Felony Friendly Jobs in Portland, OR

Best Industries in Portland for People With Records

• ✓Technology
• ✓Manufacturing
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Construction
• ✓Food & beverage

Staffing Agencies in Portland That Work With People With Records

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

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

Oregon Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Portland

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 Portland

• Multnomah County Reentry Council
• Sponsors Inc.
• Central City Concern
• Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette
• Oregon Department of Employment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Portland?

Portland has strong opportunities in manufacturing, construction, food and beverage (Oregon has a thriving craft food and beverage scene), logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), and food service. The technology sector also has some support and warehouse roles that are accessible.

Does Portland have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. Oregon has a statewide ban-the-box law (2016) that applies to employers with 6 or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications or before an interview. Oregon also prohibits employers from considering expunged records.

What is the minimum wage in Portland?

The Portland metro area minimum wage is $15.95 per hour, higher than the standard Oregon state minimum of $14.70. This applies to the Portland metro area including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.

What reentry resources are available in Portland?

Portland has several strong reentry organizations. Central City Concern provides comprehensive services including housing, employment, and treatment. Sponsors Inc. is a well-known Oregon reentry organization. The Multnomah County Reentry Council coordinates services across the region. Goodwill Industries also provides employment assistance.