Felony Friendly Jobs in Washington, DC

Best Industries in Washington for People With Records

• ✓Government & contracting
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Hospitality
• ✓Logistics
• ✓Construction

Staffing Agencies in Washington That Work With People With Records

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

• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Express Employment Professionals
• Robert Half

District of Columbia Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Washington

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 Washington

• DC Department of Employment Services (DOES)
• Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA)
• Jubilee Jobs
• Project Empowerment
• Goodwill of Greater Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Washington, DC?

DC offers opportunities in hospitality (hotels, restaurants, event venues), healthcare support, construction, food service, and logistics. While direct federal government jobs have strict requirements, government contractors need workers for facilities, food service, and maintenance. The city's tourism industry provides year-round hospitality jobs.

Does Washington, DC have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. DC has the Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act (2014), one of the strongest in the nation. All employers with 11 or more employees cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. Inquiries are delayed until after a conditional offer. The DC Office of Human Rights enforces the law.

What is the minimum wage in Washington, DC?

DC's minimum wage is $17.50 per hour, one of the highest in the country. Tipped workers receive a lower base rate. The high minimum wage means even entry-level food service and retail jobs provide more livable wages.

Can people with records work for the federal government?

Most federal positions require background investigations, and felony convictions can be disqualifying depending on the position and the nature of the offense. However, some federal agencies do consider applicants with records on a case-by-case basis, especially for positions that do not require security clearance. The Federal Interagency Reentry Council encourages fair chance practices.