Felon Friendly Jobs in Pennsylvania | Second Chance Employment

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

1. PA CareerLink: They offer specialized services for felons, including job training and placement support.
2. Workforce Development Programs: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry offers training programs for felons to improve their job skills and employability.
3. OIC of America Reentry Programs: Provides job readiness training and placement assistance specifically for felons, aiming to facilitate successful reentry into the workforce.
4. Pennsylvania Prison Society’s Reentry Services: They provide job search assistance, training, and support for felons to help them find stable employment.
5. Philly REENTRY: A collaborative initiative that connects felons in Philadelphia with job opportunities, training programs, and support services.
6. Indeed: Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Pennsylvania. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.
7. SimplyHired: Search for “felony friendly employers” in Pennsylvania. SimplyHired connects job seekers with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
8. LifeChangers, Inc.: This organization offers a compilation of resources for felons seeking employment, including financial assistance programs and links to job boards.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.