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Finding a job with a criminal record is no easy task. To help move the process along, we have compiled this document to help you find jobs for felons in Lexington, Kentucky. The information featured below has been tailored to highlight companies that are open to working with people who have complicated backgrounds.
According to recent census data, there are just under 30,000 businesses in the Lexington-Fayette county area, which means there should be plenty of employment opportunities for those who know where to look.
At Relaunch Pad, we have personally reached out to over 1,000 companies to get direct answers on how they approach hiring former felons. This information makes it much easier to see where you stand with some of the nation’s largest employers. Additionally, our staff — many of whom have first-hand dealings with the criminal justice system — provide insights into how to get hired at these companies. We know the struggle, and are happy to help make things easier with resources like the one in front of you right now. Read on for some help finding jobs!
Jobs that hire felons in Lexington
Below you will find a search feature, along with a sampling of jobs that hire felons in Lexington, Kentucky.
Top companies that hire felons in Lexington
Besides the general difficulties of finding a job with a felony on your record, it’s also just hard to know where to start looking. Do you search by industry? Do you apply everywhere you can and hope for the best? What about the resume?
While these strategies may or may not work, it definitely helps to have a comprehensive resource at your fingertips. Below, we have highlighted ten of the most promising hiring opportunities in the Lexington area. The businesses that have made their way onto this list did so either by making public statements about their commitment to diverse hiring practices or simply by existing in an industry that often needs new help. Below, you will find ten companies that hire felons in Lexington.
Hart’s Drycleaning and Laundry
Link-Belt Construction Equipment
Pies and Pints
A great local production facility serving tons of pies and other goodies to the area, Pies&Pints often has positions available for people ready to start work right away. Having some service experience on your resume will be helpful, but prove you’ve got a great attitude and they’ll be more willing to overlook some gaps in your skills.
Typical entry-level jobs here:
- Team Member
- Server
- Host
- Cook
Kroger
Kroger is a large grocery store chain that serves as a great opportunity to find entry-level work. They have a major presence in Lexington, and are, in fact, one of the largest job providers in the area.
Here are a few entry-level positions you may come across at Kroger.
- Cashier
- Shelf Stocker
- Warehouse
- Custodian
Kentucky Branded
A wonderful local retail option, Kentucky Branded fits a special niche for those interested at “the pride of Kentucky.” From cutesy merch to gift baskets and bourbon, there are a number of interestingn Kentucky-focused items.
Here are some jobs you might find at this super employer:
- Sales Associate
- Shelf Stocker
- Cashier
- Maintenance
University of Kentucky
As is true of most universities, the U of K features many thousands of jobs—quite a few of which are available at the entry-level. You definitely don’t have to have a Ph.D. to work at a university!
These are the jobs that are most easily accessible when you have a record:
- Cashier
- Janitor
- Office Worker
- Receptionist
Xerox
Xerox is a major employer in the Lexington area. Not only do they have a ton of entry-level jobs to offer, but they also have a well-documented history of being receptive to candidates with criminal records.
Here are a few jobs you might come across at Xerox:
- Customer Support Representative
- Mail Handler
- Data Entry Clerk
- Janitor
Hart’s Drycleaning and Laundry
A popular drycleaner, you’ve perhaps seen one of the Hart’s Drycleaning and Laundry locations here in Lexington. Working here can have its perks for laundry day, for sure, and has a variety of shifts available. See what you can learn about running a drycleaner or laundromat here!
Some roles to consider for day one:
- Cashier
- Washer
- Tailor
- Machine Operator
- Dry Cleaner
Spectrum
If you’ve got some technical skills, why not out them to use at a communications company? Spectrum hooks Lexington up with internet and other services and are a fair-sized local employer. They might be the right fit for you!
Local job options:
- Installation Technician
- Account Planner
- Sales Representative
- Manager
Junk Removal Service KY
Junk Removal Service KY is a multi-service waste management company. They offer services for removing green refuse, dumpster overflow, commercial trash, and residential garbage. They’re busy because they handle Lexington and the surrounding area, so if you’re not shy about manual labor and getting a little dirty, take a moment to apply to this company!
Easiest jobs to apply to here:
- Junk Removal
- Truck Driver
- Customer Service
- Disposal
Valvoline
Valvoline is an automotive service business that provides many jobs to the Lexington Kentucky area. If you’re interested in finding entry-level work, Valvoline may be a great opportunity.
Some automotive industry roles for you:
- Auto Technician
- Product Support Agent
- Customer Service Representative
- Laborer
Link-Belt Construction Equipment
Link-Belt Construction Equipment is a company that manufactures and sells heavy-duty construction equipment. They provide hundreds of jobs in the Lexington area.
Here are a few positions you might encounter:
- Crane Assembly
- Janitorial Work
- Shift Coordinator
- Laborer
Trucking jobs for felons in Lexington
Trucking jobs offer great opportunities for people with criminal records for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the pay is very competitive, especially when compared to other types of entry-level work. The hiring qualifications may also be a little looser than those of other industries.
Though some criminal backgrounds may eliminate you as a candidate from a trucking position (particularly vehicular or theft-related charges) the work itself is largely solitary. Because of this, the hiring parties may be less concerned with violent or sexual crimes than say, companies that operate within the customer service industry.
If you’re looking for trucking jobs for felons in Lexington, here are a few great places to consider:
- Suncoast Drivers
- Walmart
- Pegasus Transportation
- First Fleet Inc
Warehouse jobs for felons in Lexington
Warehouse jobs benefit from many of the same qualities that jobs in the trucking industry enjoy. Though the work is not solitary, it’s usually not dependent on customer service, which means hiring managers might be less worried about candidates with violent or sexual crimes on their record.
The pay is also often above minimum wage which may make it easier to establish yourself. Finally, candidates that don’t have much experience may still have a relatively easy time getting warehouse jobs. Though the work is often physically demanding, it can nevertheless be learned quickly. As a result, warehouse jobs are often a good place for people with limited resumes to find work.
These are the top warehouse jobs for felons in Lexington:
Temp agency jobs for felons in Lexington
Employment agency jobs for felons in Lexington and temp agencies often serve as good opportunities for former felons because they may be able to match you with positions that are suitable for your background. Temp agencies do a lot of the leg work that goes into job hunting for you, which naturally simplifies the process.
Below you will find the top temp agency jobs for felons in Lexington:
- People plus
- Precision Staffing
- Aerotek
- Adecco Staffing
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Lexington
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Lexington are kind of the jackpot. Because these organizations operate with the specific purpose of connecting former offenders with jobs, they represent an excellent opportunity to find employment.
It is also worth mentioning that Kentucky is a Ban the Box state when it comes to government applications. This means that if you apply for a job with the state, you will not have to disclose your criminal background on the application.
While these opportunities are sometimes few and far between, there are some programs available in Lexington that are worth taking note of.
- Kentucky Reentry
- Mission: Kentucky Reentry is dedicated to helping the justice-involved population. We strive to help these individuals reintegrate into our local communities by promoting successful reentry through advocacy, economic support and local resources.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Family, Housing
- KentuckianaWorks Reentry By Design
- Mission: Engaging employers, educators, and job seekers with resources to build a stronger community through the dignity of work.
- Servicesoffered: Employment
- Kentucky Reentry
- Mission: Is dedicated to helping the justice-involved population. We strive to help these individuals reintegrate into our local communities by promoting successful reentry through advocacy, economic support and local resources.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Family, Housing
- Mountain Comprehensive Care Center
- Mission: The Changes Center is used for MCCC community programs, including the Johnson County Community of Hope (JCCOH), and the Responsible Fatherhood Opportunities for Reentry and Mobility (ReFORM) program.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Family, Housing, Mental Health
