Felon Friendly Jobs in Delaware | Second Chance

Job Market of Delaware 

In Delaware, finding a job as someone with a felony conviction can be tough, but things are definitely getting better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of February 2024, Delaware had 33,000 job openings, with a job openings rate of 6.3%​​. 

This includes various sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and service industries, which are more accessible to felons.

Sector-Specific Job Availability

• Manufacturing: Approximately 600 jobs were available in the manufacturing sector for felons. Companies like DuPont and AstraZeneca were noted for their inclusive hiring practices.
• Construction: Around 500 jobs were posted in the construction industry. Firms such as Wohlsen Construction and Corrado Construction actively hired individuals with felony records.
• Hospitality: The hospitality sector offered about 400 jobs. Employers like Hilton and Marriott were known for providing second-chance opportunities.
• Retail: Retail chains such as Walmart and Home Depot had approximately 300 positions open to felons.

In 2022, Delaware’s job market was recovering from the pandemic’s impact, with the unemployment rate standing at 4.5%. Efforts by state programs and non-profit organizations focused on reintegrating felons into the workforce. By 2023, the market saw slight improvement, with the unemployment rate for felons decreasing to 4.2%. The number of felon-friendly job postings increased by 10%, reaching approximately 2,200 positions. Initiatives like Delaware Pathways to Employment and partnerships with local businesses contributed to this improvement.

Market Conditions in 2024

In 2024, the job market continued to show positive trends. The unemployment rate for felons further decreased to 3.8%. The total number of felon-friendly jobs posted was around 2,500. Sectors such as technology and healthcare began to open up more opportunities for individuals with felony records, driven by policy changes and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Background Check Limits For Felons in Delaware

Delaware has specific laws and regulations regarding background checks for felons, ensuring a balance between public safety and fair employment opportunities.

Seven-Year Reporting Limitation

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state regulations, consumer reporting agencies cannot disclose convictions that are more than seven years old, except for positions with a salary exceeding $75,000 annually. This limitation helps ensure that old convictions do not indefinitely impact a felon’s job prospects.

Ban-the-Box Law

Delaware’s Ban-the-Box law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. Employers can only inquire about criminal records after making a conditional job offer. This law is designed to provide felons with an equal opportunity to be considered based on their qualifications first​.

Relevance to Job Position

Employers must consider the nature of the felony and its relevance to the job duties. For example, a conviction for financial fraud might be relevant for a banking position but not for a construction job.

Sealed and Expunged Records

Delaware allows for certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Once sealed, these records are not visible in standard background checks, though law enforcement agencies can still access them. This provides a pathway for individuals to move forward without past convictions hindering their employment opportunities​ 

Consideration of Rehabilitation

Employers are encouraged to consider evidence of rehabilitation, such as successful completion of rehabilitation programs or positive references from previous employers. This demonstrates the candidate’s efforts to improve and integrate back into society successfully.

Notice of Adverse Action

If an employer decides not to hire an applicant based on their background check, they must provide a notice of adverse action. This notice must include the reason for the decision and inform the applicant of their rights under the FCRA.

Resources for Felons in Delaware

Here are some key programs and organizations offering opportunities and support to felons:

Delaware Center for Justice

This nonprofit organization focuses on advocacy, policy reform, and providing direct services to individuals affected by the criminal justice system. They offer various programs, including reentry services that assist felons in finding employment and housing​.

APEX Program – Delaware Department of Labor

The APEX Program assists individuals with criminal records in obtaining employment by providing job readiness training, resume writing assistance, and interview preparation. They also offer support in navigating the expungement and pardon process​.

Job Centers @ Delaware Libraries

These centers offer technological resources, one-on-one assistance, and educational classes for job seekers, including those with criminal records. They provide access to job listings, resume workshops, and other employment services..

CareerOneStop ReEntry Program Finder 

This online tool allows felons to search for local reentry programs that offer job search assistance, career planning, and training. It connects individuals with organizations that specialize in overcoming barriers to employment caused by a criminal record​.

Indeed

Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Delaware. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.

SimplyHired

Search for “felony friendly employers” in Delaware. 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.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a global online marketplace offering tasks and services, starting at $5 per job. It’s a great platform for felons to offer freelance services such as graphic design, writing, programming, and more.

Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients in need of various services, ranging from web development to administrative support. Felons can create profiles, showcase their skills, and bid on projects.

Freelancer

Similar to Upwork, Freelancer allows users to bid on projects posted by clients. It covers a wide range of categories, including software development, data entry, and marketing.

Final Thoughts

Over 5,000 individuals are released from prison annually in Delaware, where finding employment is crucial for their successful reintegration. Delaware’s economy, known for its historical significance and economic vitality, offers numerous programs to help ex-offenders reintegrate into the workforce. 

Key sectors like construction, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, transportation, food services, warehouse, customer service, healthcare, cleaning services, administrative support, technology, non-profit, education, and automotive are notable for hiring felons. 

In 2024, Delaware’s job market continued to improve, with an unemployment rate for felons decreasing to 3.8% and approximately 2,500 felon-friendly job postings.

Laws like the Ban-the-Box and the seven-year reporting limitation support fair employment opportunities. Resources like the Delaware Center for Justice, the APEX Program, and various job centers offer essential services to help felons secure employment and rebuild their lives.