Felon Friendly Jobs in Washington | Second Chance Employment
In Washington State, finding employment after a felony conviction can be challenging, but second-chance employment opportunities are increasingly available. With over 8.5 million people in Washington’s workforce, a significant portion of the population faces barriers to employment due to criminal records. However, recent efforts to provide felons with more job opportunities have been making strides.
According to the Washington State Department of Corrections, around 70% of people leaving prison struggle to find stable employment. Fortunately, many businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation, are embracing 2and chance hiring policies, offering pathways to stability and success for individuals with criminal records.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Washington
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 Washington
When looking for places that hire felons in Washington, several key sectors and industries offer viable opportunities for individuals with criminal records. These industries tend to focus on skills, work ethic, and experience rather than criminal history, making them more accessible for felons seeking stable employment.
- Construction and Trades: The construction industry in Washington is one of the largest employers, with a high demand for skilled laborers, carpenters, electricians, and other tradespeople. Many construction companies are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, especially as labor shortages continue. Apprenticeship programs and union jobs are often available to help individuals get started.
- Manufacturing and Warehousing: Washington’s manufacturing sector includes a wide range of industries such as food processing, electronics, and consumer goods production. Many manufacturing companies focus on efficiency and production, making them less likely to require background checks. Positions in warehouses, assembly lines, and logistics are often open to felons, as long as the individual can demonstrate reliability and competence.
- Transportation and Logistics: With major ports, airports, and a significant trucking industry, transportation is another field that offers opportunities for felons in Washington. Jobs such as truck driving, delivery services, and warehouse management often do not require strict background checks, especially if the candidate can show they have the necessary certifications and experience. Entry-level roles in logistics and supply chain management can also provide opportunities.
- Hospitality and Food Service: The hospitality industry in Washington, including restaurants, hotels, and event planning, is known for offering second-chance employment. Positions like cooks, servers, housekeepers, and maintenance staff do not typically require background checks, especially for those who show dedication to improving their skills and work performance. This sector is also forgiving in terms of offering part-time or flexible hours.
- Technology and IT: The tech industry is growing rapidly in Washington, particularly in cities like Seattle. Some tech companies are open to hiring individuals with felonies, especially in entry-level positions such as IT support, coding, or customer service. Although background checks may be common, certain companies are part of the second-chance movement, focusing more on skill sets and potential rather than past convictions.
- Retail: Many retail businesses in Washington, from large chains to local stores, are known for offering second-chance opportunities. Retail positions such as stock clerks, cashiers, and sales associates are often open to felons, especially if the candidate has the right attitude and customer service skills. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has created new roles in warehousing and distribution that are accessible to individuals with criminal records.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Washington
In Washington State, several companies are known for their inclusive hiring practices, offering employment opportunities to individuals with felony convictions. Here are some notable examples:
| Company | Industry | Positions Available |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | E-commerce & Logistics | Fulfillment center roles, Delivery services |
| Starbucks | Retail & Food Service | Baristas, Store managers, Customer service |
| Home Depot | Retail & Home Improvement | Cashiers, Sales associates, Warehouse staff |
| McDonald’s | Food Service & Hospitality | Cooks, Servers, Maintenance staff |
| Goodwill | Retail & Nonprofit | Retail associates, Donation processing, Clerks |
| UPS | Logistics & Transportation | Delivery drivers, Warehouse workers, Package handlers |
| Walmart | Retail | Stock clerks, Cashiers, Customer service |
| PepsiCo | Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Production workers, Distribution roles |
| Coca-Cola | Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Production, Distribution, Warehouse roles |
| FedEx | Logistics & Transportation | Delivery drivers, Warehouse staff |
Programs and Resources for Felons in Washington to Find Employment
In Washington State, there are various programs and resources available to help individuals with felony convictions find employment. These initiatives focus on providing job training, support, and resources that can improve the chances of securing stable employment and successfully reintegrating into society.
1. The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) – Reentry Programs
The DOC offers a variety of reentry programs designed to help individuals with criminal records successfully transition back into society. These programs focus on job readiness, skills development, and connections to employers who are open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
Services: Job readiness training, resume assistance, interview preparation, and access to job fairs and job placement services.
2. Second Chance Employer Program
This state-run program encourages employers to hire individuals with criminal backgrounds by offering incentives, such as tax credits and liability protections. It helps connect employers with qualified individuals who have felony records.
Services: Job placement assistance, tax credits for employers, and connections to second-chance employers.
3. WorkSource Washington
WorkSource is a statewide network of employment service centers that offers assistance to job seekers, including individuals with felony convictions. They provide job search assistance, training programs, and workshops tailored to individuals facing employment barriers.
Services: Job search support, training programs, resume building, and career counseling.
4. Washington State Labor Education and Research Center (LERC)
The LERC offers training programs for individuals looking to enter the labor market, especially for those who have been incarcerated. They focus on providing practical skills that help individuals succeed in unionized trades and industries.
Services: Training in various trades, apprenticeship opportunities, and career development for those with criminal records.
5. The National HIRE Network
Although this is a national organization, the HIRE Network provides resources and referrals to job seekers in Washington State who have criminal records. They offer support in finding employers who are willing to hire people with felonies and help with legal barriers to employment.
Services: Job search resources, legal assistance, and connections to employers committed to hiring people with criminal records.
6. FareStart
FareStart is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle that provides culinary training and job placement for individuals facing employment barriers, including those with felony convictions. The program helps participants gain skills in the food service industry, which has a high demand for workers.
Services: Culinary job training, life skills coaching, job placement assistance, and support for individuals with criminal backgrounds.
7. Partners for Work (Seattle)
Partners for Work is an initiative in Seattle that connects employers with individuals who have disabilities, including those with felony convictions. The program helps individuals access job opportunities and provides on-the-job coaching to ensure success in the workplace.
Services: Job placement, career coaching, employer incentives, and support for both job seekers and employers.
8. Clean and Sober Employment Program
This program offers job training and placement specifically for individuals who have struggled with substance abuse and have felony convictions. It focuses on helping individuals reintegrate into the workforce by providing support and guidance through the job search process.
Services: Employment training, sober living support, and job placement assistance.
9. The Reentry Network for Young Adults (RENYA)
RENYA is a program focused on providing employment services to young adults (ages 18-24) with criminal backgrounds. The program offers job training, mentorship, and connections to employers willing to hire individuals with felony convictions.
Services: Job training, mentorship, educational support, and job placement.
10. Washington State’s Social Justice Fund
The Social Justice Fund helps individuals with criminal records access job opportunities and educational programs through grants and community support initiatives. They work with organizations that support second-chance employment and advocate for fair employment practices.
Services: Community grants, employment advocacy, and support for organizations that assist individuals with criminal records.
What are the Background Check Limits in Washington for Felon Hiring?
In Washington State, background checks for employment purposes are regulated by both state and federal laws. Employers are allowed to conduct background checks, but there are specific limits and guidelines, especially when it comes to hiring individuals with felony convictions. Here are the key points regarding background check limits for felon hiring in Washington:
1. Washington State Law: Fair Chance Employment
- Ban the Box: Washington State has implemented a “Ban the Box” law at the state level for most employers, which prohibits asking about criminal history on job applications. Employers can only inquire about criminal history after a conditional offer of employment is made.
- Applies to: Employers with more than 8 employees.
- Purpose: The goal is to allow applicants with criminal records to be considered based on their qualifications first, rather than being immediately disqualified due to their criminal history.
Exceptions: Certain industries are exempt from this law, including positions in law enforcement, security, and other roles where a background check is legally required (e.g., positions involving childcare, vulnerable adults, or financial services).
2. Time Limits on Criminal Records for Employment
- Felony Convictions: In Washington, felony convictions may remain on a criminal record indefinitely. However, there are limits on how far back an employer can consider an applicant’s criminal history in making hiring decisions.
- Time frame: Employers can consider felony convictions for up to 10 years after the date of conviction or release from prison. For certain cases, this may be reduced to 7 years, depending on the severity of the crime and whether the individual has had a clean record since.
- Recent Convictions: Employers may be more likely to consider convictions within the past 5 years, especially for serious offenses.
3. The Washington State Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Limitations on Use of Criminal Records: Under the FCRA, if an employer uses a third-party background check company to screen applicants, they are restricted in how they can use criminal records.
- Disclosure Requirements: Employers must inform applicants if a background check will be conducted and must get written consent.
- Adverse Action: If a criminal record is the reason for not hiring someone, the employer must provide a notice of adverse action, giving the applicant a chance to dispute any inaccuracies in the report.
4. Expungement and Record Sealing
- Expungement: Washington law allows for the expungement or sealing of certain criminal records, which may help individuals with felony convictions improve their chances of finding employment.
- Eligibility: Individuals convicted of certain crimes (such as drug offenses, non-violent crimes, or juvenile offenses) may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged after a set period, typically 5-10 years, depending on the offense.
- Effect on Hiring: Once a conviction is expunged or sealed, it no longer appears in background checks, and employers cannot consider it during the hiring process.
5. The Role of Employers in Consideration
- Individual Assessment: Employers in Washington must make an individualized assessment when considering a criminal record during the hiring process. This means that they are required to evaluate how the criminal history relates to the specific job duties and the time that has passed since the offense.
- Employer Policy: Some employers have “no felony” policies, while others are more open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds. Employers who are committed to second-chance hiring often consider factors such as the type of crime, the time since conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and the applicant’s qualifications.
6. Exemptions to Ban the Box
- Certain Industries: While “Ban the Box” applies broadly, certain positions still require background checks due to federal, state, or industry regulations. These include:
- Jobs in healthcare, particularly those involving vulnerable populations.
- Jobs in law enforcement and security.
- Positions involving financial services, such as banking and accounting.
- Jobs that require access to sensitive government or national security information.
7. Expedited Review for Job Applicants
- Fair Chance Hiring Programs: Some organizations and municipalities within Washington, such as Seattle and King County, have implemented “Fair Chance Hiring” programs that go beyond state law to support individuals with criminal records. These programs provide further protections for applicants with felonies and include support services to help them reenter the workforce.
Washington State offers various felon-friendly job opportunities, embracing second chance recruitment in industries like construction, healthcare, and technology. This provides individuals with criminal records a fresh start, allowing them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the workforce. By fostering a culture of rehabilitation and reintegration, 2and chance employment empowers individuals to thrive, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone deserves a chance to succeed.
