Felon Friendly Jobs in Oklahoma | Second Chance Employment
In Oklahoma, individuals with felony convictions have access to second-chance employment opportunities, with approximately 60% of those incarcerated set to reenter their communities. The state offers felon-friendly jobs in various industries, including energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, with a significant number of employers willing to hire individuals with criminal records.
65% of Oklahoma employers are open to hiring those with felony convictions, with 35% of energy jobs, 30% of manufacturing jobs, and 25% of healthcare jobs held by individuals with felony convictions. Through the Second Chance Employment program, over 1,500 individuals have successfully secured jobs, with a notably low recidivism rate of just 12%.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Oklahoma
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
What are the Felon-Friendly Jobs in Oklahoma That Require No Experience?
Several felon-friendly job options in Oklahoma require little to no experience. These positions offer opportunities for individuals with criminal records to start fresh and build a career. Below are some examples:
1. Construction Laborer
Construction laborers work on building sites performing tasks like digging, lifting materials, and setting up structures. These jobs are physically demanding, and while prior experience can help, most employers are willing to train new hires, making it a good option for felons looking for hands-on work.
2. Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers are responsible for organizing, picking, packing, and shipping products in a warehouse setting. These positions often involve physical labor, but they usually don’t require experience, and employers are open to training. The demand for labor in warehouses makes these jobs accessible to felons.
3. Delivery Driver (Non-CDL)
Delivery drivers transport goods to customers or businesses. With a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, felons can start in this role with no prior experience. Companies like Amazon and DoorDash often hire individuals in this position, provided the felony is unrelated to driving offenses.
4. Food Service Worker
Entry-level food service positions like cooks, dishwashers, and servers require little to no experience. These jobs typically offer on-the-job training. The high turnover rate in the food service industry means there’s often a demand for workers, and many employers are willing to hire felons.
5. Janitorial or Cleaning Services
Janitors and cleaning service workers maintain cleanliness in offices, homes, and commercial properties. These jobs don’t require prior experience, and many cleaning companies offer flexible hours. Employers in this sector focus on reliability and performance rather than past criminal records.
6. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives handle inquiries, complaints, and other customer concerns over the phone or online. Though some experience in customer interaction is helpful, many companies are willing to train individuals for these roles. Customer service positions are often open to felons who have good communication skills.
7. Retail Associate
Retail associates work in stores assisting customers, stocking shelves, and handling cash transactions. Most retail jobs offer entry-level opportunities and provide on-the-job training. Because retail businesses have high turnover rates, many are willing to hire individuals with criminal records for these positions.
8. Landscaping or Lawn Care
Landscaping and lawn care workers perform tasks like mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and maintaining outdoor spaces. These jobs typically don’t require previous experience, and employers value hard work and dependability, making it a great fit for felons looking for outdoor work.
9. Maintenance Worker
Maintenance workers perform general repairs and upkeep of buildings and facilities, such as fixing leaky faucets, painting, or handling minor electrical repairs. These jobs can be learned on the job, and while some basic skills are needed, they often don’t require prior experience, making them accessible for felons.
10. Temp Work (Various Industries)
Temp agencies provide short-term work in various industries like manufacturing, clerical jobs, and customer support. These positions often don’t require experience, and agencies are more focused on placing workers quickly. Temp jobs offer felons flexibility and a chance to prove their skills on the job.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in Oklahoma
| Job Title | Company/Industry | Job Description | Why It’s Felon-Friendly | Salary Range (Hourly) |
|---|
| Retail Associate | Walmart, Target, Kroger | Assist customers, stock shelves, operate cash registers. | High turnover rates and entry-level positions with on-the-job training. | $10 – $15 |
| Delivery Driver | Amazon, DoorDash, UPS | Deliver packages or food to customers. | No experience required for most roles, as long as driving record is clean. | $12 – $20 |
| Warehouse Worker | Amazon, UPS, FedEx | Pick, pack, and organize inventory in warehouses. | Often overlook criminal records, hiring based on reliability and physical stamina. | $12 – $18 |
| Food Service Worker | McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s | Work as cooks, servers, or dishwashers in fast-food or restaurants. | Food service industry hires many felons due to high turnover and entry-level nature. | $9 – $13 |
| Janitorial/Cleaning Worker | Sodexo, Cintas, Local cleaning companies | Clean offices, schools, or commercial buildings. | Focus on reliability and dependability, with no experience needed. | $10 – $15 |
| Customer Service Representative | Teleperformance, Alorica, Sitel | Handle customer calls, emails, or chat inquiries. | Many companies are willing to train and hire for remote or in-store roles. | $12 – $16 |
| Landscaping Worker | Local Landscaping Companies | Mow lawns, trim bushes, and maintain gardens. | Physical labor-based role that values reliability over criminal history. | $11 – $16 |
| Maintenance Worker | Property Management, Local facilities | Perform repairs, painting, or basic maintenance in buildings. | Jobs often involve on-the-job training and are more focused on task performance. | $12 – $18 |
| Grocery Stocker | Walmart, Target, Reasor’s | Stock shelves, organize products, and assist with inventory. | Entry-level position, focus on performance rather than background checks. | $10 – $14 |
| Temp Worker | Staffmark, Labor Finders | Fill temporary positions in industries like manufacturing, clerical, or customer service. | Temp agencies place workers quickly, often overlooking criminal records. | $11 – $17 |
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Oklahoma
These companies are more open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, especially for entry-level and manual labor positions, as they prioritize reliability and performance over criminal history.
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world and offers a variety of positions in stores, warehouses, and distribution centers. They have a history of hiring individuals with criminal records, particularly for entry-level roles like cashier, stock clerk, and warehouse associate.
2. Amazon
Amazon frequently hires for fulfillment center roles, including warehouse workers and delivery drivers. They focus on reliability and performance, with many positions offering flexible schedules. Amazon has a reputation for being open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
3. McDonald’s
As one of the largest fast-food chains globally, McDonald’s offers entry-level positions in cooking, serving, and cleaning. Their high turnover rate and focus on providing training make them a felon-friendly employer.
4. Kroger
Kroger, a major grocery store chain, hires for various positions including cashiers, stockers, and clerks. They have a relatively inclusive hiring policy and are known to give felons a second chance for employment in stores across Oklahoma.
5. Target
Target is another large retail employer that offers opportunities in sales, stocking, and customer service. They are generally open to hiring people with criminal backgrounds, focusing more on the ability to perform the job than past convictions.
6. Home Depot
Home Depot hires individuals for positions in stores and warehouses, including sales associates, cashiers, and stockers. The company has a reputation for being open to felons, especially for roles that don’t require direct customer interaction.
7. UPS
UPS hires drivers, warehouse workers, and package handlers. They often overlook criminal records for these positions, particularly when applicants show a willingness to work hard and have a good attendance record.
8. Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, one of the largest food production companies, hires workers for roles in food processing, packaging, and warehouses. Tyson has a history of hiring individuals with criminal records, offering both entry-level and long-term career opportunities.
9. Staffmark
Staffmark is a staffing agency that works with various companies across different industries, such as manufacturing, clerical, and labor. Many of the companies they partner with are willing to hire felons, especially for temp and entry-level positions.
10. Sodexo
Sodexo provides food services and facilities management across a variety of industries, including education, healthcare, and business. They have been known to hire individuals with felony convictions for roles in food service, janitorial services, and maintenance.
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the length of time that background checks go back for employment purposes typically depends on the type of background check being conducted. However, most background checks generally look at the following:
1. Criminal Background Check:
- Timeframe: Oklahoma law does not specify an exact period for how far back criminal background checks go for employment purposes. However, most employers typically check criminal records for the past 7 years.
- Federal Law: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), background checks typically cannot include criminal convictions that occurred more than 7 years ago (except in cases where the salary or wage is above a certain threshold). However, this is a guideline and not a law for all employers.
- Felony Convictions: Felony convictions may appear on background checks indefinitely unless expunged or pardoned.
2. Driving Record:
- Timeframe: Employers may check your driving history for up to 3 to 7 years, especially if the job involves operating a vehicle. Serious offenses, like DUIs or reckless driving, may show up for a longer period.
3. Credit History:
- Timeframe: Employers who check credit history typically look at the past 7 years of financial history, though some may focus on more recent issues.
4. Expunged or Sealed Records:
- If your criminal record has been expunged (sealed) through a legal process, it should not appear on a background check. However, if your conviction has not been expunged, it will remain part of your criminal history indefinitely.
Exceptions:
- State or Local Laws: Some state or local laws may limit the information employers can access. For example, Oklahoma law allows for the possibility of “ban-the-box” regulations that prohibit employers from asking about criminal convictions until later in the hiring process.
Conclusion
Oklahoma offers a variety of felon-friendly jobs across several industries, providing valuable opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance at employment. From skilled trades like plumbing and welding to roles in construction, transportation, and customer service, there are numerous paths for felons to rebuild their careers. Many employers in Oklahoma are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, focusing on skills, work ethic, and reliability rather than past mistakes. By taking advantage of training programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions, felons can find stable and rewarding careers, contributing positively to their communities and achieving long-term success.
