The Linn County Board of Supervisors today adopted an inclusive hiring practices resolution for Linn County positions. The resolution demonstrates Linn County’s commitment to equal employment opportunity for otherwise qualified individuals with a prior criminal conviction by:
- Eliminating the requirement to disclose past criminal history on the County’s initial employment application, except for positions that require a full background check due to the nature of the work (requirements of the funding source, working with vulnerable populations, performing safety-sensitive duties, and working in secured facilities or law enforcement positions).
- Requiring that a job applicant be selected for an interview before being asked about a criminal record, or before performing a background check on that applicant, except for positions that require a full background check due to the nature of the work.
- Providing for individual consideration of criminal history circumstances where applicable.
- Encouraging the selection of applicants based on job skills and qualifications, without consideration of past convictions, whenever possible.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors is committed to both public safety and economic opportunity, and hopes by removing these barriers that all qualified individuals have an opportunity to compete equally for Linn County employment.
Watch the video of the discussion from the Board of Supervisors' meeting.