Felon Friendly Jobs in New Jersey | Second Chance
A 2023 study by the Prison Policy Initiative estimated that over 600,000 adults in New Jersey have a criminal record, with many facing challenges in securing employment due to a felony conviction. New Jersey’s economy is thriving, with a Gross State Product (GSP) of around $800 billion, driven by healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state’s unemployment rate was 4.2% as of May 2023, indicating steady demand across industries, including those increasingly open to second-chance employment.
Latest Second chance Jobs in New Jersey
Searching for ‘no background check jobs near me’ and living in New Jersey? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons across the Garden State. Residents of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison, Woodbridge, Lakewood, Toms River, Hamilton, Trenton, or any other surrounding area in New Jersey should consider applying for the positions listed below. Each role offers a potential pathway to employment for individuals with a criminal record, providing opportunities to reintegrate into New Jersey’s thriving job market.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position.
Places That Hire Felons in New Jersey
Finding stable employment can be challenging for ex-offenders, but New Jersey has a range of industries and organizations open to hiring individuals with criminal records. Below are some sectors and types of businesses in the state that are often receptive to second-chance employment opportunities.
Community-Based Organizations: Nonprofits, local community centers, and social service agencies prioritize reintegration and community support, often extending job opportunities to those looking for a fresh start.
Small Businesses: Smaller enterprises, particularly family-owned businesses, may offer flexibility in hiring practices and be open to reviewing applications from individuals with criminal histories.
Construction and Skilled Trades: The construction sector frequently welcomes workers with diverse backgrounds. Roles in this industry include carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and general labor.
Industries Open to Felons in New Jersey
- Hospitality and Food Service: Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies often have entry-level roles, such as kitchen staff, servers, or hotel attendants, which can be ideal for gaining work experience.
- Retail: Retail stores, especially those with high employee turnover, may be open to hiring ex-offenders. Positions often include sales associates, stock clerks, and cashiers.
- Healthcare Support: Some entry-level healthcare roles, such as medical assistants, home health aides, and nursing assistants, are accessible to felons, though these often depend on the specific licensing requirements of New Jersey.
- Transportation and Logistics: Positions such as truck drivers, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers, along with roles in inventory and logistics coordination, are often available, with companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon providing opportunities.
- Manufacturing and Labor: Manufacturing facilities and warehouses frequently hire for roles like assembly line workers, maintenance technicians, quality control inspectors, and material handlers.
- Customer Service: Call centers, customer service desks, and support roles in various industries can be accessible options, including companies like Spherion that support customer-facing positions.
- Technology and IT: Positions in IT support, network administration, and data entry are sometimes open to felons, with skills-based hiring gaining ground in the tech industry.
- Administrative Support: Clerical and administrative roles, including office assistants, data entry clerks, and receptionists, may be available, especially in small to mid-sized companies open to second-chance hiring practices.
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in New Jersey
In New Jersey, many companies are committed to offering employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records, providing valuable second chances in a variety of roles and industries. Here are some notable companies and the types of jobs available to ex-offenders:
Aramark
This company provides food, facilities, and uniform services and is known to hire felons for roles like food service, custodial, and laundry positions in New Jersey.
Goodwill Industries
A well-known nonprofit organization, Goodwill hires felons for roles in retail, donation attendant positions, and production jobs, providing both work experience and job training.
Walmart
As a leading retailer, Walmart provides a range of roles, including sales, customer service, and warehouse positions, with opportunities for advancement and support for those with felony convictions older than seven years.
Wendy’s
This popular fast-food chain hires felons for crew member and entry-level management positions, offering a supportive work environment with advancement opportunities.
Butterball Farms
Known for food manufacturing, Butterball Farms hires felons for various production roles, allowing employees to gain experience in the food processing industry.
The Home Depot
With locations throughout New Jersey, this home improvement retailer considers applications from individuals with felony convictions older than seven years and offers roles in sales, customer service, and warehouse positions.
Starbucks
Starbucks is committed to second-chance hiring and offers positions like barista and customer service roles, fostering a positive, inclusive work environment.
Target
Similar to Walmart, Target hires felons in New Jersey for positions in sales, customer service, and distribution, offering a dynamic workplace with growth potential.
UPS
This logistics giant provides second-chance employment opportunities, particularly for roles in package handling, delivery, and customer service, with career growth potential.
FedEx
Known for logistics and delivery services, FedEx hires individuals with past convictions for package handling, warehouse, and customer service positions, offering a supportive and fast-paced work environment.
AutoZone
This auto parts retailer hires individuals with felony convictions for sales, customer service, and warehouse roles, providing a pathway to career advancement.
Lowe’s
Another prominent home improvement retailer, Lowe’s offers positions in customer service, sales, and warehouse work to ex-offenders, fostering a stable work environment.
Temp/Staffing Agencies
Agencies like Adecco, Manpower, and Labor Ready work with clients who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records. These agencies offer temporary and contract work in roles such as administrative, warehouse, and customer service, which can lead to permanent positions.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Programs and Resources for Felons in New Jersey to Find Employment
New Jersey has numerous programs and resources to support individuals with felony convictions in securing stable employment. These services provide job training, mentorship, legal assistance, and employment opportunities, facilitating a smoother reintegration process. Below are some key programs available in the state:
1. New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL)
Through One-Stop Career Centers, the NJDOL offers job search assistance, resume-building workshops, skills training, and connections to job fairs. These centers cater to all residents but have resources and specialists who can help address the unique challenges felons face when reentering the workforce.
2. Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey
Goodwill offers various workforce programs for individuals with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. Participants receive job skills training, placement assistance, and support services, with opportunities to gain experience in retail and donation center roles.
3. The Fortune Society
Though based in New York, The Fortune Society provides resources that extend to New Jersey residents. They offer job placement assistance, vocational training, and mental health services, with the aim of empowering people with criminal records to build careers and lead stable lives.
4. American Job Centers (AJCs)
AJCs offer workforce services tailored to different needs, including specialized assistance for individuals with criminal backgrounds. They provide career guidance, training, and placement programs that connect job seekers with local employers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality.
5. Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
LSNJ provides free legal services to low-income New Jersey residents, including assistance with record expungement. Expungement can help clear certain records, making it easier for individuals with past convictions to apply for jobs without the stigma of a criminal record.
6. National HIRE Network
The National HIRE Network offers guidance on employment laws and policies, including resources specific to New Jersey. They provide information on navigating job applications with a felony record, workplace rights, and second-chance hiring initiatives in the state.
7. Prisoner Reentry Employment Program (PREP)
This program offers specialized training, employment placement, and support services to ex-offenders in New Jersey, helping them develop skills and find long-term employment. PREP also connects individuals with employers who support reentry efforts.
8. Salvation Army Employment Services
The Salvation Army in New Jersey offers job training and placement services as part of their adult rehabilitation programs. They help connect individuals with felony convictions to supportive employers in various sectors.
Legal Protections and Incentives for Second-Chance Employers in New Jersey
Employers in New Jersey who hire individuals with criminal records benefit from a range of legal protections and financial incentives, encouraging second-chance hiring while mitigating potential risks. These protections and incentives create a supportive environment for businesses willing to give ex-offenders a fresh start. Here are some key measures:
The New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act (“Ban the Box”)
This law, often called “Ban the Box,” prohibits employers from asking about a candidate’s criminal history on initial job applications. It allows candidates to be considered based on their qualifications rather than past convictions, reducing biases early in the hiring process. This law also helps protect employers by ensuring they follow fair hiring practices, which fosters a more diverse workforce.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The WOTC is a federal tax incentive available to New Jersey employers who hire from targeted groups, including ex-felons. The credit can provide employers with up to $2,400 per qualified individual in the first year of employment, and up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-related disabilities. This substantial tax reduction encourages companies to offer employment opportunities to those with past criminal records.
Federal Bonding Program
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Federal Bonding Program provides insurance bonds to protect employers against theft, forgery, and other potential employee misconduct at no cost to the employer. In New Jersey, the bonds cover up to $5,000 in losses for the first six months of employment and can be renewed if needed. This bonding program provides peace of mind for employers and reduces the perceived financial risk of hiring individuals with felony convictions.
Expungement and Clean Slate Laws
New Jersey has enacted expungement reforms, allowing eligible individuals to seal certain criminal records after a waiting period. The Clean Slate law, effective since 2020, enables individuals with criminal records to apply for expungement after ten years without additional offenses. This allows employers to consider candidates with a “clean slate,” encouraging businesses to make hiring decisions based on a candidate’s current qualifications.
Employer Liability Protection
In New Jersey, employers are generally protected from negligent hiring liability when hiring individuals with expunged records. By participating in programs such as the Federal Bonding Program or Work Opportunity Tax Credit, employers may reduce liability concerns, further protecting their business from potential legal claims tied to hiring ex-offenders.
New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) Partnerships
The NJRC partners with employers who are open to second-chance hiring, offering workforce training and job placement services. Employers who work with NJRC gain access to a pre-vetted pool of candidates and receive support in establishing fair employment practices that meet legal standards.
What are the Background Check Limits in New Jersey for Felon Hiring?
In New Jersey, the Opportunity to Compete Act, or “Ban the Box” law, restricts employers with 15 or more employees from asking about criminal history until after the first interview, allowing candidates to be evaluated on qualifications first. Employers are also encouraged to consider factors such as the time passed since the offense and its relevance to the job.
Arrests without convictions cannot be considered, and expunged records must be omitted from background checks. Additionally, New Jersey follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for transparency, requiring employers to notify applicants and obtain consent for background checks, with a seven-year reporting limit for certain records.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New Jersey offers a supportive landscape for individuals with criminal records seeking employment, thanks to an array of felon-friendly employers, reentry programs, and legal protections that promote fair hiring. With organizations and businesses increasingly embracing second-chance hiring, along with incentives like tax credits and bonding programs, the state is making significant strides toward reducing barriers for qualified, skilled workers with past convictions. By focusing on personal qualifications and skills rather than past mistakes, New Jersey’s employers and programs help create meaningful career pathways, allowing individuals with criminal records to build stable, productive lives while contributing to the state’s workforce.
