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Finding a job with a felony on your record is a challenge that many millions of Americans are all too familiar with. We have compiled this document to help you find jobs for felons in Washington, District of Columbia. Our nation’s capital is currently home to just under 700,000 and, according to the census bureau, has more than half a million jobs.
While this sounds like plenty of opportunity, it can also be difficult to navigate. We have reached out to over 1,000 employers, both big and small, to ask them about their hiring process for former felons and make the search a little easier for you.
We also come from a position of understanding. Many writers and researchers on our staff have had to seek employment with a complicated record. We know your struggle and want to help!
Jobs that hire felons in Washington
The search below, along with the listings are here to help you navigate the employment opportunities in Washington. You may use the tool below to narrow your search for jobs that hire felons in Washington by categories like job type or industry.
Top companies that hire felons in Washington
Entry level positions are often the best opportunity for former offenders to find work. The jobs assembled below have all been listed specifically because they offer work that may be a good fit for people with an offense on their record. Read on for some companies that hire felons in Washington!
Before you dive in though, it may be a good idea to make sure that your resume is in tip top shape. Done? Alright, read on!
Red Coats
A full-service janitorial firm providing certified green cleaning, this company offers a lot of work opportunities for people okay with manual labor. The structure and dedication to their clients will help you with your back-to-work transition.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- General Cleaner
- Maintenance Porter
- Administration
- Accounts Manager
US Department of Commerce
The United States Department of Commerce sounds like a boring department that is filled with stuffy, complicated jobs. And it is. But as a DC area employer that staffs more than 10,000 people, there is a lot more happening there than one might at first assume.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Custodian
- Groundskeeper
- Administrative assistant
- Food service
Colonial Parking
Large parking garages often need attendants. Coonial Parking is no different! Considering the hours, you might be able to have a more flexible schedule by working here.
- Valet
- Attendant
- Telecommute Customer Care Associate
- Parking Associate
Giant Food
Giant Food is a large chain of grocery stores operating in the DC area. Like most grocery stores, they provide a wide range of different entry-level jobs. Whether you are good with people, or great with your hands, there should be something at this business that suits your skill set.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Shelf stocker
- Clerk
- Warehouse
- Customer support
Marshalls
There are a lot of retail opportunities to choose from in Washington, so take a chance at a company that has multiple locations and an open-minded hiring policy.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Cashier
- Stocker
- Maintenance
- Custodial
Verizon
Verizon is a leading communications company that has a large presence in the Washington area. Here are some entry-level positions you may find at Verizon.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Customer service
- Sales representative
- Clerk
- Sales associate
DP Auto Service
A great local auto detailer, DP Auto Service is an excellent choice for the trained mechanic or motivated worker. They’ve got a great location as well so even if you don’t have your own transportation, you should have no trouble making your shifts work.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Mechanic
- Detailer
- Administration
- Laborer
USPS
The United States Postal Service is (naturally) a constant presence everywhere in the United States. Not only do they feature jobs with steady hours and above average pay, but the organization has also made a public commitment to hiring people with convictions on their record.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Delivery Person
- Mail sorter
- Clerk
- Customer service representative
Flagship Carwash
You don’t need a car to wash one, but what a bonus to you if you can also keep your own ride clean and shiny by working at Flagship Carwash. This company has multiple locations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia so you know the business is established.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Detailer
- Attendant
- Operator
- Maintenance
The Big Stick Brats and Brew
We’d be remiss not to include The Big Stick. Known locally for its delicious food and beverages, as well as its interesting decor, this restaurant is a great spot to look for employment.
Some great entry-level positions are:
- Server
- Cook
- Maintenance
- Dishwasher
Trucking jobs for felons in Washington
The trucking industry is well known for being a great opportunity for former offenders. Not only do trucking jobs for felons in Washington typically feature high pay, but the hours are also usually steady.
- Western Express
- Topsoils Northwest Inc.
- AmeriGas Propane
- Walmart
Warehouse jobs for felons in Washington
Warehouse jobs are kind of similar to trucking positions in that the pay is high and the hours are usually good. If you are hoping to find some warehouse jobs for felons in Washington, you are in luck because there are a number to choose from.
- Amazon
- Costco
- Curative Inc.
- Gridiron
Temp agency jobs for felons in Washington
Sometimes temporary jobs are exactly what the doctor ordered. If you find yourself needing something a little more short term, you will be happy to hear that there are plenty of employment agency jobs for felons in Washington.
Here are the top temp agency jobs for felons in Washington.
- Sparks Group
- Randstad
- Robert Half
- Palmer Staffing
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Washington
Washington does have Ban the Box laws in place. This means employers will not be able to ask you about your criminal history on their job applications. Ban the Box Laws are very helpful for former offenders that are looking for work.
Below you will find some additional second chance and job training programs for felons in Washington that will hopefully make finding work and acclimating to life outside of prison a little easier.
- Catholic Charities – Archdiocese of Washington
- Mission: Our goal is to help prevent returning citizens from falling back to previous mistakes by helping them find and follow a path to a new career. We do this by creating a support network centered around volunteer mentors who work closely with returning citizens. Together, we help overcome big and small obstacle on route to finding a job, a safe place to live, and a community of support.
- Services offered: Spiritual Services
- District of Columbia Department of Corrections
- Mission: The mission of the DOC is to ensure public safety for citizens of the District by providing an orderly, safe, secure and humane environment for the confinement of pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates, while providing meaningful opportunities for community reintegration.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Employment, Family, Food, Housing, Legal, Medical, Mental Health
- DC Central Kitchen
- Mission: DC Central Kitchen’s mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.
- Services offered: Education, Employment
- MBI Returning Citizens Division
- Mission: The Returning Citizens Program is designed to be a one-Stop Solution for those released from incarceration wanting to be fully and successfully reintegrated into society. The RC Program provides services such as: Pre and Post release services.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Employment, Family, Housing, Legal, Medical
