Quick Answer
Yes, Ascension Wisconsin hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As the largest Catholic health system in Wisconsin operating 24 hospital campuses and more than 100 healthcare facilities throughout the state, Ascension Wisconsin provides diverse employment opportunities. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and meeting mandatory federal and state regulatory requirements.
The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.
The greatest barriers are created by felonies involving OIG exclusion offenses (Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, healthcare-related crimes), Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses (patient abuse, neglect, serious crimes affecting caregiving eligibility), and drug-related convictions (controlled substance access concerns). These create permanent or significant barriers for patient-facing roles.
Best opportunities exist in support services departments including Environmental Services (EVS), Food Services, Laundry/Facilities, and administrative roles with minimal or no direct patient contact. These positions offer genuine pathways to employment while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations.
Table of Content
Felon-Friendly Scorecard
Factor | Rating | Details |
Overall Accessibility | ★★☆☆☆ | Low accessibility for clinical/patient-facing roles due to mandatory OIG exclusion checks and Wisconsin Caregiver Law requirements. Moderate for support services (EVS, food services, facilities). |
Background Check Depth | Extensive | Comprehensive check including criminal history (county, state, federal), OIG/LEIE exclusion database, Wisconsin Caregiver Registry, employment verification, and drug screening. |
Lookback Period | Permanent/Varies | OIG exclusion is permanent until reinstated. Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses are permanent without rehabilitation review. Other convictions assessed case-by-case based on recency. |
Integrity Focus | Absolute | Zero tolerance for fraud, dishonesty, and falsification. OIG imposes severe financial penalties on organizations employing excluded individuals. |
Safety Concern | Absolute | Patient safety is paramount. Critical scrutiny for crimes involving violence, abuse, sexual offenses, and drug diversion. Healthcare regulatory compliance is mandatory. |
Best Entry Point | EVS/Food Services | Environmental Services ($15-$19/hr) and Food Services ($12-$16/hr) offer lowest barriers with minimal direct patient contact and reduced access to controlled substances. |
Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:
OIG Exclusion Status: Must NOT be on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). This is an absolute bar to employment in any capacity at healthcare organizations receiving federal funding. Check your status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov before applying.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law Compliance: Must not have barred offenses under Wisconsin Statutes 50.065 without rehabilitation review approval. Table I and Table II offenses create automatic bars for caregiver positions.
No Blanket Exclusion: Must be aware that for non-barred offenses, the company is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment.
Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Healthcare facilities maintain strict drug-free workplace policies due to controlled substance access. Testing typically includes a 10-panel screening.
Physical Requirements: Many positions require ability to stand for extended periods, lift 25-50 pounds, and perform physical tasks in a healthcare environment.
Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later. Healthcare background checks are extensive.
Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.
Critical Regulatory Information
Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in healthcare employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Ascension Wisconsin operates under multiple overlapping regulatory frameworks including federal OIG requirements, Wisconsin Caregiver Law, and EEOC guidelines. The healthcare industry faces some of the most stringent background check requirements of any sector due to patient safety considerations and federal program participation.
EEOC Guidelines
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:
(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;
(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;
(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. However, EEOC guidelines do not override mandatory federal exclusions (OIG) or state caregiver law requirements.
FCRA Requirements
If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Ascension Wisconsin must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:
(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;
(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;
(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.
State-Specific Considerations
Wisconsin has specific protections under Wisconsin Statute 111.335 which prohibits employment discrimination based on arrest or conviction records unless the offense is substantially related to the job. However, healthcare employers have significant exceptions. The Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check Law (Wis. Stat. 50.065) mandates background checks for all caregivers at time of hire, every four years, and upon any change in circumstances. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) for caregiver background checks. Milwaukee and other municipalities may have additional local fair chance ordinances, but state healthcare regulations generally supersede local protections for caregiver positions.
Healthcare-Specific Considerations
The healthcare industry operates under strict regulatory oversight that creates mandatory barriers beyond standard employment screening. Understanding these requirements is critical before applying.
OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE): Federal law requires healthcare organizations to screen all employees against the OIG exclusion database. Individuals excluded from federal healthcare programs cannot be employed in any capacity—including non-clinical roles—at organizations receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding. Mandatory exclusion offenses include Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect, felony healthcare fraud, and felony controlled substance convictions. Organizations face civil monetary penalties up to $10,000 per day for employing excluded individuals.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law Barred Offenses: Wisconsin maintains two tables of barred offenses. Table I applies to entities serving adults 18 and older. Table II applies to entities serving minors. Barred offenses include patient abuse/neglect, misappropriation of client property, child abuse/neglect, and various serious felonies. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains a Caregiver Misconduct Registry. Rehabilitation review may restore eligibility for some barred offenses.
Substantially Related Test: Even for convictions not on the barred list, Wisconsin law allows healthcare employers to deny employment if the conviction is substantially related to the job duties. DHS 12.06 sets criteria for this determination, considering factors such as access to patients, controlled substances, financial resources, and the nature of the offense.
Company Overview
Ascension Wisconsin is part of Ascension, one of the nation's leading non-profit and Catholic health systems. Founded in 1848 when the Sisters of Charity opened Milwaukee's first private hospital, Ascension Wisconsin has grown to become the largest Catholic healthcare provider in the state. The organization operates 24 hospital campuses and more than 100 related healthcare facilities from Racine to Appleton, employing approximately 1,200 primary and specialty care clinicians with over 1,000 providers serving patients across 165+ locations throughout Milwaukee, Racine, Appleton, and Fox Valley regions.
As a faith-based organization rooted in Catholic mission and values, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. The organization's Mission drives a commitment to serving communities through quality healthcare, community benefit programs, and charitable care. Ascension Wisconsin is part of the larger Ascension national network encompassing approximately 99,000 associates, 95 hospitals, and 30 senior living facilities across 16 states and the District of Columbia.
Company Fast Facts
Founded: 1848 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Wisconsin ministry market)
Parent Company: Ascension (St. Louis, Missouri)
Wisconsin Facilities: 24 hospital campuses, 100+ healthcare facilities, 165+ locations
Major Hospital Campuses: Ascension Columbia St. Mary's (Milwaukee/Ozaukee), Ascension St. Joseph, Ascension St. Francis, Ascension All Saints (Racine), Ascension NE Wisconsin (Appleton/Oshkosh)
Type: Non-profit Catholic health system
Ministry Market CEO: Daniel Jackson
National CEO: Joseph R. Impicciche
Hiring Policy Analysis
Ascension Wisconsin operates under federal, state, and organizational policies governing criminal background checks. As a healthcare organization participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs, the organization is legally required to screen all employees against federal exclusion databases. The organization conducts comprehensive background checks as required by Wisconsin Caregiver Law for positions involving patient contact. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer of employment, in compliance with EEOC guidelines. For non-excluded, non-barred offenses, individualized assessments consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.
Position-Specific Barriers
Barrier levels are determined by patient contact requirements, controlled substance access, Wisconsin Caregiver Law applicability, and position-specific regulatory requirements.
Barrier Level | Position Types | Key Considerations |
Lower Barriers | EVS, Food Services, Laundry, Facilities Maintenance, Administrative Support | Minimal direct patient contact, limited controlled substance access. Still require OIG exclusion check. $12-$19/hr range. Best entry points. |
Moderate Barriers | Security Officers, Patient Transport, Central Supply, Medical Records | Some patient interaction, may require caregiver background check. Violence and theft offenses scrutinized. $15-$22/hr range. |
Higher Barriers | Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, Unit Secretaries | Direct patient care, caregiver law compliance mandatory. Drug and abuse offenses create significant barriers. $17-$22/hr range. |
Highest Barriers | Registered Nurses, Pharmacy Techs, Therapists, Licensed Professionals | Professional licensing requirements, controlled substance access, extensive patient contact. OIG exclusion and caregiver law bars most restrictive. $25-$46/hr range. |
Available Positions and Pay
Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, experience, and facility.
Position | Pay Range | Barrier | Notes |
Environmental Services | $15-$19/hr | Lower | Hospital cleaning, sanitization. Best entry point. |
Dietary Technician | $12-$15/hr | Lower | Food preparation and delivery to patients. |
Food Service Worker | $12-$16/hr | Lower | Cafeteria operations, meal service. |
Facilities Maintenance | $16-$22/hr | Lower | Building maintenance, HVAC, repairs. |
Phlebotomist | $16-$20/hr | Higher | Blood draws, patient contact. Certification required. |
Medical Assistant | $17-$21/hr | Higher | Clinical and administrative duties. Certification preferred. |
Nursing Assistant | $17-$22/hr | Higher | Direct patient care. CNA certification required. |
Registered Nurse | $38-$46/hr | Highest | Licensed nursing. Extensive regulatory requirements. |
Career Path Examples
Ascension emphasizes internal development and many leadership positions are filled through promotion. Career advancement typically requires demonstrated reliability, additional training, and continued compliance with background check requirements.
Support Services Track: EVS Technician ($15-$19/hr) → EVS Lead ($18-$22/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr) → Environmental Services Manager ($55K-$70K/yr). Advancement based on reliability, leadership skills, and facility operations knowledge.
Food Services Track: Food Service Worker ($12-$16/hr) → Cook ($14-$18/hr) → Food Services Lead ($16-$20/hr) → Food Services Supervisor ($42K-$52K/yr). Food safety certifications enhance advancement potential.
Administrative Track: Unit Secretary ($14-$18/hr) → Administrative Assistant ($16-$21/hr) → Office Coordinator ($18-$24/hr) → Department Administrator ($45K-$60K/yr). Best path for avoiding clinical caregiver requirements while building healthcare career.
Background Check Process
Understanding Ascension Wisconsin's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The organization conducts comprehensive background checks after a conditional offer of employment, in compliance with EEOC guidelines.
What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE); System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions; Wisconsin Caregiver Misconduct Registry; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education and credential verification for positions requiring specific qualifications; professional license verification; drug screening (mandatory for all positions).
Lookback Period: OIG exclusion is permanent until reinstated through formal process. Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses are permanent without rehabilitation review approval. Standard criminal lookback typically 7 years for non-barred offenses, though serious offenses may be considered regardless of timeframe. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.
Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 2-4 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete after conditional offer. Wisconsin Caregiver background checks through WORCS are typically returned within 24-48 hours. OIG exclusion checks are immediate online searches.
Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background Information Disclosure (BID) form completed → Background check and drug test authorization signed → OIG/SAM exclusion check → Wisconsin Caregiver background check (WORCS) → Criminal background check → Drug screening → Results reviewed → Individualized assessment if issues found → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation and onboarding.
Disqualifying Factors
Absolute Disqualifiers (No Exceptions): OIG exclusion status (applies to ALL positions regardless of patient contact); active inclusion on Wisconsin Caregiver Misconduct Registry without rehabilitation approval; Medicare/Medicaid fraud convictions; patient abuse or neglect findings; felony healthcare fraud convictions; felony controlled substance convictions under federal law.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law Barred Offenses (Without Rehabilitation Review): Homicide and related offenses; sexual assault; abuse of vulnerable adults; child abuse and neglect; kidnapping; arson; robbery; felony battery; felony theft from vulnerable persons; drug manufacturing, distribution, or delivery; and other serious offenses specified in Wisconsin Statutes 50.065.
High Risk (Case-by-Case Assessment): Drug possession convictions (controlled substance access concerns); theft convictions (property access concerns); violence offenses not on barred list; fraud or dishonesty offenses; any conviction within past 3-5 years. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence and job relevance.
Your Rights as Applicant
FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.
Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision based on background check findings, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond is required.
Wisconsin Statute 111.335: Protection against discrimination based on arrest or conviction records unless substantially related to the job. Healthcare exceptions apply for caregiver positions.
Rehabilitation Review: For Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses, you may apply for rehabilitation review through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to restore caregiving eligibility.
Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency and check the OIG exclusion database yourself at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov.
Application Strategy
Verify Your OIG Exclusion Status First: Before applying to any healthcare position, check the OIG LEIE database at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you are excluded, you cannot work at Ascension Wisconsin in any capacity until reinstated. This saves time for both you and the employer.
Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Food Services, Laundry, and Facilities Maintenance positions first. These roles have the lowest regulatory barriers while still offering benefits and advancement opportunities. Avoid patient-facing clinical roles initially if your record is recent.
Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through jobs.ascension.org/us/en/wisconsin. Check for openings at multiple facilities—Ascension operates hospitals and clinics throughout the Milwaukee, Racine, Appleton, and Fox Valley regions.
Understand Wisconsin Caregiver Law: Research whether your offense is on the Table I or Table II barred offense list. If so, consider applying for rehabilitation review through Wisconsin DHS before pursuing caregiver positions. Non-caregiver support roles may still be available.
Be Completely Honest: Healthcare background checks are comprehensive. Never lie about your criminal history—dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later. Complete the Background Information Disclosure (BID) form accurately.
Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, stability, and your commitment to patient-centered care. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).
Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, stable employment history, community involvement, and character references. This documentation supports individualized assessment for non-barred offenses.
Check Expungement/Rehabilitation Review Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing, expungement, or Wisconsin DHS rehabilitation review. Contact Wisconsin Legal Aid or a reentry program for assistance. Successful rehabilitation review can open doors to caregiver positions.
Tips for Applicants with Records
Healthcare Has Consistent Hiring Needs: With 24 hospital campuses and over 100 facilities, Ascension Wisconsin has ongoing hiring needs across support services. Environmental services and food services experience regular turnover. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to multiple locations.
Start Entry-Level, Build Trust: Many successful healthcare careers begin in entry-level support roles. Prove reliability by maintaining perfect attendance, demonstrating strong work ethic, and building positive relationships. Internal advancement opportunities become available with demonstrated trustworthiness.
Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check through Wisconsin DOJ WORCS. Check the OIG exclusion database yourself. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.
Understand Healthcare Environment: Healthcare facilities require strict infection control, HIPAA compliance, and patient safety awareness. Demonstrate understanding of confidentiality requirements and professional conduct expectations during interviews.
Pass the Drug Test: Healthcare employers have zero tolerance for substance issues due to controlled substance access. Ascension Wisconsin requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying.
Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work demonstrates dependability. Healthcare employers value attendance and reliability above most other qualities for support positions.
Be Flexible on Schedule: Healthcare operates 24/7. Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays significantly increases your chances. Many entry-level positions offer shift differentials for less desirable hours.
Leverage Reentry Resources: Connect with Wisconsin Department of Corrections reentry programs, Employ Milwaukee, or local workforce development boards. These programs can provide job placement assistance, training, and may have employer relationships with healthcare organizations.
Benefits Overview
Ascension offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible associates. Benefits typically become effective within the first month of employment for associates meeting eligibility requirements.
Compensation: Competitive wages based on position, experience, and location. Entry-level support positions range from $12-$19/hr. Shift differentials available for evenings, nights, and weekends. Annual performance reviews with merit increase opportunities.
403(b) Retirement Savings: Tax-advantaged retirement savings plan with employer automatic and matching contributions. Personalized retirement planning consultations available through Transamerica. Vesting schedule applies to employer contributions.
Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options available. Company pays larger share of premiums for lower-wage employees. Coverage available for spouse and dependents.
Time Off: 22 PTO days per year for eligible associates (used for vacation, personal time, and illness). 8 paid holidays. Limited rollover at year-end. Paid parental leave available. Employees encouraged to use accrued time.
Additional Benefits: Free life insurance and AD&D coverage. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Adoption assistance program. Pet insurance. Retail and insurance discounts. Transportation tax breaks.
Employee Perspectives
Pros: Good benefits package and 403(b) matching; Mission-driven faith-based organization; Multiple plan options for health insurance; Tuition reimbursement opportunities; Job stability in healthcare; Generous PTO for those with tenure; Growth opportunities across national system.
Cons: PTO accrues slowly initially and has limited rollover; 6-month waiting period to use PTO; Some report staffing challenges; Technology systems described as outdated by some; Network restrictions for insurance (Ascension facilities preferred); Management quality varies by department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ascension Wisconsin hire people with felonies?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Ascension Wisconsin can hire individuals with felony convictions for positions where they are not excluded by federal OIG regulations or Wisconsin Caregiver Law requirements. Support services positions (EVS, food services, facilities) have lower barriers than patient-facing roles. Those on the OIG exclusion list cannot be hired in any capacity. Individualized assessment applies to non-barred offenses, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.
What is the background check process at Ascension Wisconsin?
Ascension Wisconsin conducts comprehensive background checks after extending a conditional offer of employment. The process includes criminal history search (county, state, federal), OIG/LEIE exclusion database check, Wisconsin Caregiver Registry check, employment and education verification, and drug screening. You must complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form. Results are reviewed through individualized assessment for non-excluded, non-barred offenses.
How far back does the background check go at Ascension Wisconsin—what is the lookback period?
OIG exclusion status is permanent until formal reinstatement. Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses are permanent without rehabilitation review approval. For other offenses, standard criminal lookback is typically 7 years, though serious offenses may be considered regardless of timeframe. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years. Some positions may have specific lookback requirements based on regulatory requirements.
What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Ascension Wisconsin?
OIG-excluded offenses (Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, healthcare fraud, felony drug offenses) create absolute bars to any employment. Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses (homicide, sexual assault, abuse, child offenses, drug distribution) bar caregiver positions without rehabilitation review. Drug-related convictions face heightened scrutiny due to controlled substance access. Theft and fraud offenses raise concerns about property access. Violence offenses affect patient contact positions.
What are the best entry-level roles at Ascension Wisconsin for applicants with a record?
Environmental Services Technician ($15-$19/hr) offers the best entry point with minimal direct patient contact. Food Service Worker ($12-$16/hr) and Dietary Technician ($12-$15/hr) positions have similar low barriers. Facilities Maintenance ($16-$22/hr) positions may be available for those with relevant skills. Administrative support roles without patient contact may also be accessible. Avoid clinical and direct patient care positions initially.
Does Ascension Wisconsin drug test, and what kind of test do they use?
Yes, Ascension Wisconsin requires mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Healthcare facilities maintain strict drug-free workplace policies due to patient safety concerns and controlled substance access throughout facilities. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine screen. Random drug testing may occur for certain positions. Wisconsin does not have recreational marijuana protections for healthcare employment.
When during the hiring process will Ascension Wisconsin ask about criminal history?
In compliance with EEOC guidelines and Wisconsin law, Ascension Wisconsin conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer of employment. You will complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form at this stage. The application typically does not ask about criminal history. However, you must be completely honest on the BID form, as healthcare background checks are comprehensive.
Can someone advance to management at Ascension Wisconsin if they have a felony?
Yes, advancement is possible for those not excluded by OIG or barred under Wisconsin Caregiver Law. Ascension emphasizes internal development and many leadership positions are filled through promotion. Demonstrated reliability, strong performance, and additional training support advancement. Non-clinical supervisory roles (EVS Supervisor, Food Services Supervisor) offer management opportunities with fewer regulatory requirements than clinical management.
How long does the hiring and background check process take at Ascension Wisconsin?
The complete hiring process averages 2-4 weeks from application to start date. After conditional offer, background checks typically take 1-2 weeks. Wisconsin Caregiver checks through WORCS return within 24-48 hours. OIG exclusion checks are immediate. Drug testing is usually completed within a few days. Timeline may extend if additional information is needed or for positions requiring extensive credential verification.
What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Ascension Wisconsin?
First, verify you're not on the OIG exclusion list before applying. Target support services positions initially. Be completely honest on all applications and the BID form. Prepare documentation of rehabilitation (certificates, stable employment, references). Research Wisconsin Caregiver Law to understand if rehabilitation review applies to your situation. Demonstrate flexibility on scheduling. Highlight reliability, attendance history, and commitment to patient-centered service. Consider obtaining certifications in food safety, environmental services, or related areas.
Alternative Second Chance Employers
If Ascension Wisconsin doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries:
Employer | Industry/Type | Notes |
Aurora Health Care | Healthcare | Major Wisconsin health system, similar support services opportunities, same OIG/caregiver requirements apply. |
Froedtert Health | Healthcare | Milwaukee-area health system with multiple facilities, EVS and food services hiring. |
Quad Graphics | Manufacturing/Printing | Wisconsin-based company with reputation for second chance hiring, manufacturing positions. |
MOD Pizza | Food Service | Explicit second chance employer with locations in Wisconsin, strong fair chance policies. |
Darden Restaurants | Food Service | Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Capital Grille. Fair chance policies, multiple Wisconsin locations. |
Goodwill Industries | Non-Profit/Retail | Mission-driven organization with explicit second chance hiring, job training programs. |
Amazon | Warehouse/Logistics | Fair Chance Pledge signatory, multiple Wisconsin fulfillment centers, high-volume hiring. |
Conclusion
Ascension Wisconsin offers limited but genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services positions. As Wisconsin's largest Catholic health system, the organization provides stable employment with comprehensive benefits, but operates under strict federal and state healthcare regulations that create significant barriers for many applicants with criminal histories.
The work is meaningful—supporting patient care and hospital operations in a mission-driven organization. Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities positions offer realistic entry points for those without disqualifying offenses. The benefits package is competitive, including 403(b) retirement savings with employer contributions, health insurance, PTO, and tuition reimbursement. Career advancement is possible for those who demonstrate reliability and commitment.
Key Success Factors: Verify OIG exclusion status before applying; target non-clinical support positions; be completely honest on all forms; document rehabilitation efforts; demonstrate reliability and commitment to patient-centered service; be flexible on scheduling; leverage Wisconsin reentry resources.
Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion creates absolute bar to all positions; Wisconsin Caregiver Law barred offenses prevent caregiver roles without rehabilitation review; drug-related convictions face heightened scrutiny; theft and fraud offenses raise property access concerns; recent convictions of any type face additional scrutiny.
Healthcare employment requires meeting rigorous background standards, but for those who qualify, Ascension Wisconsin provides stable, meaningful work with genuine opportunity for growth. Start with realistic expectations, target appropriate positions, and demonstrate the reliability and integrity that healthcare employers require.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), and government resources (OIG, Wisconsin DHS), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Ascension Wisconsin.
Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. OIG exclusion status, Wisconsin Caregiver Law compliance, and individual assessment outcomes depend on specific circumstances. Background check laws, rehabilitation review procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.
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Does Ascension Wisconsin Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
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