Many organizations support the idea of second chance hiring in theory. In practice, it often feels risky, complicated, or difficult for managers to implement.

This session focuses on how employers can engage justice-impacted talent while still protecting their workplace, culture, and legal compliance. Rather than debating whether companies should hire individuals with criminal records, this presentation explores what successful organizations actually do to make these programs work.

Ty Reed will share practical frameworks used by employers that successfully hire individuals with criminal histories, including how they define risk boundaries, evaluate
candidates fairly, prepare supervisors, and build external support systems that improve retention.

Participants will leave with practical tools to determine whether their organization is ready for second chance hiring and, if so, how to implement it in a way that
strengthens both workforce stability and organizational culture.

About the Speaker: Ty Reed is the Executive Director of Recovery Career Services and a nationally recognized speaker on workforce development, second chance hiring, and recovery-friendly workplaces. A person in long-term recovery from addiction and formerly involved in the criminal justice system, Ty brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his work. He currently serves as Reentry Manager for the Washington State Employment Security Department, where he leads statewide initiatives to improve employment outcomes for individuals returning from incarceration. 

Ty has spoken across the country to employers, HR professionals, workforce development organizations, and government agencies about practical strategies for engaging untapped talent pools and supporting employees facing barriers to employment. He is the author of Second Chance Hiring: Human Resources Strategies to Lower Your Risk Through Inclusive Recruiting and serves on the Washington Statewide Reentry Council. His presentations are known for combining practical guidance, humor, and real-world experience to help employers navigate complex workforce challenges. 

Tickets

$30.00 Member Ticket

$40.00 Non-Member Ticket