Quick Answer

Yes, Goodwill Industries actively hires people with felonies in 2025. As one of America’s largest and most inclusive nonprofit employers, Goodwill’s mission is centered on helping individuals overcome barriers to employment—including criminal records. Store associate, donation attendant, and production worker positions typically pay between $11–$17 per hour and are highly accessible to people with diverse backgrounds.

Unlike many employers, Goodwill’s purpose is to give people second chances through meaningful work. Many Goodwill employees have past convictions, and the organization frequently partners with reentry programs, community service providers, and workforce development agencies to help people returning from incarceration gain stable employment.

Goodwill evaluates applicants on honesty, work ethic, and willingness to learn rather than their past. If you have a felony conviction and want steady work that leads to career growth, Goodwill remains one of the most felon-friendly employers in the country.

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 Industries International is a nonprofit organization operating over 3,300 thrift stores, donation centers, and job training programs across the United States and Canada. Each local Goodwill operates independently under the national Goodwill network but follows the same mission: “To help people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”

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 stands out as a particularly supportive employer. Many regional Goodwills explicitly include people with criminal records in their hiring missions and partner with correctional facilities or probation offices to create transitional employment opportunities.

Goodwill doesn’t just allow people with felonies to apply—it encourages them. Their entire business model is 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. Goodwill explicitly hires people with felony convictions and has done so for decades as part of its core mission.

In practice, many Goodwill employees—especially at store and warehouse levels—have prior convictions. The organization’s focus is on rehabilitation, not punishment. Hiring decisions are made based on individual factors such as the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the applicant’s readiness to work.

Key Factors Goodwill Considers

• Type of conviction: Goodwill typically only restricts hiring for convictions directly related to the duties of the job (for example, recent theft convictions may affect cash-handling roles).

• Time since conviction: Older convictions carry much less weight. People who have stayed out of trouble for 3–5 years often face few obstacles.

• 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

Goodwill locations across the U.S. routinely hire individuals with records ranging from drug and property offenses to more serious felonies. Their goal is to provide a bridge back into stable employment.

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

Many Goodwill employees with records advance to supervisory and management positions after proving their reliability. Advancement is based on performance, not background.

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

($11-$14/hour)

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

Donation Attendant

($11-$14/hour)

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

Production Associate

($11-$14/hour)

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

Job Coach/Program Staff

($13-$17/hour)

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

Background Check Process

Goodwill conducts background checks on all employees, but their approach is individualized and mission-driven rather than punitive.

The process typically includes:

• Criminal record check: Conducted through state or local databases.

• Employment verification: Confirms work history and references.

• Driving record check: For positions involving vehicles.

  
  

Each regional Goodwill sets its own policies, but most evaluate candidates holistically—looking at character, rehabilitation, and honesty rather than simply rejecting based on a conviction record.

If a conviction appears, hiring managers usually allow applicants to explain the circumstances and what they’ve done since. Supporting documents (e.g., completion certificates, letters of reference, or proof of employment) help demonstrate readiness.

Background checks are typically completed within 1–2 weeks. Some locations extend conditional offers pending the outcome of the background review.

Importantly, Goodwill complies with “Ban the Box” laws in many states, meaning applicants are not asked about convictions until later in the process, ensuring fair initial consideration.

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 application is reviewed individually, focusing on honesty and rehabilitation rather than past mistakes.

Does Goodwill drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by region and position. Many warehouse or driving roles require pre-employment testing, while retail and donation positions may not. If tested, you must pass. Staying drug-free demonstrates responsibility and reliability.

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?

Yes, many people on supervision work for Goodwill. The organization often collaborates with probation departments. Just ensure your work schedule aligns with supervision requirements and disclose your status if asked.

How soon after release can I apply?

Immediately. Goodwill regularly hires people directly from halfway houses or reentry programs. Showing motivation and readiness to work is often more important than how long it’s been since release.

Will I have opportunities for promotion?

Absolutely. Many Goodwill managers and directors started as entry-level associates. Advancement depends on performance, reliability, and leadership, not background.

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 often hiring individuals with records.

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

  
  

Final Thoughts

Goodwill Industries remains one of the most inclusive and reliable employers for people with felony convictions in 2025. Their mission directly supports individuals rebuilding their lives through work and self-sufficiency.

While background checks are standard, Goodwill evaluates every applicant fairly and values honesty, effort, and growth. Entry-level positions provide immediate income and the chance to prove reliability—often leading 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.