Felony Friendly Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Best Industries in Philadelphia for People With Records

• ✓Healthcare & pharmaceuticals
• ✓Logistics & distribution
• ✓Education
• ✓Food service
• ✓Manufacturing

Staffing Agencies in Philadelphia That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Philadelphia metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Express Employment Professionals
• Randstad

Pennsylvania Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Philadelphia

1. 1.Start with staffing agencies. Temp agencies are often the fastest way to get working. They have relationships with employers who are willing to hire people with records, and a temp-to-hire position can become a permanent job.
2. 2.Apply to multiple places at once. Do not wait for one application to come back before applying to the next. Apply to 5-10 places in the same week. The more applications you send, the better your chances.
3. 3.Be honest about your record. If asked, be upfront. Lying about your criminal history is grounds for immediate termination if discovered later. Briefly acknowledge what happened, explain what you have learned, and focus on what you bring to the job.
4. 4.Focus on industries with high demand. Warehouse, logistics, construction, and food service jobs tend to be the most accessible for people with records because these industries have chronic worker shortages.
5. 5.Use local reentry programs. Organizations like Goodwill, workforce development centers, and reentry coalitions can connect you with employers who actively hire people with records. They often know about job openings before they are publicly posted.
6. 6.Know your rights. Under the EEOC guidelines, employers must use individualized assessment — they cannot have a blanket ban on hiring people with records. Under the FCRA, you have the right to see and dispute your background check. If you are in a ban-the-box state or city, employers cannot ask about your record until later in the hiring process.

Reentry Employment Programs in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia Reentry Coalition
• JEVS Human Services
• Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ and Philadelphia
• PA CareerLink
• The Center for Returning Citizens

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's best opportunities for people with records are in logistics and warehousing (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), food service, healthcare support roles (non-clinical), and manufacturing. Aramark, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a major food and facility services employer that is familiar with justice-involved populations.

Does Philadelphia have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. Philadelphia has one of the strongest fair chance hiring laws in the country. The Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards ordinance applies to all private employers with one or more employees and prohibits criminal history questions until after a conditional job offer. Employers must conduct individualized assessment.

What staffing agencies in Philadelphia hire felons?

Major staffing agencies in Philadelphia that work with people with records include Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, Express Employment Professionals, and Randstad. JEVS Human Services is also a local organization that provides direct job placement assistance for people with records.

What reentry resources are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a robust reentry infrastructure. The Philadelphia Reentry Coalition coordinates services across the city. JEVS Human Services provides job training and placement. The Center for Returning Citizens offers mentorship and support. PA CareerLink provides statewide employment services.