Human Resources Management Department

Guidelines for Hiring Ex-Offenders

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.

Offender Workforce Development Program

Travis County administers the Offender Workforce Development (OWD) Program. Activities are coordinated by the Criminal Justice Planning Department with staff assistance from the Adult Probation Department.

For more information about the OWD Program contact:

Offender Workforce Development Administrator
512-854-6497 voice
512-854-4417 fax