Quick Answer

Conditional, Benefis Health System hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As Montana's largest non-governmental employer in the Great Falls area with approximately 3,400 employees, Benefis operates a 516-bed hospital system serving a 15-county region. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to federal OIG exclusion requirements and EEOC guidelines.

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 related to healthcare fraud or Medicare/Medicaid violations (permanent OIG exclusion), patient abuse or neglect (mandatory exclusion from federal healthcare programs), and drug-related offenses (access to controlled substances concern). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points include Environmental Services, Food Services, Laundry, Transport, and Facilities positions that have minimal patient contact and no access to controlled substances. These roles offer hourly wages starting around $14-16/hr with full benefits after 30 days.

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, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No OIG Exclusion: Must NOT be on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). This is a permanent legal bar from all federal healthcare program participation. Check your status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov before applying.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: Must be aware that the company is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment using the Green Factors.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties considering the nature of crime, time elapsed, and nature of the job.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Many positions require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in fast-paced environments. Clinical roles have additional physical demands.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Benefis maintains a drug-free workplace policy. Testing typically includes a urine screening for common substances.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later, even years into employment.

  
  

• 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. Benefis Health System operates primarily in Montana, which does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers. However, all healthcare employers must comply with federal EEOC guidelines and OIG exclusion requirements nationwide.

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. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Benefis 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

Montana does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers. Employers may request information about criminal history at any point during the hiring process. Montana has launched reentry initiatives to provide better reintegration services for people returning to the community, but these do not create legal hiring protections. The standard criminal lookback period in Montana follows FCRA guidelines of 7 years for most offenses, though convictions can be reported indefinitely for positions with annual salaries exceeding $75,000.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

The healthcare industry involves direct patient care and access to controlled substances, which has critical regulatory considerations:

OIG Exclusion List (LEIE): The Office of Inspector General maintains the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Anyone on this list is permanently barred from employment in any capacity at healthcare organizations receiving federal healthcare program funds. Mandatory exclusions include Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse/neglect, felony healthcare fraud, and felony controlled substance convictions.

SAM Database: Healthcare employers must also check the System for Award Management database for federal debarments and exclusions.

Controlled Substance Access: Positions with access to medications face heightened scrutiny for drug-related offenses. This applies to nursing, pharmacy, and some support roles.

Company Overview

Benefis Health System is a nonprofit independent healthcare system headquartered in Great Falls, Montana. Founded in 1996 through the merger of Columbus Hospital (established 1892) and Montana Deaconess Medical Center (established 1898), Benefis has served central Montana for over 130 years. The organization operates the largest non-governmental employer in the Great Falls area, providing comprehensive healthcare services across a 15-county region larger than Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont combined.

Benefis is committed to providing excellent care for all, healing body, mind, and spirit. The organization has been recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare for seven consecutive years, the only Montana health system to receive this designation. Forbes has also recognized Benefis in its ranking of America's Best Employers. The company provides scholarships, workshops, classes, and financial reimbursement for professional certification programs to support employee development.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1996 (merger), predecessors date to 1892

• Headquarters: Great Falls, Montana

• Employees: Approximately 3,400

• Hospital Beds: 516 beds (includes long-term care and hospice)

• Service Area: 15-county region serving 275,000 residents

• Employed Providers: 400+ physicians and advanced practice providers

• Medical Specialties: 40+ specialties

• Trauma Level: Level II Trauma Center

• Ownership: Nonprofit community health system

Hiring Policy Analysis

Benefis Health System operates as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, stating that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The company conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines and federal healthcare regulations. Background checks are conducted after conditional job offers, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history review. The hiring process typically includes online application, phone screening, one or more interviews, conditional offer, background check authorization, drug screening, and final hiring decision. Employee reports indicate the interview process is generally rated as easy with an average duration of about two weeks.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by patient contact, controlled substance access, regulatory licensing requirements, and job-relatedness of potential offenses.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, experience, and certifications.

Career Path Examples

Benefis emphasizes internal advancement and provides education assistance, scholarships, and professional development support. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Environmental Services Track: Housekeeper ($14-17/hr) → Lead Housekeeper ($16-19/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($19-24/hr) → EVS Manager ($50K-65K/yr). Advancement based on reliability, leadership skills, and tenure.

Food Services Track: Food Service Worker ($14-16/hr) → Cook ($15-18/hr) → Lead Cook ($17-21/hr) → Dietary Supervisor ($45K-55K/yr). Food safety certifications support advancement.

Patient Care Track: CNA ($15-20/hr) → Patient Care Tech ($16-21/hr) → LPN/RN (requires additional education and licensing) → Charge Nurse → Nurse Manager. Benefis offers paid CNA training and nursing scholarships.

Background Check Process

Understanding Benefis Health System's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending conditional job offers, which means you'll have the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE); SAM federal exclusion database; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring specific credentials; drug screening (mandatory for all positions); professional license verification for clinical roles.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback following FCRA guidelines. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years. OIG exclusion has no time limit and is permanent for mandatory exclusions. Patient abuse, healthcare fraud, and controlled substance felonies may have extended or permanent reporting periods.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 2-3 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete after conditional offer. Clinical positions may take longer due to additional credential verification and licensing checks.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification: OIG exclusion (LEIE listing); conviction for Medicare/Medicaid fraud; patient abuse or neglect conviction; felony healthcare fraud; felony controlled substance manufacture, distribution, or dispensing; lying on the application about criminal history.

High Risk (Case-by-Case): Violent felonies (assault, battery, domestic violence); sexual offenses; theft or fraud convictions; drug possession convictions (especially for positions with medication access); any conviction within the past 3 years. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence and job-relatedness.

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 with the consumer reporting agency.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision based on background check results, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You have reasonable time (typically 5 business days) to respond and provide additional information.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited. The employer must consider the Green Factors.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand through the FBI and Montana DOJ to identify and correct errors before applying.

Application Strategy

1. Check OIG Status First: Before applying, confirm you are NOT on the OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you are on this list, you cannot work in any capacity at Benefis or any healthcare organization receiving federal healthcare program funds. Focus on non-healthcare employers instead.

   
   

2. Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Food Services, Laundry, Transport, and Facilities positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. These roles offer the best opportunity to get your foot in the door. Avoid clinical and nursing positions initially if your record includes drug offenses or violence.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through benefis.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/BHS. Benefis also posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as support services positions are posted frequently.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your reliability, work ethic, and commitment to patient care. Research Benefis's history and values. Emphasize teamwork, dependability, and customer service orientation. Employee reviews indicate interviews are rated as easy.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire if discovered later. In healthcare, integrity is non-negotiable.

   
   

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 stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

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

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up with HR if you don't hear back within 2 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation. Persistence and professionalism demonstrate the qualities healthcare employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: Healthcare organizations face ongoing staffing challenges, particularly in support services. Benefis operates 24/7 with over 3,400 employees. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different positions and shifts.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Benefis begin in entry-level support roles. Prove reliability by showing up on time, working hard, and being a team player. Benefis provides scholarships and education assistance for advancement into higher-paying positions.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance. Also check your OIG status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov.

   
   

4. Healthcare-Specific Preparation: Healthcare environments require attention to infection control, patient privacy (HIPAA), and safety protocols. Demonstrate understanding of these concerns. Consider obtaining CPR certification or food handler's card to stand out from other applicants.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Benefis requires mandatory drug screening for all positions. Healthcare facilities have zero tolerance for substance issues due to patient safety and controlled substance access concerns.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows you can be counted on. Healthcare employers especially value dependability since patient care cannot be interrupted.

   
   

7. Network and Use Employee Referrals: Current Benefis employees can provide referrals. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration. Network through LinkedIn or local workforce development programs to connect with current employees.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Scheduling: Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays increases your chances significantly. Healthcare operates 24/7/365 and employees willing to work less desirable shifts are highly valued. Many positions offer shift differentials for evening and night work.

Benefits Overview

Benefis Health System offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide security and well-being for employees and their families. The company states their package is progressive, comprehensive, and reflects a market-driven pay philosophy. Benefits begin after eligibility periods are met, typically within the first 30-60 days of employment.

• Compensation: Entry-level support services positions start at $14-17/hr. The company conducts annual pay reviews and has provided yearly raises, including during the pandemic. Starting pay considers previous comparable experience.

  
  

• 403(b) Retirement: Benefis offers a Roth 403(b) plan with employer match up to 5%. This is similar to a 401(k) but designed for nonprofit employers.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical insurance options including vision, dental, and prescription coverage. Health Savings Account (HSA) available. Note: The plan is limited to Benefis-employed providers—going outside the network results in out-of-network costs. Employee pharmacy offers significant medication savings.

  
  

• Time Off: PTO policy that combines sick and vacation time. Employees report receiving 2 weeks plus holiday PTO annually for the first 5 years. Holiday time comes from the regular PTO bank for salaried employees.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP); wellness programs including hiking/biking classes, free health screenings, and smoking cessation support; life insurance; scholarships and education assistance; professional certification reimbursement; Christmas gift cards and occasional bonuses.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good pay for the area; family atmosphere; growth opportunities; yearly raises; friendly staff; good PTO accrual; work-life balance options; employee pharmacy savings.

Cons: Management inconsistency; health insurance limited to Benefis providers; high deductibles; short staffing in some departments; PTO combined (no separate sick leave); training quality varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Benefis Health System hire people with felonies?

   Benefis may hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions, primarily in support services such as Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities. As a healthcare organization, Benefis must check all employees against the OIG Exclusion List—anyone on this list cannot be hired. For non-excluded individuals, the company conducts individualized assessments considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job-relatedness. Best opportunities exist in positions with minimal patient contact and no controlled substance access.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Benefis Health System?

   Benefis conducts comprehensive background checks after extending conditional job offers. The check includes national criminal records search, OIG/SAM exclusion databases, drug screening, employment verification, and education verification for applicable positions. A third-party consumer reporting agency typically handles the check. You must provide written consent. Results are reviewed using individualized assessment considering the Green Factors. If concerns arise, you'll receive a pre-adverse action notice with opportunity to respond before a final decision.

   
   

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

   The standard criminal lookback period is 7 years following FCRA guidelines. However, OIG exclusions are permanent and have no time limit. Patient abuse convictions and healthcare fraud may also have extended or permanent reporting. Employment verification typically goes back 5-7 years. For positions earning above $75,000 annually, criminal convictions may be reported indefinitely under FCRA.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Benefis Health System?

   The most problematic convictions are: healthcare fraud or Medicare/Medicaid violations (permanent OIG exclusion); patient abuse or neglect (mandatory federal exclusion); felony controlled substance offenses (exclusion from federal programs); violent crimes especially domestic violence or assault; sexual offenses; theft or fraud (particularly for positions with financial responsibilities); and any conviction within the past 3 years. Drug-related offenses are especially scrutinized due to controlled substance access in healthcare settings.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Benefis Health System for applicants with a record?

   The best opportunities are in support services: Environmental Services/Housekeeping ($14-17/hr), Food Service Worker ($14-16/hr), Laundry ($14-16/hr), Transport/Courier ($14-16/hr), and Facilities/Maintenance ($16-22/hr). These positions have minimal direct patient contact and no access to controlled substances. Administrative roles like Registration Representative may also be accessible depending on offense type. Avoid clinical positions initially if your record includes drug offenses or violence.

   
   

6. Does Benefis Health System drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Benefis requires mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically a urine test screening for common substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Healthcare facilities maintain strict drug-free workplace policies due to patient safety concerns and access to controlled substances. A positive drug test will disqualify you from employment.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Benefis Health System ask about criminal history?

   Montana does not have a Ban the Box law for private employers, so Benefis may ask about criminal history at any point, including on the initial application. However, the comprehensive background check is conducted after a conditional job offer is extended. This gives you the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before detailed criminal history review. Be honest if asked at any stage—dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Benefis Health System if they have a felony?

   Advancement to management positions is possible but depends on the nature of your conviction, time elapsed, and your performance. Benefis emphasizes internal promotion and provides education assistance. Support services management positions like EVS Supervisor or Dietary Supervisor may be achievable. However, positions with increased patient contact, financial responsibility, or requiring professional licenses face higher scrutiny. Demonstrate reliability, leadership skills, and commitment over time to build your advancement case.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Benefis Health System?

   Based on employee reports, the hiring process typically takes 2-3 weeks from application to start date. The interview process is generally rated as easy. Background checks take approximately 1-2 weeks after you authorize them. Clinical positions requiring credential verification and license checks may take longer. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, you'll have 5 business days to respond, which extends the timeline.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Benefis Health System?

    Key strategies include:

    (1) Check your OIG status before applying;

    (2) Target support services positions initially;

    (3) Run your own background check first and dispute errors;

    (4) Gather rehabilitation documentation;

    (5) Be completely honest about your record;

    (6) Prepare a brief, professional narrative about your conviction and growth;

    (7) Obtain relevant certifications like CPR or food handler's card;

    (8) Be flexible on scheduling;

    (9) Emphasize stability, reliability, and commitment to patient care;

    (10) Follow up professionally after applying.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Benefis Health System doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries:

Conclusion

Benefis Health System offers conditional opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services positions such as Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities. As Montana's premier health system with over 3,400 employees, the organization provides a pathway to stable employment with competitive benefits including retirement matching, health insurance, and education assistance. The company has been recognized as one of the 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare for seven consecutive years.

The work is demanding in a 24/7 healthcare environment, but starting wages of $14-17/hr with full benefits represent solid opportunities for rebuilding. The benefits package includes 403(b) with 5% match, health insurance, PTO, and education assistance for advancement. Career advancement is possible through internal promotion—many supervisors and managers started in entry-level positions.

Key Success Factors: Not being on the OIG exclusion list; targeting support services positions; complete honesty about criminal history; documented rehabilitation; flexibility on scheduling; demonstrating reliability and commitment to patient care.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion is an absolute bar; healthcare fraud, patient abuse, and controlled substance felonies face highest scrutiny; Montana lacks Ban the Box protections; recent convictions (within 3 years) face increased difficulty; drug offenses problematic due to controlled substance access in healthcare.

For individuals whose records do not include OIG-excludable offenses, Benefis represents a genuine opportunity to build a career in healthcare. Start in support services, prove your reliability, and take advantage of education assistance programs to advance. The healthcare industry needs dedicated workers, and your commitment to patient care can open doors.

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), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Benefis Health System.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. OIG exclusion status can be verified at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://benefis.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/BHS