Quick Answer

Yes, Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) hires people with felony convictions, but employment is highly restricted and conditional due to state and federal laws protecting vulnerable patient populations.

As a major hospital system specializing in pediatric care, ACH must strictly comply with federal OIG Exclusion rules and state laws regarding crimes against children or vulnerable adults. The most accessible jobs are in high-demand entry-level roles such as Environmental Services (EVS) and Food Service, which focus on facility support rather than direct patient care.

Entry-level EVS and Food Service roles start around $16.00–$21.00 per hour plus shift differentials, with specialized Facilities Maintenance and technical positions offering competitive wages and excellent benefits.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

1. About Arkansas Children's Hospital

2. Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

3. Available Jobs

4. Background Check Process

5. Application Tips

6. Benefits and Compensation

7. Comprehensive FAQs

8. Similar Companies That Hire in Arkansas

🟢 FELON-FRIENDLY SCORE CARD: ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

✅ WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU APPLY (Eligibility Checklist)

This checklist is a mandatory gut-check for all applicants:

📃 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Most Roles)

• Age: 18 years or older.

• Integrity: History showing verifiable honesty and ethical standards since the conviction.

• Screening: Willingness to pass a mandatory drug screen and strict criminal history check.

  
  

⚠️ REALISM CHECK: PATIENT PROTECTION ⚠️

Working at a children's hospital involves the highest level of scrutiny. Any felony that suggests a risk to a vulnerable person especially assault, sexual offenses, or neglect will result in an automatic, non-waivable disqualification, regardless of the time elapsed. The hospital's legal and ethical duty is always to the safety of its patients. Do not apply if your conviction involves a crime against a minor.

1. About Arkansas Children's Hospital

Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) is the only pediatric medical system in Arkansas, with its main campus in Little Rock and satellite clinics throughout the state. As a non-profit organization focused entirely on child health, ACH maintains extremely high standards for safety, cleanliness, and public trust.

The work environment is demanding, emotionally sensitive, and strictly regulated by numerous state and federal laws (HIPAA, OIG, and specific state child protection laws). The most common entry points for employment are in the essential support services that keep the large facilities running.

2. Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

ACH’s hiring policy is defined by a rigorous screening process designed to ensure patient safety and maintain compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations. They adhere to the EEOC guidelines for individualized assessment, but this assessment is weighted heavily toward absolute integrity around children and finances.

Key Legal Disqualifiers

• Federal Exclusion (OIG LEIE): The hospital must check the federal OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Convictions for patient abuse, healthcare fraud, or specific controlled substance felonies related to delivery are mandatory, indefinite exclusions from any role that bills Medicare/Medicaid.

  
  

• State Child Abuse Registry: Any finding of child abuse, neglect, or specific felonies against minors will automatically disqualify the applicant from working anywhere in the facility due to Arkansas's requirements for staff working near children.

  
  

• Violence/Sexual Offenses: These are direct threats to the safety of patients and staff and are almost universally disqualifying.

What ACH Considers

• Nature of the Crime: Felonies related to financial fraud or theft are a major risk for roles handling patient billing or hospital inventory.

  
  

• Time Elapsed: For non-disqualifying felonies (e.g., an old property crime with no victim), older convictions (7+ years) are considered mitigating, especially for non-clinical roles.

  
  

• Reliability: EVS and Food Service roles operate 24/7. Reliability and stability are highly valued to ensure hospital operations continue smoothly.

  
  

3. Available Jobs

The most accessible entry points are in support roles that do not require clinical licensing but still provide essential hospital functions.

Support and Facilities Roles (Hourly Pay)

Career Path Example: Support Services

• EVS Associate

• Floor Care Technician (Specialist)

• EVS Shift Lead

• Facilities Supervisor (Salaried $50K+)

4. Background Check Process

ACH's screening is multi-layered, rigorous, and legally mandated for patient care facilities.

1. Online Application: Submitted through the ACH careers portal.

2. Interview: Focuses on professionalism, empathy, and ability to handle high-pressure environments.

3. Conditional Offer: Contingent upon clearance.

4. Federal Exclusion Check (OIG/LEIE): Mandatory check. Automatic failure if the name appears on the list.

5. State Criminal Check: Comprehensive review for mandatory disqualifiers related to child abuse, neglect, and violence.

6. Drug Screening: Mandatory pre-employment screen for all positions.

7. Final Decision: Driven by HR and the Compliance Officer, with zero tolerance for safety risks.

5. Application Tips

• Target EVS/Food Service: These roles are the most consistently available and offer the least patient contact, reducing legal barriers. Focus on EVS, as it has significant growth potential in hospital operations.

• Know Your History: Be 100% certain your record has nothing related to violence, abuse, or financial fraud against a vulnerable person. These are non-negotiable disqualifiers.

• Emphasize Compliance: Stress your unwavering commitment to hospital protocol, infection control, and patient privacy (HIPAA).

• Highlight Stability: Since the hospital needs dependable 24/7 coverage, emphasize a history of stable employment and excellent attendance to counter past instability.

• Obtain Certifications: Getting a Food Handler’s Card or specialized certification (e.g., floor care) increases your value for entry-level roles.

6. Benefits and Compensation

Arkansas Children's Hospital offers highly competitive non-profit benefits: Excellent Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Generous 403(b) Retirement Plan with Match, Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO), and significant Tuition Reimbursement programs for healthcare education.

7. Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Will a felony theft conviction prevent me from being hired?

A: A recent theft felony (under 7 years) is a major risk for any hospital role (due to access to narcotics and patient property). If the crime is older than 7 years and you apply for EVS/Facilities, you have a better chance, provided you can demonstrate impeccable integrity since.

Q: Do I need a clinical license for EVS or Food Service?

A: No, these are non-clinical support roles. You may need a basic Food Handler's Card for kitchen roles, but no medical licensing is required.

Q: Why do they check the OIG Exclusion List for Housekeeping jobs?

A: Because federal law states that no employee of a Medicare/Medicaid billing entity can be an excluded individual, even if the role is non-clinical. The ban is on the person, not just the position.

Q: Does Arkansas Children's Hospital drug test?

A: Yes, a mandatory pre-employment drug screen is standard for all positions to ensure workplace safety and compliance with federal standards.

Q: Can I still be hired if I have an old simple drug possession felony?

A: Yes. Simple possession is generally manageable if it is non-violent and older than 7 years, provided you pass the drug screen and are not on the OIG Exclusion List.

Q: What is the fastest way to get hired?

A: Apply directly for the Environmental Services (EVS) Associate role, show immediate availability for the demanding shift work, and pass the background/drug screens.

Q: How can I advance my career at the hospital?

A: Use the internal structure. Start in EVS, maintain a stellar record, and use the Tuition Reimbursement benefit to get certified as a Medical Assistant, Surgical Technician, or even pursue nursing.

Q: What is the primary concern for the hospital when hiring?

A: The primary concern is protecting patients. Any conviction that suggests a risk of violence, abuse, or financial exploitation of a patient is disqualifying.

Q: Are there full-time night shifts available?

A: Yes. Hospitals operate 24/7. Night shifts are consistently available for EVS, Food Service, and Facilities Maintenance, often offering shift differentials (higher pay).

Q: What is a Patient Transportation Aide?

A: This role involves transporting patients (often in wheelchairs or on stretchers) between their rooms, operating rooms, and various testing centers within the hospital. It is patient-facing and requires a higher level of background scrutiny.

8. Similar Companies That Hire in Arkansas

9. Final Thoughts and Strategy Summary

Arkansas Children's Hospital offers stable, meaningful work that is rewarding, but requires absolute compliance with state and federal laws designed to protect vulnerable patients.

Strategy for Success:

1. Safety Above All: Be certain your past has no mandatory federal or state disqualifiers related to abuse or fraud.

   
   

2. Target the EVS Gateway: Apply for Environmental Services. This proves you are reliable, hardworking, and committed to the hospital's core mission of cleanliness and safety.

   
   

3. Advance with Education: Once hired, leverage the company's tuition reimbursement programs to gain technical or clinical certifications, using your internal track record of reliability to bypass external background check scrutiny.

   
   

4. Your dedication to cleanliness and reliability will be highly valued in the healthcare setting.