Quick Answer

Yes, many local Goodwill organizations hire people with felonies. Goodwill is a large nonprofit network whose mission centers on helping people build skills and find work, including people facing barriers to employment such as criminal records. Store associate, donation attendant, and production worker positions are common entry points, with pay that depends on location, and are open to people with diverse backgrounds.

Goodwill's purpose is to help people move forward through meaningful work. Some local Goodwills work with reentry programs, community service providers, and workforce development agencies to help people returning from incarceration find stable employment.

Goodwill considers honesty, work ethic, and willingness to learn alongside your background. If you have a felony conviction and want steady work that can lead to career growth, Goodwill is worth a close look.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Goodwill Industries

3. Does Goodwill Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Goodwill

5. Background Check Process

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

9. Final Thoughts

About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill is a network of about 150 independent, local nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada, operating nearly 3,400 stores along with donation centers and job training programs. Each local Goodwill operates independently, but all share Goodwill's mission to provide people with "the support needed to empower themselves and thrive through education, development and employment."

Goodwill provides employment and training opportunities to people facing barriers such as disabilities, limited work history, homelessness, or criminal convictions. Through the sale of donated goods, Goodwill funds workforce programs, job placement services, and community reintegration support.

For people with felonies, Goodwill can be a supportive place to start. Some local Goodwills run reentry programs or work with correctional facilities and probation offices to create transitional employment opportunities.

Goodwill's job training and employment services are designed to help people reenter the workforce, gain skills, and move toward self-sufficiency.

Positions at Goodwill range from retail and donation work to warehouse production, transportation, administration, and even program management. This wide variety of roles provides pathways for people with different skills and experiences to build sustainable careers.

Does Goodwill Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Many local Goodwill organizations hire people with felony convictions, and helping people overcome barriers to employment is part of Goodwill's core mission.

In practice, each local Goodwill makes its own hiring decisions. Records are reviewed case by case, weighing factors such as the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, the job, and the applicant's readiness to work.

Key Factors Goodwill Considers

• Type of conviction: Convictions directly related to the duties of the job matter most (for example, recent theft convictions may affect cash-handling roles).

• Time since conviction: Older convictions generally carry less weight than recent ones.

• Rehabilitation efforts: Completion of treatment, education, or community programs demonstrates progress and responsibility.

• Honesty: Being truthful about your background is essential. Goodwill values transparency over perfection.

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Inclusivity in Practice

Local Goodwills review records case by case, and their goal is to provide a bridge back into stable employment.

Some locations coordinate with local reentry programs, halfway houses, and workforce boards to support new hires transitioning back to community life.

Employees can advance to supervisory and management positions after proving their reliability. Advancement is based on performance.

Available Jobs at Goodwill

Goodwill offers a wide variety of accessible, entry-level jobs suitable for people with different skills and backgrounds. Most positions emphasize teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn rather than formal credentials.

Store Associate

(Pay varies by location; check the posting)

Assist customers, operate registers, maintain store, provide service. Accessible retail work.

Donation Attendant

(Pay varies by location; check the posting)

Receive donations, provide receipts, sort items, assist donors. Very accessible position.

Production Associate

(Pay varies by location; check the posting)

Sort donated goods, prepare items for sale, organize inventory. Behind-the-scenes work.

Job Coach/Program Staff

(Pay varies by location; check the posting)

Support program participants, provide job training. Possible for people with lived experience.

Background Check Process

Many local Goodwills conduct background checks, and policies vary by organization and role.

The process typically includes:

• Criminal record check: A search of court and other criminal records.

• Employment verification: Confirms work history and references.

• Driving record check: For positions involving vehicles.

  
  

Each regional Goodwill sets its own policies. Records are reviewed case by case, looking at the offense, the time that has passed, rehabilitation, and the role, rather than rejecting applicants automatically.

If a conviction appears, you may be able to explain the circumstances and what you've done since. Supporting documents (e.g., completion certificates, letters of reference, or proof of employment) help demonstrate readiness.

Timelines vary by location. Some locations extend conditional offers pending the outcome of the background review.

Where state or local fair-chance ("Ban the Box") laws apply, employers, including Goodwill, generally must wait until later in the hiring process to ask about convictions.

Application Tips

1. Apply in person or online. Visit your local Goodwill store or apply at goodwill.org/jobs-training. Local stores often post openings directly on windows or community boards.

   
   

2. Be completely honest. When asked about your background, share openly. Integrity matters more than perfection.

   
   

3. Show enthusiasm for Goodwill’s mission. Emphasize your desire to work hard, learn, and contribute to their mission of helping others.

   
   

4. Highlight reliability and teamwork. Goodwill values punctuality, consistency, and positive attitudes more than extensive experience.

   
   

5. Prepare references. Even one or two references—like a probation officer, counselor, or volunteer coordinator—can make a difference.

   
   

6. Stay professional during interviews. Dress neatly, speak confidently, and focus on what you’ve learned since your conviction.

   
   

7. Mention relevant skills. Experience in retail, warehouse work, customer service, or cleaning helps your application stand out.

   
   

8. Follow up. Call or visit after a few days to express continued interest—this shows initiative and dependability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my felony automatically disqualify me from working at Goodwill?

No. Goodwill's mission is to help people overcome barriers, and felony convictions are not automatic disqualifiers. Each local Goodwill reviews applications individually, considering the offense, the time that has passed, the role, and rehabilitation.

Does Goodwill drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by local Goodwill and position. Driving roles are more likely to require testing than retail or donation positions. If you are tested, you must pass.

What types of convictions might make hiring harder?

Theft or fraud convictions may restrict roles involving cash handling. Violent offenses might limit supervisory or customer-facing positions. However, these cases are reviewed individually, and time since conviction matters significantly.

Can I work at Goodwill while on probation or parole?

Often, yes, if your supervision conditions allow employment. Some local Goodwills work with probation departments. Make sure your work schedule fits your supervision requirements and disclose your status if asked.

How soon after release can I apply?

You can apply as soon as you're ready. Some local Goodwills work with halfway houses and reentry programs. Showing motivation and readiness to work matters, though each record is still reviewed case by case.

Will I have opportunities for promotion?

Yes, promotion is possible. Advancement depends on performance, reliability, and leadership, and opportunities vary by local Goodwill.

Does Goodwill provide job training or education?

Yes. Goodwill offers job readiness training, computer classes, resume workshops, and sometimes GED or certification support. These services are usually free for employees and program participants.

What are the benefits of working at Goodwill?

Most full-time employees receive benefits including health insurance, paid vacation, retirement contributions, and employee discounts. Benefits vary by region but are competitive for nonprofit employment.

Can I transfer between Goodwill locations?

Yes, though each Goodwill is independently operated. Transfers are possible but require coordination between local HR departments.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Goodwill doesn’t have openings near you, consider similar organizations that also hire people with records:

• The Salvation Army – Faith-based thrift stores and community programs hiring people with diverse backgrounds.

• St. Vincent de Paul – Catholic charity with thrift stores and social services programs.

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores – Home improvement donation centers with retail and warehouse roles.

• Local nonprofit recyclers and secondhand stores – Many small organizations follow similar missions and hiring policies.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Goodwill Industries is a strong option for people with felony convictions. Its mission directly supports individuals rebuilding their lives through work and self-sufficiency.

While background checks are common, local Goodwills review records case by case and value honesty, effort, and growth. Entry-level positions provide immediate income and the chance to prove reliability, which can lead to long-term careers.

If you’re ready to reenter the workforce, Goodwill is a true second-chance employer. Apply today at your local store or online at goodwill.org/jobs-training, be transparent about your history, and show your commitment to moving forward.

Goodwill doesn’t just offer jobs—it offers opportunity, stability, and a community that believes in rebuilding lives through work.