Felon Friendly Jobs in Dallas | Second Chance Employment
In Dallas, Texas, individuals with felony convictions can find employment opportunities in various fields, with over 70% of companies in the city open to hiring individuals with criminal records. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 64% of companies in Dallas have hired individuals with criminal records in the past.
Felon-friendly jobs in Dallas include construction, manufacturing, and warehouse work, with companies like Coca-Cola, UPS, and FedEx actively recruiting and hiring individuals with felony convictions. Texas has seen a 45% increase in ex-offender employment rates over the past 5 years, with Dallas leading the way in second-chance hiring.
With resources like the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Job Search website and organizations like the Dallas Reentry Coalition providing support and job placement services, individuals with felony convictions can find meaningful employment and rebuild their lives in Dallas.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Dallas
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 Dallas
Before exploring specific job opportunities, let’s understand where individuals with criminal records can find employment in Dallas. Certain sectors and organizations are more open to hiring ex-offenders, recognizing the value of second chances. These include:
- Community-Based Organizations: Many nonprofits, community centers, and social service agencies focus on inclusivity and are willing to hire individuals with past convictions, supporting community reintegration efforts.
- Small Businesses: Smaller, locally owned businesses may offer flexibility in hiring practices and often focus on skills and work ethic over background.
- Construction and Labor: The construction industry, with its consistent demand for labor, is frequently open to hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with criminal records.
Industries Open to Felons in Dallas
- Hospitality and Food Service: Restaurants, hotels, and catering services often have roles in kitchen support, serving, and maintenance that may be available to ex-offenders.
- Retail: Retailers, especially those with high turnover rates, such as Walmart and Target, may be willing to consider candidates with criminal records for entry-level roles.
- Healthcare: Roles such as Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician offer some opportunities, though certain restrictions may apply depending on the felony type.
- Transportation: Truck driving, delivery services, and warehouse positions with companies like UPS and FedEx are known for offering opportunities to those with criminal records.
- Manufacturing and Labor: Assembly line roles, warehouse work, and production jobs at companies like Amazon and PepsiCo frequently offer entry points for individuals with a history of felony convictions.
- Customer Service: Call center jobs, customer support roles, and other customer service positions may be available, with agencies like Spherion often working to place candidates with diverse backgrounds.
- Sales and Marketing: Roles like Sales Associate or Customer Service Representative may be available at companies that emphasize skill over background, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- IT and Technology: Basic tech roles such as IT Support, Data Entry, and Web Development may be open at companies like Toriangroup and AT&T, which prioritize specific technical skills.
- Construction: The construction sector hires for positions such as laborer, electrician, welder, and maintenance worker, which often value hands-on experience and skills.
- Administrative Roles: Clerical positions, data entry, and receptionist roles may be available for qualified felons through staffing agencies like Adecco and Manpower.
- Trades: HVAC technicians, automotive mechanics, and locksmiths are often in demand and available to skilled candidates with felonies.
- Manufacturing: Companies in Dallas looking for warehouse associates, assembly line workers, and quality control inspectors may provide roles open to applicants with criminal records, making manufacturing a key sector for ex-offenders.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Dallas
Here are some companies in Dallas that are known to hire individuals with felony records, offering various roles across industries. Each company provides opportunities for skill-building and career growth.
Aramark
Provides food services, facilities, and uniform services. Hires felons for positions like food service, custodial, and laundry in various locations around Dallas.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill hires felons for roles such as retail associate, donation attendant, and production positions. They provide training and growth opportunities, prioritizing community reentry efforts.
Amazon
Amazon offers roles in warehouse and logistics, hiring felons for positions like package handler and order fulfillment associate in Dallas. These roles include potential benefits and advancement opportunities.
UPS
UPS provides roles in package handling, delivery, and logistics. They consider applications from individuals with felony records, offering career advancement options in a fast-paced environment.
Walmart
Walmart hires felons for various entry-level positions in Dallas, such as sales associate, customer service representative, and warehouse worker. They provide a stable work environment and growth opportunities.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot, a home improvement retailer, hires felons for sales and warehouse positions in Dallas. They offer opportunities for career advancement and a positive work environment.
Starbucks
Starbucks is committed to second-chance hiring, offering barista and customer service roles in Dallas. They emphasize career growth and an inclusive work culture.
AutoZone
AutoZone provides roles in customer service, sales, and warehouse operations in Dallas. Known for second-chance hiring, they offer growth opportunities for those with criminal records.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo has positions in warehousing and production that are open to felons in Dallas. They offer opportunities for career advancement and benefits.
Target
Target hires felons for roles in customer service, stocking, and distribution. They offer opportunities for growth within a dynamic and supportive work environment.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s, a major retailer in the home improvement sector, hires felons for sales, customer service, and warehouse positions in Dallas. The company supports career development and a stable work environment.
FedEx
FedEx offers positions in delivery and package handling, considering applications from felons in Dallas. They provide opportunities for advancement in a fast-paced industry.
Job Market in Dallas
The job market in Dallas has shown resilience and growth, driven by a diverse economy with strengths in technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. As of 2023, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area added over 140,000 new jobs, resulting in an employment growth rate of 4.1%, higher than the national average of 2.5%.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dallas has an unemployment rate of around 3.9%, indicating a relatively robust job market. Major employers in the area include AT&T, American Airlines, and Texas Health Resources, which contribute to a thriving employment landscape. With a median annual wage of $52,210 in the Dallas metro area, the city provides competitive opportunities, especially for skilled labor and entry-level positions across various industries.
Programs and Resources for Felons in Dallas
Dallas offers several programs and resources specifically designed to support individuals with felony records, focusing on employment, housing, education, and personal development. Here’s a look at some of the key resources:
Unlocking DOORS Texas Reentry Network
This comprehensive reentry organization provides case management, employment assistance, and connections to housing, healthcare, and education resources. They work closely with justice-involved individuals to create tailored reentry plans and offer job training to help felons find stable employment.
Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (TORI)
Established by The Potter’s House, TORI offers a 12-month program covering housing, employment, healthcare, and education. They assist with job search and interview skills, while also addressing needs like mental health support and substance abuse counseling.
Goodwill Industries of Dallas
Goodwill provides job training and employment services, including a Second Chance program that helps those with criminal records find jobs. They also offer vocational training and connect individuals with potential employers open to hiring felons.
Dallas County Reentry Services
This program offers various resources to help with the transition back into the community, including assistance with housing, employment, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment. They work closely with ex-offenders to help them find jobs and access supportive services.
Project Phoenix (Texas Workforce Commission)
Funded by the Texas Workforce Commission, Project Phoenix provides job training, skills development, and employment services specifically for justice-involved individuals. They offer personalized employment plans and work with local employers to create job opportunities for program participants.
North Texas Food Bank (NTFB)
While primarily a hunger relief organization, NTFB partners with reentry organizations to provide food security and resources to individuals with criminal records, helping them focus on job and housing searches.
Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in Dallas
Dallas provides several protections and incentives for employers hiring individuals with felony records. These initiatives are designed to encourage fair hiring practices and offer benefits to businesses that participate in second-chance employment.
1. Ban the Box Law
While Texas does not have a statewide “ban the box” law, certain cities and counties, including Dallas, encourage employers to delay inquiries into criminal history until later in the hiring process. This allows individuals to be considered first on their qualifications, creating more opportunities for fair assessments.
2. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers employers up to $2,400 in tax credits for hiring individuals from specific target groups, including those with felony convictions. This incentive helps employers offset initial hiring costs while providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
3. Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds to employers who hire individuals with felony convictions. These bonds offer up to $5,000 in coverage at no cost to the employer, reducing concerns over theft or damage and supporting businesses willing to offer second chances.
4. Equal Employment Opportunity Laws
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that prevent discrimination against job applicants, including those with criminal records. Employers cannot have blanket bans against hiring individuals with felony convictions and must show that the conviction directly relates to the job role if considering it in hiring decisions.
5. Texas Workforce Commission Resources
The Texas Workforce Commission offers resources and guidance to employers willing to hire individuals with criminal records. Programs like Project Phoenix provide funding and training for justice-involved individuals, connecting them with local businesses that are open to second-chance hiring.
Tips for Felons Seeking Employment in Dallas
- Use Reentry Programs: Join programs like Unlocking DOORS and TORI for job training and connections.
- Target Open Industries: Focus on sectors like construction, retail, and transportation, which often hire felons.
- Try Temp Agencies: Agencies like Kelly Services can help secure temporary roles that may lead to full-time work.
- Be Transparent: Be honest about your past if asked and highlight your skills and commitment to growth.
- Search Felon-Friendly Job Boards: Use sites like JobsForFelonsHub and 70MillionJobs for listings tailored to felons.
- Get Certified: Certifications in areas like HVAC, plumbing, or programming boost job eligibility.
- Attend Job Fairs: Attend local job fairs to connect with employers open to second-chance hiring.
- Stay Persistent: Keep applying and seek support from reentry services to improve your job search success.
Conclusion
In Dallas, the landscape for second-chance employment is promising, with a growing number of companies and programs dedicated to helping individuals with felony records reintegrate into the workforce. From construction and manufacturing to retail and customer service, various industries are opening doors to skilled and motivated individuals who seek a fresh start.
With supportive initiatives such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and local reentry programs, the city provides valuable resources to empower felons to build stable, productive careers. While the job search may present unique challenges, the expanding network of felon-friendly employers in Dallas signals a positive shift toward inclusive hiring practices, offering renewed hope and opportunities for those committed to making a positive change.
FAQs
Many industries in Dallas hire felons, including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, customer service, and transportation. These sectors often offer entry-level positions that can lead to advancement opportunities.
Yes, companies like Amazon, UPS, Goodwill, Home Depot, and Waste Management are known to hire felons in Dallas. Many of these organizations support second-chance hiring practices and offer roles in various fields.
Dallas offers several reentry programs, such as Unlocking DOORS Texas Reentry Network and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, which help with job placement, training, and other resources to aid individuals in their transition back into the workforce.
Yes, employers who hire felons may be eligible for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and coverage through the Federal Bonding Program, which provides insurance against theft or dishonesty. These incentives encourage more businesses to participate in second-chance hiring.
While many state and city jobs may require background checks, Dallas has “Ban the Box” policies that delay inquiries into criminal history until later in the hiring process, giving felons an initial opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications.
Felons can improve their job prospects by focusing on skills development, building a strong resume, being honest about their background, and utilizing reentry programs and resources for training and job placement assistance.
Yes, while entry-level jobs may be more common initially, felons can work toward high-paying roles by gaining experience, certifications, and training. Sectors like skilled trades, technology, and logistics offer advancement opportunities for individuals who demonstrate dedication and skill.
Industries like construction, warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail are particularly open to hiring felons in Dallas. These sectors often have roles with flexible entry requirements and strong growth potential.
Yes, platforms like 70 Million Jobs and Honest Jobs cater specifically to job seekers with criminal records and often feature local listings in Dallas. Additionally, sites like Indeed and Glassdoor allow filtering for employers who may be open to second-chance hiring.
Absolutely. Dallas has vocational training and certification programs available through organizations like Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, which provide valuable skills for higher-paying jobs and improve employability for felons.
