On Tuesday, April 15, Jefferson County job seekers with criminal backgrounds will have a second chance to have gainful employment.

The Second Chance Hiring Fair is aimed at helping people break through employment barriers that might otherwise hold them back.

The job fair is a collaboration between the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, WorkFaith Birmingham, Alabama Career Center System and Prison Fellowship and multiple local employers.

Job seekers can access open positions during the fair at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hiring fair organizers welcome anyone who has struggled with securing a job, especially those with records.

“The DA’s office recognizes there is significant correlation between crime and poverty; which is exacerbated with the prohibitive effect criminal histories have when attempting to secure employment,” according to the Second Chance Hiring Fair’s website.

“Therefore, connecting this target population with felony friendly prospective employers is an effort to begin meaningful community outreach for our often forgotten citizens.”

Job-seekers with felony or misdemeanor records can pre-register online or arrive as walkups. Employers may be eligible for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit if they hire people with criminal records.

Employers at this year’s hiring fair will include Hyatt Regency, Garrison Steel, Birmingham Fastener, Goodwill, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jefferson State Community College, WorkFaith and Schnellecke Logistics.