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Fair Chance Hiring Initiative

Reimbursing local employers who hire individuals returning from incarceration.

About

The Fair Chance Hiring Initiative (FCHI) helps local businesses hire and keep Philadelphians who have been impacted by the justice system. Eligible employers can receive financial support, including wage reimbursements and employment retention grants. The program also helps employers connect with job seekers impacted by the system.

The FCHI is a program of the Department of Commerce.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St., 12th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email fairchancehiring@phila.gov
Phone
Phone: (215) 683-3557

Announcements

Announcement

Department of Commerce warns business owners of phishing text scams

The Department of Commerce is aware that some Philadelphia businesses have received text messages saying that they’re approved for a grant from the Catalyst Fund and to provide their banking information. The City of Philadelphia and Department of Commerce never request financial or banking information via text message.

Do not click or tap on any links or respond to these messages. Do not provide any personal information. We urge businesses and residents to report any suspicious texts as spam and delete them immediately. To learn more about how the City handles sensitive data, read the Privacy Policy.

We’re aware of other phishing scams impacting the Department of Revenue. See their announcement to learn how to stay vigilant and protect your data.

Announced on: Department of Commerce

Eligibility and requirements

All Philadelphia employers committed to hiring returning citizens can join the Fair Chance Hiring Initiative.

Employer eligibility

To be eligible, employers must:

  • Be a small or mid-sized business located in Philadelphia.
  • Generate less than $5 million in annual revenue.
  • Hire Philadelphians who have been incarcerated or detained in a prison, local jail, juvenile detention center, or any other carceral setting, including probation and parole, and those who have been convicted but not incarcerated.
  • Be a registered and licensed business in the City.
  • Be up to date on all City business taxes or in the process of applying for an approved tax payment agreement.

Employer requirements

Approved employers must:

  • Adhere to FCHI mission and principles.
  • Compensate qualifying employees at a minimum of $16.00 per hour.
  • Provide qualifying employees a minimum of 21 work hours per week.
  • Retain qualifying employees for a minimum of 90 calendar days.

Employee requirements

To qualify, an employee must be:

  • A Philadelphia resident before and after involvement with the justice system, at the time of their hire, and for the duration of their employment.
  • Impacted by the criminal justice system within seven years of their first day of work.
  • Hired by an approved FCHI employer and retained in employment for at least 90 calendar days.

Program benefits

Approved employers are eligible to receive the following benefits:

  • Candidate referrals of qualifying job seekers for open positions from partner organizations.
  • $6.00 per hour wage reimbursement for compensable hours worked up to 960 hours within 180 calendar days of employment.
  • One-time $500 employment retention grant for each FCHI employee that completes the new hire period.
  • Best practice information on hiring and retaining returning citizens.
  • Help with supporting qualifying employees during the new hire period.

Qualifying employees are eligible to receive the following benefits:

  • One-time, taxable $1,000 employment retention grant for completing the new hire period.
  • Support and help with maintaining employment.

Apply to participate

Contact the Fair Chance Hiring Initiative team to see if your business qualifies for this program.

Email us

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