Travis County recognizes that ex-offenders often face challenges to finding gainful employment after being incarcerated. To help minimize the challenges to reentering the workforce, the Travis County Commissioner’s Court established Guidelines for Hiring Ex-Offenders:
- Travis County seeks to promote the successful reintegration of persons with a criminal history by providing them with opportunities to obtain gainful employment within Travis County and the private sector.
- Travis County recognizes that qualified individuals may be screened out from employment consideration due to the required disclosure of a criminal history.
- Travis County delays requesting information regarding criminal history until later in the employment process.
- Travis County encourages every applicant, including those with a criminal background, to research job vacancies and apply, if qualified.
- Travis County job vacancy announcements will explicitly state if a criminal background check is required.
- Travis County will notify applicants selected for an initial job interview if a criminal background check is required. Applicants will be given the option to accept or reject the interview.
- Travis County does not automatically disqualify an applicant with a criminal history.
- Travis County considers the nature and gravity of the offense, length of time since the conviction, completion of the sentence, the nature of the job held or sought by the applicant, and other mitigating factors.
Justice Planning Workforce Development (JPWD)
Travis County administers the Justice Planning Workforce Development (JPWD) program which is overseen by the Justice Planning Department (JP). This program provides intensive candidate screening services for employers and job-placement services for individuals with criminal backgrounds. In addition to these services, JPWD organizes and hosts regular job fairs and hiring events.
Due to COVID-19, the Justice Planning Workforce Development team is working remotely. All program orientations, intakes, and appointments are being performed electronically. If you would like more information about Justice Planning Workforce Development programs and services, please contact us at our main line 512-854-6497
