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Finding jobs for felons in Cleveland, Ohio, isn’t as difficult as it can be in other states. That’s because the city has some really big companies that need to employ a lot of workers and that have been in business for a long time. This kind of job market works really well for someone with a criminal record.
We know that firsthand. Many of us here at Relaunch Pad have also done time, so we’re here to give you the best info possible about getting a job despite your record. Our staff have reached out to over 1,000 employers to ask them about their hiring policies for people with criminal backgrounds. You deserve to know!
We’ve put together an article that shows great companies to contact when you’re looking for jobs for felons in Cleveland.
Jobs that hire felons in Cleveland
Now for the fun part! You can search jobs that hire felons in Cleveland right now, using our search feature below. Pick your filters so you’re getting what you want, like part-time administrative work or manufacturing jobs. See what’s out there for you!
Top companies that hire felons in Cleveland
Cleveland companies serve the following sectors: hospitality, construction, manufacturing, health care, retail and more. It’s best to start with the largest employers first because they’re most likely to have openings. Even if it’s an industry that you’ve never worked in before, you might find an entry-level opportunity that matches your skills.
Entry-level jobs are a chance to make a start with a good company and show your strong work ethic. If the hiring manager has any doubts at all based on your criminal background, you’ll quickly prove that you were a good hire.
We’ve done the research and assembled the top companies that hire felons in Cleveland. If you want to jump ahead, click on the name of the company you’re most interested in. Otherwise, read on!
Applied Industrial Technologies
Remember, you’ll need to have a current resume ready. Updating your resume is an important step in applying for work. It helps potential employers know that you’ve got the skill set they’re looking for, so check out our resume guide for former offenders.
Novelis Aleris
Aleris is a manufacturing company that makes aluminum rolled products. If you pride yourself on being a hard worker and don’t mind shift work, manufacturing jobs can pay well.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Production Worker
- Operator
- Machine Operator
- Laborer
- Forklift Operator
American Greetings
How would you like to work for the world’s second-largest greeting card company? It feels good to be part of a well-established business that helps people connect with one another. American Greetings creates paper cards and electronic ones as well as party supplies — stuff that won’t go out of style any time soon!
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Stock Worker
- Power Truck Operator
- Peer Trainer
- Reset Assembler
- Order Filler
Applied Industrial Technologies
How about a job with a large firm that supplies industrial supplies to other companies? Applied Industrial Technologies distributes bearings, power transmission components and similar products. At their headquarters in Cleveland, they have a variety of positions to consider.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Warehouse Associate
- Customer Sales and Service Representative
- Collections Clerk
- Accounts Payable Processor
Cuyahoga County
Working for county government might be something that appeals to you. Public service jobs are usually pretty secure. Plus, there’s a variety of types of positions where you can build a long career with a local government employer.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Emergency 911 Operator
- General Labor and Maintenance
- Cleaner
- Animal Control Officer
- Office Assistant
Cavaliers Operating Company
How about working in the hospitality industry? Cavaliers has been in Cleveland since 1970, hosting sporting events and concerts. It has about 1,300 employees so they’re likely always hiring. It sounds fun to work where people come to be entertained!
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Retail Team Member
- Building Crew Member
- Warehouse Team Member
- Cleaner
Kroger
If a job in a grocery store interests you, check out Kroger. Serving busy shoppers is a nice way to be productive and feel part of your community. Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, recognized across the country.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Cashier
- Stocker
- Bagger
- Clerk
- Store Associate
Lincoln Electric
Does a position in manufacturing sound attractive? Lincoln Electric has been around for over 120 years, so they’re a solid business to consider. Basically, they make welding supplies and materials. They have a variety of entry-level jobs.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Customer Support Representative
- Customer Coordinator
- Material Handler
- Assembler
- Security Guard
Park-Ohio Holdings
Here’s another large manufacturing company in Cleveland to think about. Park-Ohio Holdings makes a range of different aluminum products and coatings used by the automotive, aerospace, agriculture, marine and agriculture sectors. With so many businesses relying on them, it can be a place to build a future.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Machine Operator
- Operator
- Press Operator
Big Bites
A great local restaurant, Big Bites should be on your list if you have service skills or are looking for work that includes tips and shifts.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Cashier
- Server
- Cook
- Prep Cook
Sherwin-Williams
With more than 42,000 employees, Sherwin-Williams is one of the largest employers in the city. Making paint and other coatings is big business! Therefore, this is a terrific place to start your career.
Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:
- Sales Associate
- Product Specialist
- Delivery Driver
Trucking jobs for felons in Cleveland
Do you love the open road and the feeling of independence you get from driving your own rig? Trucking can pay a good living wage. And, truck drivers are so in demand that some companies will even train you. As long as you don’t have recent driving convictions that would get in the way, you stand a good chance of being hired.
When it comes to trucking jobs for felons in Cleveland, here are our suggestions:
- American Freight
- B4 Logistics
- General Machinery Movers
- Jackson Express Services
- A&H Trucking
Warehouse jobs for felons in Cleveland
Warehouse work is usually busy and fast-paced. If you work hard and like learning on the job, you can pick up the skills that you need fairly quickly. This is a great way for former felons to prove they’re an asset to the company. We’ve already covered a few businesses that have warehouse jobs for felons in Cleveland — Applied Industrial Technologies and Cavaliers Operating Company.
Here are some other places to apply:
- Midwest Global Distribution
- Cleveland Industrial Warehouse
- Crown Warehousing and Logistics
- National Commercial Warehouse
- Amazon Distribution Center
Temp agency jobs for felons in Cleveland
One good option to get your foot in the door is to go through a staffing agency. You can try out different temp agency jobs for felons in Cleveland until you find a company you’d like to stay with. If your new boss likes your work, they might encourage you to apply for a permanent job. When you’ve got a criminal record, a good reference from someone within the company goes a long way!
To find a good employment agency jobs for felons in Cleveland, check these out:
- Hospitality Staffing Solutions
- Employment Connection
- Personnel Plus Cleveland
- Minute Men Staffing
- Express Employment
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Cleveland
Good news! The state of Ohio passed a Ban the Box law in 2016 for private employers. This means companies aren’t allowed to ask job applicants if they have a criminal record so you’ll be judged first on your job skills and experience before they find out if you have ever been convicted of an offense.
There are some helpful second chance and job training programs for felons in Cleveland. These will assist you to find work, secure a place to live and help you in other ways too.
Resources for former felons in Cleveland:
- Breakaway Outreach
- Mission: Our mission is to empower the lives of youth and children through communities of faith, hope, and love. Fostering local, regional, and global partnerships, we envision entire communities being impacted by life transformation and social resilience.
- Services offered: Family, Spiritual Services
- Center For Employment Opportunities (CEO)
- Mission: CEO offers individuals just coming home from prison the ongoing support necessary to build career capital and financial stability. We believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to work toward a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
- Services offered: Employment
- Volunteers of America – Ohio and Indiana
- Mission: Our programs serve formerly incarcerated individuals, some of whom are eligible for early release from prison due to judicial release, and/or have substance abuse issues in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Evansville, Indianapolis, Mansfield and Toledo areas.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Medical, Mental Health
- Fortaleza Reentry
- Mission To treat individuals, families and communities with respect and dignity. To provide quality services, expertise and support in both English and Spanish. To help our clients reach their full potential as individuals, family members and productive members of the community.
- Services offered: Education
