Felon Friendly Jobs West Virginia | Second Chance
In West Virginia, individuals with felony convictions have access to second chance employment opportunities. According to the West Virginia Division of Corrections, approximately 75% of employers are willing to hire individuals with criminal records. Felon-friendly jobs in West Virginia include construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, with 30% of construction jobs, 25% of manufacturing jobs, and 20% of hospitality jobs held by individuals with felony convictions. Through 2and Chance employment programs, West Virginia has successfully placed over 1,000 individuals with felony convictions in jobs, with a recidivism rate of only 10%.
Latest Second chance Jobs in West Virginia
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 West Virginia That Require No Experience?
Several felon-friendly job opportunities in West Virginia require little to no experience. These positions offer a chance for individuals with a criminal record to rebuild their careers. Here are some examples:
Construction Laborer
Construction laborers help with building projects by performing tasks such as digging, carrying materials, setting up scaffolding, and cleaning job sites. These positions often require little to no prior experience, and training is usually provided on-site. Employers value physical stamina, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions over past criminal convictions.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers manage tasks like sorting, packing, organizing, and shipping products. This job doesn’t typically require prior experience, and companies often provide on-the-job training. Attention to detail, ability to follow directions, and physical stamina are essential qualities employers look for. Many warehouses focus more on work ethic than background checks.
Food Service Worker
Food service jobs, such as dishwasher, cook, or server, require minimal experience and can be learned quickly. Dishwashers clean dishes, cooks prepare food, and servers interact with customers. Employers in this sector tend to prioritize customer service, a strong work ethic, and teamwork over a criminal record, making these positions accessible to those with past convictions.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
Landscaping involves maintaining outdoor areas, including mowing lawns, planting, trimming, and overall upkeep of grounds. It’s a hands-on job that doesn’t require prior experience, and on-the-job training is common. Many landscaping companies hire individuals with criminal backgrounds because the work is physical and often done in isolation, focusing on the tasks at hand.
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers transport goods from one location to another. The job typically requires a clean driving record, but little experience is necessary. Many local businesses or courier services hire drivers based on their reliability and ability to handle the demands of the job. A criminal background may not be a barrier unless it involves driving-related offenses.
Custodian or Janitor
Custodians maintain the cleanliness of buildings, which includes tasks like cleaning restrooms, mopping floors, and emptying trash. This job typically requires no prior experience, and most employers provide basic training. Employers value dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Many janitorial services are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
Retail Associate
Retail positions, such as cashier, stock clerk, or sales associate, involve interacting with customers, restocking shelves, and handling transactions. These roles usually don’t require experience, and employers offer on-the-job training. While some retailers may conduct background checks, many local stores focus more on customer service skills, attitude, and reliability.
Maintenance Worker
Maintenance workers perform basic repairs, upkeep, and improvements to buildings or facilities. This might involve fixing plumbing, painting, or performing general repairs. These jobs usually don’t require specific experience, though a willingness to learn and an eye for detail are important. Many employers hire based on attitude and reliability rather than a criminal history.
Security Guard
Security guards are responsible for monitoring and protecting properties or facilities from theft, vandalism, and other threats. These positions often require little prior experience, though some roles may require a security license. The focus is usually on being alert, following procedures, and reporting incidents. Some employers are more lenient about criminal backgrounds, particularly for entry-level positions with less responsibility.
Car Wash Attendant
Car wash attendants are responsible for washing, waxing, and detailing vehicles. The job doesn’t require previous experience, and training is typically provided. The work involves physical labor and attention to detail. Car washes, especially local ones, often hire people based on their ability to perform the tasks and their work ethic rather than focusing on past offenses.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in West Virginia
Here are some part-time felon-friendly job options in West Virginia that are ideal for those looking for flexible work opportunities:
| Job Title | Job Overview | Why It’s Felon-Friendly | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|
| Retail Associate | Help with customer service, stocking shelves, and handling transactions. | Focus on customer service and work ethic, often hiring felons. | $9 – $15 per hour |
| Food Delivery Driver | Deliver food orders for platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, or local restaurants. | Focus on driving record and reliability rather than criminal background. | $10 – $20 per hour (varies by tips) |
| Warehouse Associate | Pack, sort, and organize products for shipment. | Employers focus on physical ability and reliability. | $10 – $16 per hour |
| Cleaning/Janitorial | Clean offices, schools, or businesses, usually in the evenings or weekends. | Cleaning jobs typically do not require background checks and focus on efficiency. | $9 – $14 per hour |
| Customer Service Rep (Remote) | Handle customer inquiries and complaints via phone or online chat. | Remote jobs prioritize communication skills, often ignoring criminal history. | $10 – $18 per hour |
| Landscaping/Lawn Care | Mow lawns, trim hedges, and maintain outdoor spaces, typically part-time. | Employers focus on physical ability and dependability rather than background checks. | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Delivery/Packing at Local Stores | Deliver products locally or help pack orders at local stores. | Local businesses focus on reliability, especially for part-time positions. | $10 – $14 per hour |
| Event Staff | Assist with setup, ticket sales, and cleanup at events such as concerts and festivals. | Event staffing companies often hire based on work ethic and attitude, rather than criminal history. | $9 – $15 per hour |
| Pet Care/Dog Walker | Walk dogs or provide pet-sitting services. | Pet care positions rely on trustworthiness and a love for animals, without requiring background checks. | $10 – $18 per hour |
| Grocery Store Stocker | Restock shelves, organize products, and maintain store cleanliness. | Grocery stores prioritize task completion and reliability over criminal records. | $9 – $14 per hour |
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in West Virginia
Here’s a list of companies in West Virginia that are known to hire individuals with felony convictions. These companies often have policies that focus on qualifications, skills, and work ethic rather than past criminal histories:
1. McDonald’s
- Industry: Fast Food / Restaurant
- Job Opportunities: Crew member, cook, cashier, shift supervisor
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: McDonald’s has a history of hiring individuals with criminal records, particularly for entry-level and management positions. They prioritize customer service skills and a positive attitude.
2. Walmart
- Industry: Retail
- Job Opportunities: Sales associate, cashier, stocker, warehouse worker, department manager
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Walmart is known for giving second chances to those with criminal backgrounds, particularly for positions in stores and warehouses. They focus on reliability, customer service, and a strong work ethic.
3. Amazon
- Industry: E-Commerce / Logistics
- Job Opportunities: Warehouse associate, delivery driver, customer service representative
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Amazon’s hiring policy is generally inclusive, with many warehouse and logistics roles available to those with criminal convictions. The company values performance and dependability.
4. Home Depot
- Industry: Retail / Home Improvement
- Job Opportunities: Sales associate, cashier, delivery driver, warehouse worker
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Home Depot hires individuals with felony records for a variety of positions, particularly in retail, customer service, and warehouse roles. They focus on skills and work ethic over background history.
5. UPS
- Industry: Package Delivery / Logistics
- Job Opportunities: Delivery driver, package handler, warehouse associate
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: UPS has a record of hiring individuals with felony convictions for positions such as package handlers and drivers. The company values physical ability, reliability, and punctuality.
6. Goodwill Industries
- Industry: Nonprofit / Retail
- Job Opportunities: Retail associate, donation processor, cashier, stock clerk
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Goodwill is a major employer of individuals with criminal records, offering opportunities for retail and warehouse positions. They are committed to second-chance employment and providing support for reintegration.
7. Labor Finders
- Industry: Staffing / Temporary Labor
- Job Opportunities: Construction worker, laborer, warehouse worker, general labor
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Labor Finders connects workers with temporary jobs in construction, warehouses, and manufacturing, often hiring individuals with criminal records for short-term and long-term positions.
8. Waste Management
- Industry: Waste Disposal / Environmental Services
- Job Opportunities: Driver, laborer, recycling coordinator
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Waste Management has a history of hiring felons, particularly for labor and driving positions. They focus on a candidate’s ability to perform the job, rather than their criminal past.
9. YRC Worldwide
- Industry: Freight and Logistics
- Job Opportunities: Truck driver, freight handler, warehouse worker
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: YRC Worldwide, a transportation and logistics company, is known to hire individuals with felony convictions, especially in truck driving and warehouse operations. A clean driving record is essential for driving positions.
10. Starbucks
- Industry: Coffee / Retail
- Job Opportunities: Barista, shift supervisor, store manager
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Starbucks has a second-chance employment policy and hires individuals with criminal records for various roles. They focus on customer service skills, a positive attitude, and reliability.
11. CVS Health
- Industry: Healthcare / Retail
- Job Opportunities: Pharmacy technician, cashier, store associate, delivery driver
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: CVS has made efforts to hire individuals with criminal records, particularly in customer-facing roles. They focus on the ability to provide excellent customer service and a willingness to work hard.
12. Sears
- Industry: Retail
- Job Opportunities: Sales associate, cashier, stock clerk, repair technician
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Sears has been known to hire people with felony convictions for roles in retail and repair services. They focus on skill sets and dedication rather than past criminal history.
13. DHL
- Industry: Logistics / Shipping
- Job Opportunities: Warehouse worker, delivery driver, logistics coordinator
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: DHL is a global logistics company with opportunities in warehouse and delivery roles. They are generally open to hiring those with criminal backgrounds, especially if they have experience in the field.
14. Penske Logistics
- Industry: Logistics / Transportation
- Job Opportunities: Truck driver, warehouse associate, supply chain coordinator
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Penske is known for hiring felons, particularly in logistics and driving roles. They value reliability, safety, and performance in their hiring decisions.
15. Popeyes
- Industry: Fast Food / Restaurant
- Job Opportunities: Cook, cashier, team member
- Why They’re Felon-Friendly: Like many fast-food chains, Popeyes is known to hire individuals with criminal records for entry-level and management positions. They focus on providing opportunities for career growth.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in West Virginia
| Job Title | Job Overview | Why It’s Felon-Friendly | Average Annual Salary |
|---|
| Construction Manager | Oversees construction projects, including planning, budgeting, and managing teams. | Many construction companies are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds based on skills and experience. | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Truck Driver | Drives long-haul or local routes to deliver goods. Requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL). | Trucking companies focus more on a clean driving record and dependability than past convictions. | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Electrician | Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. | Trades like electrical work are often open to hiring felons based on experience and skills. | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Plumber | Installs and repairs pipes and plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. | Plumbing offers high-paying opportunities and often hires based on skill and reliability, not criminal history. | $40,000 – $65,000 |
| HVAC Technician | Installs and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. | HVAC jobs often hire based on training and skills, with a focus on practical experience rather than criminal records. | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Welders | Join metal parts using welding techniques in industries such as construction and manufacturing. | Welding jobs are often available to those with criminal records, especially with certification or experience. | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Sales Representative | Sells products or services to businesses or consumers, often on a commission basis. | Sales positions focus more on communication skills and results than on background checks. | $30,000 – $60,000 (base salary + commissions) |
| Maintenance Supervisor | Oversees maintenance operations for buildings, factories, or facilities, ensuring everything is in working order. | Supervisory positions in maintenance often focus on experience and leadership skills rather than a criminal record. | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Operates machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators on construction sites. | Many construction companies are willing to overlook a criminal record for experienced operators of heavy machinery. | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Farm Manager | Oversees daily operations on a farm, including managing staff, equipment, and resources. | Farm management positions often value practical experience over background checks, especially in rural areas. | $40,000 – $50,000 |
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the typical background check for employment purposes generally goes back seven years. This is in line with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which limits the reporting of criminal convictions to the past seven years for most employers.
However, there are some important considerations:
- Felony Convictions: In West Virginia, felony convictions can show up on background checks indefinitely. Employers may be able to view records that go further back than seven years if the conviction is still considered relevant.
- Exceptions for Certain Jobs: For specific positions, such as those in law enforcement, financial services, or healthcare, background checks may include a longer history, sometimes going back to the individual’s entire criminal record.
- Expungement: If a criminal record has been expunged, it may not appear on a background check, depending on the type of expungement. However, not all offenses are eligible for expungement, and employers may still see certain convictions in some cases.
Conclusion
West Virginia offers a wide range of felon-friendly jobs across various industries, giving individuals with criminal backgrounds a second chance to rebuild their careers. From positions in retail and construction to opportunities in logistics and healthcare, many employers in the state prioritize skills, work ethic, and reliability over past convictions. By focusing on qualifications and offering a growth path, these employers not only provide essential opportunities but also contribute to the overall economic development of the region. With determination and the right resources, felons in West Virginia can successfully re-enter the workforce, find stable employment, and work towards a brighter future.
