portland.city.hall.aug.12.2013.JPG

Portland City Hall seen last August. The city is revising its job application in an effort to eliminate convicted criminals from "self-selecting" and not applying for jobs.

(Brian Feulner/The Oregonian)

Portland tweaked its job application so prospective employees don't have to divulge their criminal records, a policy change city leaders say could help make the workforce more diverse and level the playing field in the hiring process.

Just two months ago, the city removed the box asking applicants to identify if they're a convicted criminal or have been incarcerated. This month, language saying the city may require a criminal records check vanished, too.

Portland joined Multnomah County and 60 other jurisdictions that have taken similar measures, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

Anna Kanwit, Bureau of Human Resources director, called the change a positive step for the city. Kanwit collaborated on the policy change with Office of Equity and Human Rights director Dante James.

In a press release, James credited the Governing for Racial Equity Conference held at a Lloyd Center hotel in March, for turning the tide. "Human Resources leaders took to heart the chilling outcome that these types of questions can have on former offenders," James said in a release.

Kanwit said some positions such as Portland Police Bureau openings will still require criminal records checks along with a thorough background check. "If you have a felony conviction, you will never be a police officer for the city of Portland," she added. Other city jobs could require a background check if the positions requires working with confidential or sensitive information.

Dante James, director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights.

But for most city positions, a prospective employee's criminal record won't be known or considered until the city has several finalists for a job. Kanwit said a criminal records inquiry will occur at the same time and treated like a standard reference check.

Applicants often have convictions that aren't relevant to the jobs they're seeking, Kanwit said. "If you're applying for a job that you don't have to drive for, and you had a DUI, that shouldn't matter to the city."

If a criminal conviction is relevant to the job duties, that will be weighed later on in the hiring process after applicants have already submitted their resume and job history.

A 2011 study from the National Employment Law Center estimated that 65 million Americans have a criminal record.

The push to "ban the box" on applications referring to criminal records or incarceration is well-documented, and cited in the 2011 study.

In a release, Mayor Charlie Hales said the changes were a win-win and removed a barrier for a diverse pool of applicants for city jobs. "Stable employment significantly reduces recidivism rates, building stability and breaking the cycle of incarceration for people trying to get back on their feet," Hales said.

Kanwit said it's "statistically proven" minorities have increased police contacts, arrests and records.

According to its website, Portland currently has 12 job openings. All told, the city has 5,522 full and part-time staff positions.

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-- Andrew Theen