Felon Friendly Jobs in Illinois | Second Chance - June 2024
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, over 40,000 individuals are released from prison every year, and finding employment is crucial for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. So we provide in-depth and latest information to help felons and ex-offenders secure their second job more easily. Many companies in Illinois are willing to give individuals with felony convictions a second chance, and this article will guide you through the process of finding felon-friendly jobs in the state.
Latest Jobs in Illinois for felons 2024
Searching for ‘no background check jobs near me’ and living in Illinois? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the state. Residents of Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, or any other city in Illinois 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.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Is Illinois a Felon-Friendly state?
Illinois is indeed a felon-friendly state. It offers a range of opportunities for individuals with a criminal record to rebuild their lives. In terms of financial assistance, grant programs available for felons in Illinois, there are other resources they can explore to meet their needs.
Additionally, second chance apartments are available in cities like Chicago. These provide affordable housing options for felons. Illinois automatically restores voting rights for felons who have completed their sentences. This allows them to participate in the democratic process.
Places That Hire Felons in Illinois
You might wonder, are there felon-friendly jobs near me? No worries—there are many job industries around you that are looking for felons, and this article will provide detailed information about jobs for felons, complete with proper sources.
Transportation and Logistics
- Amerifreight Systems – Hires felons with no convictions in the past 5 years
- PTI Trucking – Hires most felonies over 10 years old if applicant has a CDL
- Eagle Logistics Services – Felon friendly, requires CDL
- United Parcel Service (UPS) – Has hired felons depending on type and time of conviction, apply for package handler jobs
Labor and Manufacturing
- Christie Lites (Antioch, Woodridge) – Service technician positions open to felons
- LaCosta Facility Support Services – Janitorial positions for felons with convictions over 7 years old
Hospitality and Food Service
- IHOP – Most locations do not conduct background checks
Staffing Agencies
Many staffing agencies in Illinois are open to hiring felons, including:
- Manpower
- Adecco
- Express Employment Professionals
- Goodwill Staffing Services
White Collar/Office Jobs
- JP Morgan Chase – Hires felons with convictions over 7 years old
- Shields Insurance Group (Mount Vernon) – Hires felons with no theft, violence, drug convictions in past 7 years and no FCC violations
List of jobs that hire felons in illinois
- Hospitality and Food Service: Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies offer entry-level positions.
- Retail: Retail stores, especially those with high turnover rates, may hire ex-offenders.
- Healthcare: Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Home Health Aid..
- Transportation: Truck Driver, Delivery Driver, Warehouse Worker, Forklift Operator, Logistics Coordinator.
- Labor & Manufacturing: Warehouse Associate, Production Worker, Maintenance Technician.
- Customer Service: Call Center Representative, Customer Service Representative.
- Sales Customer Service: Sales Associate, Account Manager, Customer Service Representative like Spherion and Cottage Health
- IT & Technology: Network Administrator, IT Support Specialist, Data Entry Clerk, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Specialists like Mckesson and Toriangroup.
- Construction: Construction Laborer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Welder, Building Maintenance Worker.
- Administrative: Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, Office Clerk, Data Entry Clerk, Receptionist, Bookkeeper.
- Trades: HVAC Technician, Automotive Technician, Machinist, Locksmith, Glazier
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing Associate, Assembly Line Worker, Quality Control Inspector, Packaging Worker, Material Handler, Skilled Labor
Finding Felon-Friendly Jobs in Illinois
Identifying Industries Open to Hiring, Several industries in Illinois are known for being more receptive to hiring individuals with felony convictions. In the above section, we discuss common industries where the chances of felons securing their second jobs are high, such as Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Food Service. I believe you will find valuable information in this section.
Illinois Cities Best for Felons Jobs
I mention some cities that give chances to individuals with felony convictions for jobs. There are many cities in Illinois, but those mentioned below are selected based on industry growth and reentry support..
- Chicago: As the largest city in Illinois, Chicago has a robust economy with a variety of industries. The city also has numerous reentry programs and initiatives aimed at helping individuals with criminal records find employment.
- Aurora: This city has a thriving manufacturing sector and is experiencing steady economic growth.
- Rockford: Similar to Aurora, Rockford has a strong manufacturing base and might offer opportunities in this felon-friendly sector.
- Joliet: Joliet is a major transportation hub with a significant logistics industry. This sector often hires for positions like truck drivers and warehouse personnel.
- Peoria: This city has a diverse economy with opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Additionally, Peoria has reentry programs that can connect you with potential employers.
Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers
Legal Protections
- Federal Bonding Program: Provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to employers who hire ex-offenders.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): A federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from certain target groups, including ex-felons.
- Illinois Rehabilitation Tax Credit: A state tax credit available to employers who hire individuals with disabilities, including ex-felons.
- Legal protections under the Illinois Human Rights Law: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with criminal records in employment, housing, and other areas.
Incentives
- Federal Bonding Program: Provides insurance coverage to protect employers against employee theft or dishonesty.
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Can provide up to $9,600 in tax credits per employee.
- Illinois Rehabilitation Tax Credit: Can provide up to $500 in tax credits per employee.
- Job training and placement programs: Available through the Illinois Department of Employment Security and other organizations to help employers find and train qualified candidates.
Tips for Felons Seeking Employment in Illinois
- Be honest about criminal history
- Highlight skills and qualifications
- Consider job training and placement programs
- Prepare for job interviews
- Follow up with employers
- Resume building and interview preparation
Final Thoughts
Finding employment as a felon in Illinois can be challenging, but several resources and opportunities are available. By understanding the job market, industries open to felons, and programs and resources available, felons can increase their chances of finding employment and reintegrating into society.
FAQs
Yes, industries such as construction, food service, retail, transportation, and hospitality are known for being more open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
Employers in Illinois are not required by law to hire individuals with felony convictions, but some companies may have policies in place to support second chances.
Felons can improve their chances of finding employment by gaining new skills through training programs, networking with organizations that support reentry, and being honest about their criminal background during the application process.
Yes, there are organizations in Illinois that specifically assist individuals with criminal backgrounds in finding job opportunities, such as Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and local reentry programs.
Felons may face restrictions when seeking employment in healthcare or other licensed professions in Illinois due to licensing requirements and background checks. It is advisable to research specific regulations and seek guidance from professional licensing boards.
Some felon friendly employers in Illinois may offer training programs to help individuals with criminal backgrounds acquire the skills needed for specific job opportunities. It is recommended to inquire about such programs during the application process.
Felons can address gaps in their employment history by highlighting any volunteer work, education, or training they have completed during that time. Emphasizing personal growth and development can demonstrate a commitment to moving forward.
Yes, some employers in Illinois may be eligible for incentives or tax credits for hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds through programs such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Employers should consult with tax professionals or government agencies for more information.
