Jobs Felons Can’t Do – What Are The Reasons?

Individuals who have been convicted of a felony face numerous challenges when attempting to reintegrate into society, including difficulties finding employment. Many jobs have restrictions on hiring felons due to concerns about public safety, liability, and trustworthiness. This article will outline the types of careers felons can’t do/be due to their criminal record, providing insight into the challenges that individuals with criminal histories face when trying to secure employment.

Careers Felons Can’t Be

When someone is released from prison and looking to start a new life, finding a job can be challenging. This is especially true when it comes to certain professions that have strict regulations and screening processes. One of the most important things for employers is to provide a safe work environment for their employees and the people they serve. This is why ex-felons may be barred from specific jobs that involve children or vulnerable populations. Here are some examples:

Emergency Jobs

Police Officers

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and protecting citizens. Due to the nature of their work, they undergo an extensive background check and are required to maintain a clean criminal record. Those with felony convictions are typically barred from becoming police officers.

Firefighters

Firefighters have a critical role in responding to emergencies and saving lives. Like police officers, they undergo a rigorous screening process, including a criminal background check. Felonies can disqualify individuals from becoming firefighters.

Paramedics And Emergency Medical Technicians

Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide critical care to those in need, often in high-pressure situations. They also have access to controlled substances and medications, so they must have a clean criminal record. Felonies can disqualify individuals from becoming paramedics or EMTs.

Jobs Requiring Professional Licenses

Jobs that require professional licenses typically have strict regulations and standards that must be upheld. Felons may have difficulty obtaining or maintaining these licenses due to the nature of their convictions.

Lawyers

Lawyers are expected to uphold the law and maintain high ethical standards. Felonies can disqualify individuals from being licensed to practice law.

Doctors

Doctors are responsible for the health and well-being of their patients. Felonies, particularly those related to drug abuse, murder, and theft, can disqualify individuals from being licensed to practice medicine.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medication and ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage and type of medication. They must have a clean criminal record, as past felony convictions can disqualify them from obtaining a license to practice pharmacy.

Jobs Involving Financial Responsibility

Jobs that involve financial responsibility require trust and accountability. Ex-offenders may have difficulty obtaining these jobs due to their past convictions.

Bank Tellers

Tellers handle large amounts of money and accurately process transactions. Due to the potential for theft, banks typically conduct an extensive background check and may disqualify individuals with felony convictions.

Financial Analysts

Financial analysts provide critical information and insights to investors and financial institutions. Due to the nature of their work, they undergo a background check and may be disqualified from employment due to past felonies.

Accountants

Accountants are responsible for managing financial records and ensuring that they are accurate and compliant with regulatory requirements. Due to the nature of their work, they may undergo rigorous background checks, and past felony convictions may disqualify them from employment.

Social workers 

Childcare Workers

Childcare workers are responsible for the safety and well-being of children in their care. This includes supervising activities, providing meals and snacks, changing diapers, and helping with homework. Due to the sensitive nature of the job, many childcare centers and schools require background checks for their employees.

Social Workers

Social workers help people deal with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources for those in need, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. For this reason, a felony conviction can prevent someone from obtaining a license to work as a social worker.

Teachers

Teachers are responsible for educating and shaping young minds. They often significantly impact a child’s development and future success. For this reason, schools require background checks and may disqualify felons from teaching positions.

Military And Government Jobs

Felons may also be ineligible for certain jobs in the military and government due to the sensitive nature of the work. Here are some examples:

Intelligence Analysts

Intelligence analysts work for the government or military and analyze information to assess national security threats. Due to the sensitive nature of this work, security clearance is required, and felony convictions can disqualify someone from obtaining authorization.

Postal Workers

Postal workers handle and deliver mail, and operate machinery used in the process. Due to the potential access to personal information and sensitive documents, a criminal record may prevent someone from obtaining a job with the Postal Service.

Customs And Border Protection Officers

Customs and Border Protection Officers are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations at borders, airports, and seaports. They are involved in criminal investigations and seizures of illegal goods. Due to the high level of security clearance required, a felony conviction can disqualify someone from obtaining a job with the CBP.

Jobs Requiring Security Clearance

Jobs that require security clearance are typically positions that involve access to classified information or working with sensitive data. Here are some examples:

Cryptologic Linguists

Cryptologic Linguists work for the government or military and use their language skills to interpret foreign communications. Due to the confidential nature of this work, a criminal record can prevent someone from obtaining a security clearance.

Intelligence Officers

Intelligence Officers work for government agencies and are responsible for gathering and analyzing information to assess threats to national security. As with other government jobs that require a security clearance, a criminal record may disqualify someone from obtaining clearance for this job.

Security Guards

Security guards are responsible for protecting people and assets against theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. Due to the nature of the job, employers may require background checks and disqualify felons from working in this field.

Conclusion

While there are some jobs felons may not be able to pursue, it’s important to remember that everyone deserves a fair chance at finding gainful employment. With determination, hard work, and the right resources, felons can find opportunities in fields that are open to them. Additionally, some states have laws and programs in place to help felons find work, so it’s important to research what options are available. In conclusion, individuals with felony records face significant challenges in securing certain types of jobs due to concerns about public safety, liability, and trustworthiness. While these restrictions can be frustrating, those with a criminal history need to remain persistent and focused on finding employment opportunities that are available to them. By demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and responsibility, individuals with felony convictions can work towards building a better future for themselves and their families.