industries often prioritize skills and experience over past mistakes, giving felons a chance to rebuild their lives and careers.
