Felon Friendly Jobs in Pennsylvania | Second Chance Employment
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, Pennsylvania releases about 17,897 individuals in Pennsylvania state prisons and 201,432 from jails annually. With a state population of 12.96 million, this means approximately 0.138% of the population comprises recently released individuals each year.
While finding employment in Pennsylvania can be challenging for these individuals, around 9,843 manage to secure jobs within their first year of release, representing about 0.076% of the state’s population.
These jobs are primarily in waste management, construction, and food service sectors. Although these positions are often low-wage and unstable, they offer a crucial first step towards rebuilding lives and contributing positively to society.
Latest Felony Jobs (Second Chance) in Pennsylvania
Searching for job opportunities that don’t require a background check and living in Pennsylvania? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in Pennsylvania.
Residents of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Altoona, and Wilkes-Barre or any other city in Pennsylvania should apply for the positions mentioned below.
Some of these jobs welcome applicants with no prior experience with felony in PA. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position and start your new journey today.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Is Pennsylvania a Felon-Friendly State?
Pennsylvania is considered felon-friendly, offering various resources to support individuals with criminal records. Pennsylvania offers free grants for education, training, employment, reentry programs, and expungement services to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Additionally, Pennsylvania restores voting rights for felons upon completion of their sentence, allowing them to participate in the democratic process.
Jobs That Hire Felons in PA
Various industries and companies are known to be more open to hiring ex-offenders. I mention the job category and in that category companies that are felony friendly in PA.
Let’s explore various job categories and companies that are known to hire felons, providing a pathway to rebuilding lives and securing a brighter future.
Construction
Construction jobs involve building, repairing, and maintaining physical structures. These jobs require physical stamina, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Bechtel
Bechtel is a top construction company offering opportunities in project management and engineering. They promote diversity by hiring ex-offenders.
Turner Construction
Turner Construction focuses on large-scale commercial projects. They have programs aimed at hiring and training felons, supporting their reentry into the workforce.
Skanska USA
Skanska USA, involved in construction and development, emphasizes community development by offering jobs to felons in various skilled trades.
Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane Building Company is known for building projects. They hire felons for roles in project management, safety, and skilled trades.
Jacobs Engineering Group
Jacobs Engineering Group offers construction management services. They support ex-offenders by providing job opportunities in project execution and field services.
DPR Construction
DPR Construction hires felons in roles such as carpentry and labor. They focus on fostering an inclusive work environment.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing jobs involve producing goods in factories. They range from assembly line work to machine operation.
Alcoa
Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer, provides roles in manufacturing and operations. They offer second chance employment programs for felons.
US Steel
US Steel hires felons for positions in production and maintenance. They support rehabilitation through employment.
Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW)
PGW, a supplier of automotive glass, provides opportunities in manufacturing and logistics. They are known for hiring ex-offenders.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson’s York plant provides manufacturing jobs to felons, focusing on assembly and production roles.
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls hires felons for manufacturing positions, emphasizing skills training and career development.
Warehouse and Logistics
Warehouse and logistics jobs involve handling goods in storage and transportation. They include roles like forklift operators and inventory managers.
Amazon
Amazon hires felons for roles in fulfillment centers. They provide comprehensive training and development programs.
UPS
UPS offers warehouse and delivery jobs to felons, focusing on logistics and supply chain management.
FedEx
FedEx hires felons for positions in package handling and logistics, supporting their reentry into the workforce.
DHL
DHL provides job opportunities in logistics and warehousing, hiring felons to foster an inclusive workplace.
Walmart Distribution Centers
Walmart Distribution Centers hire felons for roles in warehousing and logistics, offering career advancement programs.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo provides jobs in warehousing and distribution, with a commitment to hiring felons and supporting their reintegration.
Food Service
Food service jobs involve preparing, serving, and managing food operations. These jobs require customer service skills, attention to detail, and teamwork.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers roles in food preparation and customer service. They hire felons as part of their inclusive hiring practices.
Starbucks
Starbucks hires felons for barista and store roles, promoting second chance employment and career growth.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers positions in food preparation and service, hiring felons to support their workforce diversity.
Aramark
Aramark provides jobs in food service and catering, with programs aimed at hiring and training ex-offenders.
Sodexo
Sodexo hires felons for roles in food service management and preparation, supporting their reentry into the job market.
Retail
Retail jobs involve selling goods to consumers, managing inventory, and providing customer service. Positions include sales associates, cashiers, and stock clerks.
Target
Target hires felons for positions in customer service and stocking, providing opportunities for career advancement.
Walmart
Walmart offers jobs in retail and logistics, with a focus on hiring felons and supporting their reintegration.
Home Depot
Home Depot hires felons for roles in customer service and sales, promoting diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s provides jobs in retail and logistics, hiring felons to support their inclusive hiring practices.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree hires felons for positions in retail and stocking, offering career growth opportunities.
TJX Companies
TJX Companies, which includes brands like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, hires felons for roles in retail and distribution.
Customer Service
Customer service jobs focus on assisting customers with their needs. They include call center roles and in-person support positions.
Concentrix
Concentrix hires felons for customer service roles, offering training and career development programs.
Teleperformance
Teleperformance provides jobs in customer support and technical assistance. They hire felons to foster an inclusive workplace.
Alorica
Alorica offers roles in customer service and support, hiring felons and providing training programs.
TTEC
TTEC provides jobs in customer service and sales, hiring felons and supporting their career growth.
Cleaning Services
Cleaning services involve maintaining cleanliness in buildings and facilities. They include janitorial and housekeeping roles.
ABM Industries
ABM Industries hires felons for janitorial and maintenance roles, promoting workforce diversity and inclusion.
ServiceMaster Clean
ServiceMaster Clean provides job opportunities in cleaning and maintenance. They hire felons to support their reintegration.
Jani-King
Jani-King offers roles in commercial cleaning services, hiring felons and providing training programs.
Merry Maids
Merry Maids hires felons for housekeeping positions, promoting an inclusive work environment.
Coverall
Coverall provides jobs in cleaning and maintenance services, hiring felons and supporting their career growth.
Vanguard Cleaning Systems
Vanguard Cleaning Systems hires felons for roles in janitorial services, fostering an inclusive workplace.
Landscaping
Landscaping jobs involve maintaining outdoor spaces. They include roles in lawn care and gardening.
BrightView Landscapes
BrightView Landscapes hires felons for roles in maintenance and landscape design. They promote workforce diversity.
Davey Tree
Davey Tree provides job opportunities in tree care and landscaping. They focus on hiring ex-offenders and providing training.
The Grounds Guys
The Grounds Guys hires felons for roles in landscape maintenance and design. They support an inclusive workplace.
Bartlett Tree Experts
Bartlett Tree Experts offers positions in tree care and landscaping. They hire felons and provide career development programs.
LandCare
LandCare provides jobs in landscape maintenance and design. They hire felons to foster workforce diversity.
Automotive
Automotive jobs focus on vehicle repair and maintenance. They include roles like mechanics and technicians.
AutoZone
AutoZone hires felons for roles in retail and automotive services. They offer career growth opportunities.
Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube provides job opportunities in automotive maintenance and repair. They hire felons to support their reintegration.
Pep Boys
Pep Boys hires felons for positions in automotive services and retail, promoting an inclusive work environment.
Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts offers roles in retail and automotive services. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
Firestone Complete Auto Care
Firestone Complete Auto Care hires felons for positions in automotive maintenance and repair. They provide training programs.
Midas
Midas provides job opportunities in automotive repair and services. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Healthcare Support
Healthcare support jobs assist medical professionals. They include roles like home health aides and medical assistants.
Maxim Healthcare Services
Maxim Healthcare Services hires felons for roles in healthcare support and home care. They offer training and career development.
BrightStar Care
BrightStar Care provides job opportunities in home care and healthcare support. They hire felons to support their reintegration.
Interim HealthCare
Interim HealthCare hires felons for positions in healthcare support and home care. They promote an inclusive work environment.
Comfort Keepers
Comfort Keepers offers roles in home care and healthcare support. They hire felons and provide training programs.
Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels hires felons for positions in home care and healthcare support. They support workforce diversity.
Home Instead Senior Care
Home Instead Senior Care provides job opportunities in home care and healthcare support. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Recycling and Waste Management
Recycling and waste management jobs involve handling and processing waste materials. They include roles like collection and sorting.
Waste Management
Waste Management hires felons for roles in waste collection and recycling. They promote an inclusive workplace.
Republic Services
Republic Services provides job opportunities in waste management and recycling. They hire felons to support their reintegration.
Casella Waste Systems
Casella Waste Systems hires felons for positions in waste collection and recycling. They support workforce diversity.
Waste Connections
Waste Connections offers roles in waste management and recycling. They hire felons and provide career development programs.
Clean Harbors
Clean Harbors provides job opportunities in waste management and recycling. They hire felons to support their reintegration.
Hospitality
Hospitality jobs involve providing customer service, managing hotels, and ensuring a positive customer experience. These jobs require excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Hilton
Hilton hires felons for roles in hospitality and customer service. They offer career growth opportunities.
Marriott International
Marriott International provides job opportunities in hospitality and customer service. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
Hyatt
Hyatt hires felons for positions in hospitality and guest services. They promote an inclusive work environment.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)
IHG offers roles in hospitality and customer service. They hire felons and provide training programs.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts hires felons for positions in hospitality and guest services. They support their reintegration.
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels provides job opportunities in hospitality and customer service. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications jobs involve working with communication systems. They include roles like installation and customer support.
Comcast
Comcast hires felons for roles in customer service and technical support. They offer career development opportunities.
Verizon
Verizon provides job opportunities in telecommunications and customer service. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
AT&T
AT&T hires felons for positions in customer service and technical support. They promote an inclusive work environment.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers roles in telecommunications and customer service. They hire felons and provide training programs.
Frontier Communications
Frontier Communications hires felons for positions in telecommunications and customer support. They support their reintegration.
Windstream
Windstream provides job opportunities in telecommunications and technical support. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Security Services
Security services jobs focus on protecting people and property. They include roles like security guards and surveillance operators.
Securitas
Securitas hires felons for roles in security services and patrol. They offer training and career development programs.
Allied Universal
Allied Universal provides job opportunities in security services and management. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
G4S
G4S hires felons for positions in security services and monitoring. They promote an inclusive work environment.
ADT Security Services
ADT Security Services offers roles in security services and technical support. They hire felons and provide training programs.
Brinks
Brinks hires felons for positions in security services and transportation. They support their reintegration into the workforce.
Pinkerton
Pinkerton provides job opportunities in security services and consulting. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Transportation
Transportation jobs involve moving goods and people. They include roles like drivers and delivery personnel.
Greyhound
Greyhound hires felons for roles in transportation and customer service. They offer career development opportunities.
Lyft
Lyft provides job opportunities in transportation and customer service. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
Uber
Uber hires felons for positions in transportation and delivery services. They promote an inclusive work environment.
FedEx
FedEx offers roles in transportation and logistics. They hire felons and provide training programs.
UPS
UPS hires felons for positions in transportation and delivery services. They support their reintegration into the workforce.
Schneider National
Schneider National provides job opportunities in transportation and logistics. They hire felons and promote career growth.
IT and Technology
IT and technology jobs involve developing, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and software. These jobs require technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
IBM
IBM hires felons for roles in IT and technology support. They offer career development programs and training.
Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies provides job opportunities in IT and technical support. They hire felons to support workforce diversity.
Microsoft
Microsoft hires felons for positions in IT and software development. They promote an inclusive work environment.
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems offers roles in IT and network support. They hire felons and provide training programs.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hewlett Packard Enterprise hires felons for positions in IT and technical support. They support their reintegration into the workforce.
Intel
Intel provides job opportunities in IT and technology development. They hire felons and promote career growth.
Job Market of Pennsylvania Specifically for Offenders
In December 2023, Pennsylvania’s job market demonstrated significant activity, with 182,000 hires and 162,000 separations, reflecting the state’s dynamic labor environment. Over the past year, the state averaged 194,000 hires and 186,000 separations per month, indicating robust job turnover. Quits averaged 119,000 per month, while layoffs and discharges averaged 56,000 per month.
Additionally, the job openings rate rose to 5.9% in December from 5.8% in November, with 388,000 job openings reported. The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening was 0.6, highlighting a relatively tight labor market. These statistics suggest that while there is substantial job creation, there is also a considerable amount of job separation, maintaining a fluid labor market in Pennsylvania.
Background Check Limits For Felons in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are no specific laws restricting how far back criminal convictions can be reported on a criminal background check. However, the Pennsylvania Clean Slate law establishes a comprehensive system for sealing records, which limits public access to many non-conviction arrests and most misdemeanor convictions that are more than 10 years old.
Under the Clean Slate law, certain criminal records can be sealed automatically or through a petition process:
- Summary convictions are sealed automatically after 5 years if there are no subsequent criminal charges.
- Most misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after 7 years without subsequent convictions.
- Certain felony convictions related to low-level drug and property crimes can be sealed after 10 years without subsequent convictions.
The updated Clean Slate law in Pennsylvania, effective February 12, 2024, expands eligibility for record sealing. According to Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, it allows the sealing of low-level drug and property-related felony convictions after 10 years without new convictions. Many misdemeanors can be sealed after 7 years, and summary convictions will be automatically sealed after 5 years. Sealed records do not appear on most background checks, improving access to jobs, housing, and education for affected individuals.
Employers’ Consideration of Criminal History
Employers in Pennsylvania can consider an applicant’s criminal history if relevant to the job role. This includes non-expunged felony and misdemeanor convictions.
Job Resources
- PA CareerLink: They offer specialized services for felons, including job training and placement support.
- Workforce Development Programs: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry offers training programs for felons to improve their job skills and employability.
- OIC of America Reentry Programs: Provides job readiness training and placement assistance specifically for felons, aiming to facilitate successful reentry into the workforce.
- Pennsylvania Prison Society’s Reentry Services: They provide job search assistance, training, and support for felons to help them find stable employment.
- Philly REENTRY: A collaborative initiative that connects felons in Philadelphia with job opportunities, training programs, and support services.
- Indeed: Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Pennsylvania. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.
- SimplyHired: Search for “felony friendly employers” in Pennsylvania. 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.
- The Idaho Department of Corrections Reentry Program: Helps felons reintegrate into society with job training and employment resources.
Final Thoughts
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, approximately 17,897 individuals are released from Pennsylvania state prisons and 201,432 from jails annually, with around 9,843 securing jobs within their first year, primarily in sectors like waste management, construction, and food service.
The job market in Pennsylvania remains dynamic, with significant turnover and an average of 194,000 hires and 186,000 separations per month. Felons seeking employment can explore opportunities in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics, food service, retail, customer service, cleaning services, landscaping, automotive, healthcare support, recycling and waste management, hospitality, telecommunications, security services, transportation, and IT and technology. Employers like Amazon, UPS, Marriott International, Comcast, and Cisco Systems are known to hire felons.
The Pennsylvania Clean Slate law helps improve access to jobs, housing, and education by sealing eligible criminal records. Job resources like PA CareerLink, Workforce Development Programs, and OIC of America Reentry Programs provide specialized support for felons to enhance their job skills and employability.
FAQs
Felons seeking employment in Pennsylvania can explore opportunities in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics, food service, retail, customer service, cleaning services, landscaping, automotive, healthcare support, recycling and waste management, hospitality, telecommunications, security services, transportation, and IT and technology.
Employers like Amazon, UPS, Marriott International, Comcast, and Cisco Systems are known to hire felons in Pennsylvania.
Approximately 17,897 individuals are released from Pennsylvania state prisons and 201,432 from jails annually, with around 9,843 securing jobs within their first year.
Job resources like PA CareerLink, Workforce Development Programs, and OIC of America Reentry Programs offer specialized support for felons to enhance their job skills and employability.
The job market in Pennsylvania remains dynamic, with an average of 194,000 hires and 186,000 separations per month.
The Pennsylvania Clean Slate law helps improve access to jobs, housing, and education by sealing eligible criminal records.
Yes, entry-level job opportunities for felons with no experience can be found in various industries like food service, retail, customer service, and cleaning services.
Felons in Harrisburg, PA can explore job opportunities in sectors such as construction, food service, retail, and hospitality.
Felons in Pittsburgh can find job opportunities in industries like manufacturing, warehouse and logistics, landscaping, telecommunications, and security services.
Felons near Williamsport, PA can explore job opportunities in industries like transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare support.
Entry-level felony-friendly job options in Pennsylvania include roles in food service, retail, customer service, and cleaning services.
Companies like Amazon, Marriott International, and UPS are known to hire felons with no prior experience in Pennsylvania.
