If a person has an expired j1 and is still in the United States, can that person apply for a h2b visa

A person cannot change their status in the United States if he/she is not in a valid nonimmigrant status. It does not appear you could change your status because you are no longer in J-1 status. You may be able to pursue an H-2B visa through consular processing if you are not subject to a bar to admission. You can read more about work visa at http://myattorneyusa.com/work-visas.