Felon Friendly Jobs in Missouri | Second Chance Employment
In Missouri, individuals with felony convictions have access to various second-chance employment opportunities. According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, approximately 18,000 people are released each year, and about 65% will find employment within the first year.
Missouri’s recidivism rate is around 35%, with programs like the Missouri Reentry Program and the Federal Bonding Program helping to reduce recidivism by providing job training, education, second chance apartments and employment assistance to individuals with felony convictions. Notably, the city of St. Louis has implemented a Ban the Box policy, removing barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records, and Missouri employers can receive tax credits and incentives for hiring felons.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Missouri
Searching for “felon-friendly jobs near me” and living in Missouri? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons across the state. Residents of Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, Joplin, or any other surrounding area in Missouri should explore the positions listed below. Each role provides a chance for individuals with a criminal record to reenter the workforce and build a stable future in Missouri’s dynamic and expanding job market.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
Part-Time Felon Friendly Jobs in Missouri
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Missouri
These companies in Missouri provide opportunities to those with felony convictions, offering various entry-level and skilled roles with pathways for growth.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill is known for offering second-chance employment to individuals with criminal backgrounds. They provide roles in retail, warehouse operations, and donation sorting. The company focuses on helping people rebuild their lives by offering job training and community support.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has a history of being inclusive and hiring felons, especially for entry-level positions such as crew members or shift supervisors. The company values hard work and offers opportunities for advancement through their employee training programs.
Walmart
Walmart is another major employer that hires felons in Missouri for various roles, including cashier, stocker, and warehouse associate. Walmart has a commitment to providing a fair chance to individuals with criminal records, offering on-the-job training and growth opportunities.
UPS
UPS provides job opportunities to felons in Missouri, particularly in their warehouse and package delivery positions. The company values reliability and hard work, offering benefits and career advancement opportunities for its employees.
Home Depot
Home Depot is known for being open to hiring individuals with felony convictions. The company offers part-time and full-time roles in areas such as customer service, product sales, and warehouse operations, with a focus on promoting from within.
Amazon
Amazon has made strides in offering employment to felons, with many positions available in its fulfillment centers across Missouri. The company provides jobs in areas like packing, sorting, and delivery, and offers competitive wages and benefits.
Tesla
Tesla is another company that offers opportunities to felons, particularly in manufacturing and warehouse roles. The company has a reputation for hiring individuals with a strong work ethic and provides training programs for skill development.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut hires felons for various positions, including delivery drivers and kitchen staff. The company is known for its flexible hours and opportunities for growth, providing a supportive work environment for people with past convictions.
CVS Health
CVS Health is committed to hiring individuals with felony convictions for positions in retail and distribution centers. The company offers job stability and opportunities for career advancement, particularly in pharmacy tech and customer service roles.
Popeyes
Popeyes offers opportunities for individuals with felony convictions, with positions available in both the front and back of the house. The company focuses on providing a supportive work environment and training for career advancement.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Missouri?
In Missouri, most background checks for employment typically go back 7 years. However, certain convictions may appear beyond this timeframe depending on the nature of the crime and the employer’s policies. For example, felony convictions may be reported indefinitely, but misdemeanor convictions generally appear for up to 7 years. Employers are also prohibited from considering arrests that did not result in convictions. It’s important to note that some industries, like healthcare or law enforcement, may have stricter background check requirements.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Missouri
These jobs offer competitive salaries and are accessible to individuals with felony convictions, especially with the right certifications and work experience.
| Job Title | Description | Hourly Salary Range |
|---|
| Truck Driver | Drives long-distance or local routes for freight companies. CDL required. | $24 – $36 per hour |
| Construction Manager | Oversees construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. | $29 – $43 per hour |
| Electrician | Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes, buildings, or industrial facilities. | $22 – $34 per hour |
| HVAC Technician | Installs, repairs, and maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. | $19 – $31 per hour |
| Plumber | Installs and repairs pipes and fixtures in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. | $22 – $34 per hour |
| Computer Support Specialist | Provides technical assistance to users with hardware or software issues. | $22 – $31 per hour |
| Commercial Diver | Performs underwater welding, construction, and inspection work. | $24 – $38 per hour |
| Dental Hygienist | Cleans teeth, takes X-rays, and assists dentists with patient care. | $26 – $36 per hour |
| Real Estate Agent | Helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Requires licensing. | $19 – $43 per hour (commission-based) |
| Medical Coder | Codes patient information for insurance and medical records. | $22 – $31 per hour |
What are the Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in Missouri?
In Missouri, there are several legal protections and incentives for employers who hire individuals with felony convictions. These include:
- Missouri’s Ban the Box Law
Missouri has a “Ban the Box” law that prohibits public employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. This gives individuals with felony convictions a fairer opportunity to be considered for employment based on their skills and qualifications rather than their criminal background. - Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The WOTC is a federal program that offers tax incentives to employers who hire individuals from certain target groups, including those with felony convictions. Employers can receive a tax credit of up to $2,400 per eligible employee, depending on the type of qualifying conviction and the length of employment. - Missouri Statutory Protections for Employers
Employers in Missouri are protected from liability under the “Second Chance” program, which provides legal immunity from lawsuits for negligent hiring if the employer hires a person with a criminal record but follows due diligence procedures during the hiring process. - Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds to employers who hire individuals with felony convictions. These bonds protect employers against theft or dishonesty committed by the bonded employee, making it easier to take a chance on someone with a criminal background. - EEOC Guidelines on Criminal Background Checks
While not a Missouri-specific law, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines that help employers ensure their use of criminal background checks complies with federal laws, particularly in avoiding discrimination against individuals based on their criminal history.
Conclusion
Felon-friendly jobs in Missouri not only provide individuals with a chance to reenter the workforce but also offer a path to stability and growth. By leveraging available legal protections, incentives, and employer willingness to consider criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, many felons can find meaningful work. These opportunities allow for personal and professional development, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of reducing recidivism and creating a more inclusive and productive workforce in Missouri.
