Can I Work for USPS with a Felony?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest government agencies in the world, employing millions of individuals to deliver mail and packages to every corner of the United States. However, if you have a felony conviction, you may wonder if you can work for the USPS. In this article, we will explore the answers to this question, looking at the USPS hiring policies and procedures for individuals with felony convictions.
Overview of USPS Hiring Policy
The USPS has a standardized hiring process that considers a range of factors, including education, work experience, and criminal history. The USPS does not explicitly state that individuals with felony convictions are automatically barred from employment. However, the agency does require potential employees to disclose their criminal history on their job application.
Disclosure Requirements
When applying for a USPS job, you will be asked to disclose your criminal history on the USPS form 1583, the Application for Employment. You will be required to answer "yes" or "no" to the following question:
"Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a felony or misdemeanor under federal or state law, or under the laws of a foreign country, and have you ever been subject to a sentence or other disposition that could be served in a federal or state penal institution?"
The Disqualification Process
If you answer "yes" to the above question, the USPS will initiate a disqualification process to determine whether your felony conviction(s) disqualify you from employment. During this process, you may be required to provide additional information about your criminal history, including:
• Details about the offense(s), including the date and nature of the offense(s)
• The sentence(s) imposed, including probation or parole terms
• The completion of any sentence, including the date of release or parole
Felony Convictions and Disqualification
The USPS disqualifies individuals from employment for certain felony convictions. According to the USPS Handbook A-2, a candidate is disqualified from employment if they have been convicted of:
• Certain criminal offenses, including, but not limited to:
- Crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
- Crimes related to the postal service, such as mail fraud or theft
- Drug-related offenses
• Felony convictions resulting in a sentence of one year or more, unless a pardon or expungement has been granted
• Felony convictions where the sentence was imposed under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, unless a pardon or expungement has been granted
Examples of Disqualifying Felonies
The following is a list of examples of felony convictions that may disqualify an individual from employment with the USPS:
• Fraud or theft convictions
• Drug trafficking or possession convictions
• DUI or DWI convictions resulting in a felony sentence
• Assault or battery convictions resulting in a felony sentence
• Burglary or breaking and entering convictions
Non-Disqualifying Felonies
Not all felony convictions will disqualify an individual from employment with the USPS. The following are examples of non-disqualifying felonies:
• Misdemeanor convictions, unless they resulted in a sentence of more than one year
• Felony convictions with a sentence of less than one year, unless the offense involved dishonesty or moral turpitude
• Felony convictions for which a pardon or expungement has been granted
Appealing a Disqualification
If the USPS disqualifies you from employment due to a felony conviction, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can appeal the decision by submitting a written appeal to the USPS. You will need to provide supporting documentation, such as letters of recommendation, certificates of completion of rehabilitation programs, or proof of successful community service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can I work for USPS with a felony?" is yes, but it is subject to certain conditions. While the USPS does not automatically bar individuals with felony convictions from employment, they will disqualify candidates from certain positions based on their criminal history. By understanding the USPS hiring policies and procedures, individuals with felony convictions can better prepare themselves for the application and appeals process.
USPS Hiring Process Timeline
The following is a general outline of the USPS hiring process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Application Submission |
| 2. | Online Assessment |
| 3. | Interview |
| 4. | Background Investigation |
| 5. | Medical Evaluation |
| 6. | Skills Assessment |
| 7. | Final Interview |
| 8. | Conditional Job Offer |
| 9. | Employment Decision |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to disclose all of my criminal convictions?
A: Yes, the USPS requires you to disclose all of your criminal convictions, including those that may not be relevant to your employment.
Q: How do I appeal a disqualification?
A: You can appeal a disqualification by submitting a written appeal to the USPS, accompanied by supporting documentation.
Q: Can I reapply for a job with the USPS after a disqualification?
A: Yes, you can reapply for a job with the USPS after a disqualification. However, you may be required to disclose additional information about your criminal history and may be subject to an additional background investigation.
