Quick Answer

Conditional, Beebe Healthcare hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions, primarily in support services. As a not-for-profit community health system serving Sussex County, Delaware with approximately 2,800+ employees, Beebe operates a 210-bed hospital plus multiple satellite campuses. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to federal OIG exclusion requirements and EEOC individualized assessment guidelines.

A conviction is not an automatic disqualifier for all roles. However, the single greatest barrier is the OIG Exclusion List (LEIE). Individuals with mandatory exclusions for patient abuse, healthcare fraud, or controlled substance offenses are permanently barred from working in any capacity paid for by federal healthcare funds. Delaware state law also requires fingerprint-based FBI and state criminal background checks for positions in nursing homes and home health agencies.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to patient abuse or neglect (permanent OIG exclusion), healthcare fraud (mandatory exclusion with severe penalties), and controlled substance offenses (drug diversion, distribution). Violent offenses face heightened scrutiny for any patient-facing role.

Best entry points include Environmental Services (EVS), Nutritional Services, Plant Engineering/Facilities, and Laundry Services roles with minimal direct patient contact and limited access to controlled substances. These positions offer competitive wages ($15-26/hr) plus comprehensive benefits.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Beebe Healthcare, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• OIG Exclusion Status: Must NOT be on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Check your status at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions before applying. Exclusion is a permanent legal bar for any healthcare position paid by federal funds.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: Beebe cannot automatically exclude you solely for having a felony (except OIG-excluded offenses). EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment based on job-relatedness.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for evaluation of whether your conviction is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug screening. Healthcare facilities maintain strict drug-free workplace policies due to patient safety and controlled substance access.

  
  

• Fingerprinting: Must consent to FBI and Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) fingerprint-based background check as required by Delaware Code Title 16 for certain healthcare positions.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier treated as an integrity failure and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• 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. Beebe Healthcare operates exclusively in Delaware and must comply with both federal healthcare regulations and Delaware state law. The healthcare industry faces the most stringent regulatory requirements of any sector due to patient safety mandates and federal funding requirements.

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 OIG mandatory exclusions or Delaware state law requirements for healthcare workers.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Beebe Healthcare 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. This gives applicants the opportunity to respond with rehabilitation evidence or correct errors on their record.

State-Specific Considerations

Delaware has no statewide Ban-the-Box law for private employers. Delaware adopted Ban-the-Box for public employers in 2014 but private sector employers like Beebe Healthcare are not covered. Delaware Code Title 16, Chapter 11 requires criminal background checks including FBI fingerprinting for positions in nursing homes, home health agencies, and prescribed pediatric extended care centers. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) operates the Background Check Center (BCC)—an electronic system that combines data from state criminal records, FBI criminal records, OIG exclusion lists, adult abuse registry, sex offender registry, and nurse aide registry. Employers must check the BCC before hiring for covered positions.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

Healthcare employment involves the most stringent regulatory requirements of any industry due to patient safety mandates. OIG Exclusion (LEIE): The Office of Inspector General maintains the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Individuals excluded for patient abuse, healthcare fraud, or controlled substance offenses are permanently barred from any position paid directly or indirectly by federal healthcare funds (Medicare, Medicaid). Employers face penalties of $100,000+ per violation for knowingly employing excluded individuals. Controlled Substance Access: Clinical and many support roles involve access to controlled substances, creating heightened scrutiny for drug-related offenses. Vulnerable Patient Population: Healthcare facilities serve vulnerable populations including elderly, children, and those with diminished capacity, requiring enhanced safety screening.

Company Overview

Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community health system serving Sussex County in southern Delaware. Founded in 1916 by physician brothers Dr. James Beebe and Dr. Richard C. Beebe, the organization has grown from a small hospital to a comprehensive healthcare system. The main facility is a 210-licensed-bed hospital located on the Margaret H. Rollins Health Campus in historic Lewes, Delaware. Beebe employs approximately 2,800+ team members and serves as one of the largest employers in Sussex County.

Beebe operates three health campuses: the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus (main hospital), Rehoboth Beach Health Campus (including Tunnell Cancer Center, Outpatient Surgery Center, and Specialty Surgical Hospital), and South Coastal Health Campus (freestanding emergency department and cancer center). Additional locations provide primary care and specialty services in Georgetown, Long Neck, Milford, Millsboro, and Millville. Beebe also operates Home Care Services throughout Sussex County and the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing—the only hospital-based nursing school in Delaware.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1916 (Lewes, Delaware)

• Headquarters: 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958

• President & CEO: David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE

• Organization Type: Not-for-profit community health system

• Employees: 2,800+ team members

• Hospital Beds: 210 licensed beds

• Campuses: 3 health campuses plus multiple satellite locations

• Service Lines: Cardiac/Vascular, Oncology, Orthopedics, Women's Health, Surgical Services

• Recognition: LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader (HRC), Best Hospitals in Delaware (U.S. News)

Hiring Policy Analysis

Beebe Healthcare conducts comprehensive background screening on all applicants as required by federal healthcare regulations and Delaware state law. The organization must check the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) before hiring any worker who will be paid directly or indirectly by federal healthcare funds. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer of employment, consistent with Delaware practice for private employers. The company conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines for convictions that are not automatic bars under OIG or state law. Beebe Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer committed to considering qualified applicants regardless of protected characteristics including criminal history where legally permissible.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels in healthcare are determined by patient contact, access to controlled substances, access to vulnerable populations, and regulatory requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, and Beebe Healthcare job postings. Actual compensation varies by experience, shift, and location. Shift differentials: 9% evening, 14% night, 9% weekend (up to 23% weekend night).

Career Path Examples

Beebe Healthcare emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement ($5,000/year) to support career development. Average employee tenure is 6 years.

Environmental Services Track: EVS Tech I ($15-20/hr) → EVS Tech II ($18-24/hr) → EVS Lead ($20-26/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($45K-55K/yr). Reliability and quality work drive advancement.

Nutritional Services Track: Nutritional Assistant I ($17-22/hr) → Nutritional Assistant II ($19-26/hr) → Cook/Production Lead ($22-28/hr) → Food Service Supervisor ($45K-60K/yr). Food safety certifications helpful.

Clinical Support Track: Patient Care Assistant ($17-27/hr) → CNA Certification → CNA ($18-28/hr) → LPN (with education) → RN (with BSN). Tuition reimbursement supports educational advancement. Note: Clinical advancement requires clean record and licensure eligibility.

Background Check Process

Understanding Beebe Healthcare's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically. As a healthcare provider receiving federal funding, Beebe must conduct comprehensive screening including checks not required in other industries. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer, meaning you'll have the opportunity to interview and receive an offer before your record is evaluated.

What They Check: OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE); SAM (System for Award Management) exclusions; Criminal history at county, state, and federal levels via FBI fingerprinting; Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) records; Adult Abuse Registry; Sex Offender Registry; Nurse Aide Registry (for CNA positions); Drug screening (mandatory); Employment verification; Education verification for licensed positions.

Lookback Period: OIG exclusions are permanent or long-term (5-20+ years depending on offense). Standard criminal lookback is 7 years per FCRA. Delaware has no additional state limitation. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

Timeline: The hiring process averages 2-4 weeks from application to start date based on employee reports. FBI fingerprint results take 1-2 weeks. Drug test results within 2-3 days. Some positions may take longer depending on licensing verification requirements.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test authorization → Background Check Center (BCC) screening → OIG/SAM exclusion check → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date and orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification (OIG Mandatory Exclusion): Conviction of patient abuse or neglect; healthcare fraud; felony conviction related to controlled substances; felony conviction related to healthcare fraud. These result in permanent or long-term exclusion from any position paid by federal healthcare funds—no individualized assessment can override.

High Risk for Disqualification: Any violent offense (assault, battery, domestic violence) for patient-facing roles; sexual offenses; drug distribution or trafficking; theft from healthcare facilities; identity theft or fraud; any offense involving vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled).

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes over 5 years old; simple drug possession with rehabilitation evidence (still problematic for controlled substance access roles); DUI/DWI for non-driving positions; older offenses unrelated to healthcare, patient safety, or integrity. All subject to individualized assessment.

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, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time (typically 5 business days) to respond with rehabilitation evidence or dispute errors.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: For non-OIG-excluded offenses, you have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions and through Delaware State Police.

Application Strategy

1. Check OIG Exclusion Status First: Before applying to any healthcare position, verify you are NOT on the OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions. If you are excluded, do not apply—focus on non-healthcare industries until exclusion period ends.

   
   

2. Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Nutritional Services, Plant Engineering, and Laundry—roles with minimal direct patient contact and limited controlled substance access. These face the lowest regulatory barriers while offering competitive wages and full benefits.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through beebecareers.org. Beebe posts positions on Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Check the careers page regularly as support service positions are posted frequently.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Interview: Research Beebe's mission of community-focused compassionate care. Emphasize reliability, teamwork, and patient-centered service mentality. Healthcare employers value dedication to helping others.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Healthcare conducts the most comprehensive background checks of any industry. Dishonesty will be discovered through fingerprinting and database checks, and is treated as an integrity failure warranting automatic disqualification.

   
   

6. 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, personal growth, and genuine commitment to serving patients and community.

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, consistent employment, community involvement, and character references from employers, probation officers, or community members.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Delaware allows expungement of certain criminal records. Research eligibility at courts.delaware.gov. Sealed records generally cannot be reported on background checks, significantly improving your prospects.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: Hospitals operate 24/7/365 with consistent support services turnover. Beebe employs 2,800+ people. Don't be discouraged by rejections—keep applying to new openings.

   
   

2. Start in Support Services, Build Trust: Many healthcare careers begin in EVS, dietary, or facilities. Prove reliability through consistent attendance. Internal advancement opportunities follow a solid track record.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Check OIG exclusion list at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions. Order Delaware criminal records through State Police. Dispute errors before employers see them.

   
   

4. Understand Healthcare-Specific Barriers: OIG exclusions cannot be waived. If you have mandatory exclusion offenses, focus on non-healthcare industries. Patient abuse, fraud, and controlled substance felonies face permanent bars.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: Healthcare has zero tolerance for drug use. Address substance issues before applying. Any cannabis positive may disqualify.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, transportation, and work history. Healthcare values punctuality and dependability for 24/7 operations.

   
   

7. Consider Shift Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings, nights, and weekends increases chances. Beebe offers differentials up to 23%. Less desirable shifts have lower competition.

   
   

8. Leverage Community Connection: As a 100+ year community health system, Beebe values local ties. Emphasize Sussex County connection and commitment to serving neighbors.

Benefits Overview

Beebe Healthcare offers a comprehensive benefits package with over 30 benefits for full-time and part-time team members. Benefits eligibility typically begins after 30-60 days of employment.

• Compensation: Competitive wages ranging from $15-51/hr depending on position. Shift differentials: 9% evening, 14% night, 9% weekend (18% weekend evening, 23% weekend night). Direct deposit available.

  
  

• 403(b) Retirement: Beebe matches up to 7% of base pay with a 50% match through Lincoln Financial. Additional Employer Contribution Plan based on hours worked and years of service; vesting after 3 years. Catch-up contributions available.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time and part-time team members. Prescription benefit plan with zero-dollar copays and mail order options. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.

  
  

• Time Off: Full-time team members accrue 25 days PTO per year. Long-term sick bank: 5 days per year accrual. Paid holidays.

  
  

• Education: Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per year for full-time (pro-rated for part-time). College 529 Savings Plan through Delaware College Savings Plan.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance (1.5x annual salary for full-time); short and long-term disability; critical illness and accident insurance; employee assistance program; free parking.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good benefits package; generous PTO (8 hours per pay period); competitive pay vs. local hospitals; shift differentials; coastal community location; career advancement opportunities.

Cons: Short staffing on some units; high deductible health plan introduced in 2024; management varies by department; work-life balance challenges in clinical roles; limited parking during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Beebe Healthcare hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Beebe hires individuals with felonies for certain support services positions (EVS, Nutritional Services, Facilities). However, individuals on the OIG Exclusion List (patient abuse, healthcare fraud, controlled substance felonies) are permanently barred from healthcare employment. For non-excluded offenses, Beebe conducts individualized assessment. Best opportunities are roles with minimal patient contact.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Beebe Healthcare?

   Beebe conducts comprehensive screening after conditional offer including: OIG/SAM exclusion check; FBI fingerprinting through Delaware SBI; national criminal search; adult abuse registry; sex offender registry; nurse aide registry (for CNAs); mandatory drug screening. Delaware Code Title 16 requires fingerprint-based checks for certain healthcare positions. You'll receive pre-adverse action notice with opportunity to respond if denied.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go—what is the lookback period?

   OIG exclusions are permanent or long-term (5-20+ years) with no lookback limitation. Standard criminal lookback is 7 years per FCRA. Delaware has no additional limitation. FBI fingerprint checks access complete federal history. Employment verification extends 7-10 years. Serious healthcare offenses (patient abuse, fraud) create permanent bars regardless of age.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Beebe Healthcare?

   Automatic bars (OIG exclusion): Patient abuse/neglect; healthcare fraud; felony controlled substance conviction. High difficulty: Violent offenses; sexual offenses; drug trafficking; healthcare theft; identity theft; crimes against vulnerable populations. Moderate: Financial crimes for administrative roles; DUI for non-driving positions. Lower: Older non-violent offenses unrelated to healthcare or integrity—still require individualized assessment.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Beebe Healthcare for applicants with a record?

   Environmental Services Technician ($15-26/hr) is the best entry point—hospital housekeeping with minimal patient contact. Nutritional Assistant ($17-26/hr) in kitchen/cafeteria. Plant Engineering/Mechanic ($17-27/hr) for technical skills. Laundry Services. These support roles have lowest barriers while offering competitive wages, shift differentials up to 23%, and full benefits including retirement matching.

   
   

6. Does Beebe Healthcare drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Beebe requires mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Healthcare maintains strict drug-free workplace policies due to patient safety and controlled substance access. Testing is typically urine screening after conditional offer. Delaware has no legal recreational marijuana; any positive cannabis result may disqualify. Random testing may occur during employment for certain positions.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Beebe Healthcare ask about criminal history?

   Delaware has no Ban-the-Box law for private employers, so Beebe may ask on the initial application. However, comprehensive background checks (fingerprinting, database searches) are conducted after conditional offer. You'll have the opportunity to interview before your detailed record is reviewed. Be prepared to discuss honestly if asked during interviews.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Beebe Healthcare if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible through strong performance. Beebe offers $5,000/year tuition reimbursement. Support services supervisory roles (EVS Supervisor, Food Service Supervisor) are achievable. Clinical advancement to licensed positions requires clean records for state licensure. Building several years of excellent performance significantly improves prospects.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   The hiring process averages 2-4 weeks. Interview typically within 1-2 weeks of application. FBI fingerprint results take 1-2 weeks. Drug test results within 2-3 days. OIG check is immediate. Total background process 1-2 weeks after conditional offer. High-volume positions like EVS may move faster.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Beebe Healthcare?

    Key strategies:

    (1) Verify OIG exclusion status first;

    (2) Target support roles (EVS, dietary, facilities);

    (3) Be completely honest;

    (4) Document rehabilitation;

    (5) Research expungement;

    (6) Emphasize reliability and patient-service mentality;

    (7) Be flexible on shifts;

    (8) Run your own background check first;

    (9) Follow up professionally;

    (10) Ask about alternative positions if denied.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Beebe Healthcare doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries in Delaware:

Conclusion

Beebe Healthcare offers conditional opportunities for individuals with criminal records, primarily in support services. As a community health system with 2,800+ employees, Beebe provides stable employment with competitive wages ($15-51/hr), comprehensive benefits, and advancement potential. The benefits package includes 403(b) retirement matching, health insurance, 25 days PTO, and $5,000/year tuition reimbursement.

Key Success Factors: Verify OIG status before applying; target support roles; be completely honest; document rehabilitation; demonstrate reliability and patient-service mentality; maintain shift flexibility.

Biggest Barriers: OIG mandatory exclusions (patient abuse, healthcare fraud, controlled substance felonies) are permanent with no exceptions; violent offenses face extreme scrutiny; comprehensive fingerprint-based screening catches all history.

For those without OIG-excluded offenses, support services offer legitimate pathways to stable healthcare employment in coastal Delaware. Persistence, honesty, and demonstrated rehabilitation are essential for success.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Healthcare hiring is subject to federal OIG regulations, Delaware state law, and facility-specific policies that may change. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and regulatory databases, employment information may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Beebe Healthcare.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. OIG exclusions, Delaware background check requirements, and fair chance hiring laws should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation. Check your OIG exclusion status at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions before applying to any healthcare position.

Apply Now: https://www.beebecareers.org