Background-Friendly Job Resources



Felony‑Friendly Jobs & Reentry Toolkit for Chicago & Cook County

Purpose: A practical handbook for justice‑impacted job seekers in Chicago and suburban Cook County—covering felony‑friendly employers, transitional jobs, training, record relief, and how to apply, with verified contacts.

Updated: December 11, 2025

Quick 5‑Step Path to Your Next Job

  1. Connect with a reentry employment program:
    • Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (American Job Centers): career coaching, training, and direct employer links (1 N. Dearborn St., Ste 750; site, programs). [1][2]
    • Safer Foundation: specialized placement for people with records; downtown office at 571 W Jackson Blvd; (312) 922‑2200. [3][4]
  2. Apply for transitional or second‑chance work:
    • City of Chicago DFSS – Transitional Jobs for Returning Residents: paid, time‑limited jobs + coaching; operator locations and phone numbers listed on the City page. [5]
    • CTA Second Chance Program: holistic paid work and training; apply via partner referral (Cara, Safer Foundation, St. Leonard’s, St. Sabina, Westside Health Authority). [6]
  3. Leverage statewide tools:
    • IDES Re‑Entry Employment Service Program (RESP): job prep, IllinoisJobLink.com, and employer incentives (Fidelity Bonding, WOTC). [7]
  4. Clear or mitigate your record (in parallel):
    • CGLA Expungement/Sealing Help Desks (Daley Center Room 1006; Markham Courthouse Room 102J) + RAP sheet guidance. [8][9]
    • Certificates of Good Conduct & Relief from Disabilities (OSAD forms & how‑to). [10][11]
  5. Use verified directories:
    • Illinois DHS Reentry Resource Hub. [12]
    • CareerOneStop Reentry Program Finder. [13]
    • City of Chicago Office of Reentry – Jobs & Workforce Training (Fair Chance Hiring employer). [14]

Legal Record Relief (Chicago / Cook County)

  • Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) – (312) 738‑2452; 6 S Clark St, Ste 200; adult Expungement Help Desk at Daley Center (Room 1006) and Markham Courthouse (Room 102J). [17][8]
  • Chicago RAP Sheet (if arrested by CPD): Access & Review Division (3510 S Michigan Ave); small fee and limited hours—check flyer for details. [9]
  • Certificates of Good Conduct & Relief from Disabilities: standardized statewide forms, eligibility & timelines; helps overcome statutory employment/license bars. [10][11]
  • Cook County Public Defender Record‑Relief Info – overview & referrals. [18]

Statewide Employment Tools & Employer Incentives

IDES Re‑Entry Employment Service Program (RESP): job prep handouts, IllinoisJobLink.com, and employer incentives like Fidelity Bonding and WOTC. [7]

Action Tip: Mention “WOTC eligible” and “Fidelity Bonding available” in your resume/cover letter to encourage second‑chance consideration. [7]

FAQs

Does the City of Chicago consider all records? The City is a Fair Chance Hiring employer. Many records (e.g., decriminalized cannabis, arrests without conviction, juvenile, sealed/expunged, and older records) are not considered, and other records undergo an individualized assessment tied to job duties. [14]

Where can I start today if I need income fast? DFSS Transitional Jobs and CTA Second Chance (via partner referral), plus AJCs for immediate openings and IllinoisJobLink.com statewide postings. [5][6][1][7]

Sources

Download PDF Toolkit here

Chicago_Reentry_Toolkit_Checklist_StanMartinJobsDownload
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