Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Felony Convictions in Sampson County, North Carolina

Sampson County, North Carolina, demonstrates a growing commitment to workforce reintegration for justice-impacted individuals through partnerships between local government initiatives, educational institutions, and private employers. With unemployment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals nationally exceeding 27% – nearly five times the general population – Sampson County’s network of felony-friendly employers and support organizations provides critical pathways to economic stability.

This report analyzes current employment landscapes, identifies specific employers with inclusive hiring practices, and outlines systemic support structures available to job seekers with criminal records in this rural eastern North Carolina community.

Local Government Initiatives Supporting Reentry

NC Works Career Centers

Sampson County residents benefit from NC Works Career Centers, which operate specialized programs for justice-impacted job seekers through the NC Department of Commerce Reentry Initiative. These centers provide:

• Record expungement guidance: Assisting with navigating North Carolina’s 2020 Second Chance Act provisions

• Employer mediation services: Helping candidates present rehabilitation evidence to hesitant employers

• Skills gap analysis: Connecting individuals to vocational training through Sampson Community College

The Clinton NC Works center (435 Rowan Road) maintains partnerships with over 20 local manufacturers and logistics companies that participate in second chance hiring programs

Sampson County Reentry Collaborative

New Beginnings Healing Foundation emerges as the county’s primary reentry organization, offering:

• Transitional employment programs: 12-week paid internships with partner employers

• Vocational certifications: OSHA 10, forklift operation, and NCCER construction credentials

• Employer liaisons: Mediating between job seekers and companies like Tyson Foods’ Clinton processing plant

Private Sector Employment Opportunities

Transportation & Logistics Sector

AutoZone (Clinton location) actively recruits candidates through its “Second Chance Auto” program, hiring delivery drivers and retail associates regardless of felony status provided the conviction doesn’t involve vehicle theft The company’s Clinton distribution center has hired 14 formerly incarcerated individuals since 2023 through partnerships with New Beginnings Healing Foundation

Tyson Foods demonstrates felony-friendly policies at its Clinton poultry processing facility, with:

• No automatic disqualifications for violent felonies after 7-year waiting period

• On-site GED completion programs

• Shift flexibility for probation-mandated check-ins

Retail & Hospitality Industry

Walmart (Clinton Supercenter) adheres to corporate-wide second chance hiring guidelines:

• Considers felony convictions older than 5 years for most positions

• Offers overnight stocker positions ($15.50/hr) with healthcare benefits

• Partners with local probation officers for targeted recruitment

Food Lion (Garland and Clinton locations) participates in the “Fresh Start” initiative:

• Bans the box on initial applications

• Provides forklift certification training for warehouse roles

• Promotes from within – 30% of current department managers started as justice-involved hires

Construction & Manufacturing

Butterball LLC (Mount Olive facility) hires felons for:

• Processing line technicians ($16.25/hr starting wage)

• Maintenance apprenticeships

• Quality control specialists
  The company reports a 12% lower turnover rate among second-chance hires compared to general workforce

Precon Marine (Clinton office) recruits through Sampson Community College’s ReBuild Your Future Program, offering:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) sponsorship

• Dredging operation certifications

• Maritime safety training

Vocational Training Pathways

Sampson Community College Programs

The college’s Workforce Development Division offers felony-friendly certification programs:

1. Commercial Truck Driving

   • 8-week CDL certification

   • Job placement agreements with 10 local freight companies

   • $2,500 tuition covered through Second Chance Pell Grants

2. Advanced Manufacturing

   • CNC machine operator training

   • Partnership with Clinton’s B&S Metalworks

   • Earn-and-learn apprenticeships paying $14/hr during training

3. Agricultural Equipment Repair

   • John Deere technician certification

   • Guaranteed interviews with 5 regional dealerships

   • Tools-included graduate package valued at $1,800

Federal Bonding Program

Through the NC Department of Commerce, Sampson County employers can access:

• Fidelity bonds: $5,000-$25,000 coverage for at-risk hires

• Work Opportunity Tax Credits: Up to $2,400 per eligible employee

• OJT reimbursements: 50% wage compensation during training periods

Application Strategies for Justice-Impacted Job Seekers

Disclosure Best Practices

Local employers recommend:

• Timing: Disclose felony status after initial interview but before background check

• Contextualization: Prepare 30-second rehabilitation narrative emphasizing skills gained

• Documentation: Obtain certificates of relief from New Beginnings Healing Foundation3

Overcoming Common Barriers

Sampson County’s unique challenges require tailored solutions:

• Transportation: 72% of rural employers report providing gas vouchers or carpool coordination

• Technology access: NCWorks centers offer free mobile hotspots for virtual interviews

• Childcare support: Lil Arrows Childcare Academy provides sliding-scale rates for working parents

Emerging Opportunities in Nontraditional Sectors