Individuals with criminal records often face significant challenges in obtaining employment, even after they have served their time and paid their debt to society. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records, fearing that they may pose a risk to the workplace or tarnish the company’s reputation. In Pennsylvania, there is a growing concern about the impact of this trend on individuals’ lives and the state’s economy, prompting questions about what companies are doing to address these challenges and offer opportunities to those who have been in the criminal justice system.
Overview of Pennsylvania’s laws on hiring individuals with criminal records
Pennsylvania has several laws governing the use of criminal records in hiring decisions. One of the most significant is the Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), which regulates how employers can use criminal records in hiring decisions, as well as when and how they can obtain them. CHRIA requires that employers obtain written consent from applicants before conducting a criminal background check, and it also prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their criminal history, except where their conviction is directly related to the job in question. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a "Ban the Box" law, which prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on job applications, although they can still inquire about it later in the hiring process.
Challenges faced by individuals with criminal records in gaining employment
Despite these legal protections, individuals with criminal records in Pennsylvania still face numerous challenges in obtaining employment. Many employers remain wary of hiring them, and some jobs are entirely off-limits to individuals with certain convictions, such as those involving violence or theft. Moreover, individuals with criminal records often have difficulty finding work that pays a decent wage or offers the opportunity for advancement, and they may face discrimination from co-workers or supervisors once they are hired.
Companies in Pennsylvania that have policies on hiring individuals with criminal records
Some companies in Pennsylvania have taken steps to address these challenges and offer employment opportunities to individuals with criminal records. For example, Giant Eagle, a regional grocery store chain, has a policy of considering applicants based on their qualifications and abilities rather than their criminal history, and they have hired many individuals with criminal records in various positions. Similarly, the Hershey Company, a major manufacturer of candy and snack foods, has a policy of giving applicants with criminal records a fair chance at employment, although they also take into account the nature and severity of the offense and how long ago it occurred.
Industries in Pennsylvania that offer employment opportunities to individuals with criminal records
Certain industries in Pennsylvania are more open to hiring individuals with criminal records than others. For example, the construction industry, where there is a significant demand for skilled labor, has been known to hire individuals with criminal records, provided that they have the necessary skills and training. Similarly, the hospitality industry, which includes restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that serve the public, may be more open to hiring individuals with criminal records, especially if they can demonstrate that they have been rehabilitated and are committed to staying on the right path.
Steps for individuals with criminal records to improve their chances of finding employment in Pennsylvania
Individuals with criminal records can take several steps to improve their chances of finding employment in Pennsylvania. One of the most important is to be honest about their past and forthcoming about their efforts to rebuild their lives. They can also seek out resources and support services, such as job training programs and reentry organizations, that can help them develop the skills and connections they need to succeed in the job market. Additionally, they can cultivate a positive attitude and demonstrate a strong work ethic, which can go a long way in building trust with potential employers.
Resources available for individuals with criminal records seeking employment in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a range of resources and support services for individuals with criminal records seeking employment, including job training programs, career counseling, and reentry services. For example, the PA CareerLink program provides job search assistance and training opportunities, as well as support for individuals with criminal records. Similarly, the Pennsylvania Jail Society offers a range of services, including job readiness training, mentoring, and employment placement services, to help individuals with criminal records successfully transition back into society.
Case studies of individuals with criminal records who have found employment in Pennsylvania
There are many examples of individuals with criminal records who have successfully found employment in Pennsylvania. For example, a man named James spent over two decades in jail for medicine-related offenses before participating in a reentry program and securing a job as a maintenance worker at a local hospital. Another man, named Frank, served 16 years in jail for a violent crime before participating in a job training program and securing work as a carpenter. Both men credit their success to their own hard work and determination, as well as the support they received from reentry organizations and their employers.
Benefits of hiring individuals with criminal records for companies in Pennsylvania
There are several benefits to hiring individuals with criminal records for companies in Pennsylvania. One of the most significant is the opportunity to tap into a skilled and motivated workforce that may be overlooked by other employers. Additionally, hiring individuals with criminal records can help companies meet their diversity and inclusion goals, as well as demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Moreover, studies have shown that individuals with criminal records who are given a second chance at employment are less likely to reoffend and more likely to become productive members of society.
Strategies for promoting fair hiring practices in Pennsylvania
To promote fair hiring practices in Pennsylvania, policymakers and advocates are calling for several reforms. One is to expand access to job training and education programs, particularly for individuals with criminal records, to help them acquire the skills and credentials they need to compete in the job market. Another is to incentivize employers to adopt fair hiring practices, such as tax breaks or other financial incentives, to encourage them to give individuals with criminal records a fair shot at employment. Finally, some advocates are calling for more extensive reforms to the criminal justice system itself, including reducing the number of offenses that disqualify individuals from certain jobs and increasing funding for reentry programs and other support services.
Conclusion: future outlook for employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records in Pennsylvania
Despite the challenges that individuals with criminal records face in obtaining employment, there is reason for optimism about the future. Pennsylvania has taken steps to protect the rights of individuals with criminal records and encourage fair hiring practices, and some companies have already demonstrated that it is possible to give people a second chance at success. Moreover, there is a growing awareness of the benefits of hiring individuals with criminal records, both for companies and for society as a whole. By working together to address the challenges and promote fair hiring practices, Pennsylvania can provide more opportunities for individuals with criminal records to rebuild their lives and contribute to the state’s economy.
References and further reading
- "Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA)." Pennsylvania State Police, 2021, https://www.psp.pa.gov/law-enforcement-services/Pages/Criminal-History-Record-Information.aspx.
- "Ban the Box." National Employment Law Project, 2021, https://www.nelp.org/publication/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/.
- "Giant Eagle’s Second Chance Hiring Policy." Giant Eagle, 2021, https://www.gianteagle.com/AboutUs/Our-Story/Second-Chance-Hiring/.
- "Hershey’s Second Chance Employment Policy." The Hershey Company, 2020, https://www.thehersheycompany.com/content/dam/corporate-us/documents/pdf/second-chance-employment-policy.pdf.
- "PA CareerLink." Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, 2021, https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/.
- "The Pennsylvania Jail Society." The Pennsylvania Jail Society, 2021, https://www.prisonsociety.org/.