Quick Answer

Yes, CHI St. Alexius Health (part of CommonSpirit Health) does hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As North Dakota's largest healthcare delivery system in central and western regions with approximately 3,000 employees, CHI St. Alexius Health operates multiple hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities across the state. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles 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 and abuse (mandatory OIG exclusion), patient abuse or neglect (permanent employment bar), and controlled substance offenses (drug diversion concerns). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

The best entry points are in Environmental Services (EVS), Food Services, Laundry, Facilities Maintenance, and other non-clinical support roles that have minimal direct patient contact and no access to controlled substances.

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 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 based on the Green Factors.

  
  

• OIG Exclusion Status: Must verify you are NOT on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) before applying. Individuals on this list are permanently barred from healthcare employment paid by federal funds.

  
  

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

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Healthcare support roles may require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and performing repetitive tasks. Clinical roles have additional physical demands.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. CHI St. Alexius Health maintains a drug-free workplace policy. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine screening.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked (after conditional offer). Lying is an automatic disqualifier 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 for Second Chance applicants. CHI St. Alexius Health, as part of CommonSpirit Health, operates under strict federal regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid participation. North Dakota has enacted fair chance protections for public sector employment, but healthcare organizations face unique regulatory requirements that supersede general employment law.

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, CHI St. Alexius Health 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 (typically 5 business days) to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

North Dakota enacted a ban-the-box law in 2019 (N.D. Century Code § 12.1-33-05.1) that applies to public and private employers with four or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. Criminal history inquiries may only occur after the candidate has been selected for an interview or receives a conditional job offer. Under FCRA, conviction records can be reported indefinitely in North Dakota, as there is no state-specific lookback limitation for criminal convictions.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

Healthcare employment involves unique regulatory requirements due to patient safety and federal funding compliance. The OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) creates permanent employment bars for individuals convicted of Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect, healthcare-related fraud or theft, and felony controlled substance offenses. Healthcare organizations that employ excluded individuals face civil monetary penalties up to $100,000 per day plus three times the amount claimed. All employees, regardless of role, are subject to LEIE screening because federal funds may indirectly pay for any position's salary.

Company Overview

CHI St. Alexius Health is a regional, acute care medical center offering inpatient and outpatient medical services, including primary and specialty physician clinics, home health and hospice services, medical equipment services, and a fitness and human performance center. Founded in 1885 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, North Dakota, the organization has grown to become the largest healthcare delivery system in central and western North Dakota. CHI St. Alexius Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, the nation's largest nonprofit Catholic health system with approximately 150,000 employees nationwide.

The regional system includes a Level II trauma center in Bismarck and critical access hospitals in Carrington, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Garrison, Turtle Lake, Washburn, and Williston, along with managed facilities in Elgin, Linton, and Wishek. The organization operates under the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and maintains a strong commitment to community health, charitable care, and service to the vulnerable.

• Founded: 1885 (Bismarck, North Dakota)

• Headquarters: Bismarck, North Dakota

• Employees: Approximately 3,000 (regional system)

• Parent Organization: CommonSpirit Health (Midwest Division)

• Industry: Healthcare - Hospital Systems

• Type: Nonprofit, Catholic Health System

• Sponsors: Sisters of St. Benedict of the Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, ND

• Major Operations: Bismarck (flagship), Dickinson, Williston, Devils Lake, Carrington, plus multiple rural critical access hospitals and clinics

Hiring Policy Analysis

CHI St. Alexius Health, as part of CommonSpirit Health, has implemented fair chance hiring practices that consider qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records in accordance with federal and state laws. The company complies with North Dakota's ban-the-box law and conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer of employment, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is reviewed. However, all offers remain contingent upon OIG/LEIE exclusion screening and drug testing.

Position-Specific Barriers

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

Available Positions and Pay

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

Career Path Examples

CHI St. Alexius Health emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing healthcare certifications and degrees. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Support Services Track: Dietary Aide ($13-$16/hr) → Cook ($15-$19/hr) → Lead Cook ($17-$21/hr) → Food Services Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr). Advancement based on performance and experience.

Environmental Services Track: EVS Technician ($14-$17/hr) → EVS Lead ($16-$19/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($42K-$52K/yr) → EVS Manager ($55K-$70K/yr). Leadership skills development required.

Clinical Support Track: Patient Transporter ($15-$18/hr) → CNA (with certification, $16-$22/hr) → Patient Care Technician ($18-$24/hr). Requires certification completion and clean background review.

Background Check Process

Understanding CHI St. Alexius Health's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer of employment, which means you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/LEIE exclusion list screening; SAM (System for Award Management) exclusion screening; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring specific credentials; drug screening (mandatory 10-panel for all positions); professional license verification for applicable roles.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback under FCRA guidelines. OIG exclusions are permanent with no lookback limitation. Employment verification typically extends 5-10 years. Serious offenses (violent crimes, sexual offenses, patient abuse) may be reviewed indefinitely.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 2-4 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 5-10 business days to complete after conditional offer. Some positions may take longer depending on multi-state history or license verification requirements.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → OIG/LEIE and criminal checks 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): Medicare/Medicaid fraud convictions; patient abuse or neglect convictions; felony convictions for healthcare-related fraud, theft, or financial misconduct; felony convictions for unlawful manufacture, distribution, prescription, or dispensing of controlled substances. These are permanent employment bars for any federally-funded position.

High Risk for Disqualification: Sexual offenses (especially for patient-facing roles); violent crimes; child abuse or endangerment; theft or fraud (recent); drug-related offenses (especially for roles with medication access); identity theft or forgery.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes (older); traffic offenses (non-DUI); possession charges (non-distribution, older); offenses unrelated to healthcare, patient care, or financial integrity. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

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. You have reasonable time (typically 5 business days) to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Ban the Box: In North Dakota, employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Criminal history inquiry occurs after you're selected for interview or receive a conditional offer.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand through the OIG LEIE database and request your criminal history from the North Dakota BCI.

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 exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you're on this list, you cannot work in any healthcare position paid by federal funds. Address this first through the OIG reinstatement process if applicable.

   
   

2. Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Dietary/Food Service, Laundry, and Facilities/Maintenance positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. Avoid clinical positions initially if your record is recent or includes relevant offenses.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through careers.commonspirit.org or the CHI St. Alexius Health careers page. Check positions across multiple locations (Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Devils Lake) to maximize opportunities.

   
   

4. 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. Wait until asked or until the appropriate stage (after conditional offer) to discuss your record.

   
   

5. 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).

   
   

6. 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.

   
   

7. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement under North Dakota law. Contact Legal Services of North Dakota or local legal aid for assistance. Sealed records cannot be reported on background checks.

   
   

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 employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: Healthcare organizations like CHI St. Alexius Health have consistent turnover in support services positions. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different locations and positions.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful healthcare careers begin in entry-level support roles. Prove reliability by maintaining perfect attendance, demonstrating initiative, and volunteering for additional responsibilities. Tuition reimbursement programs provide pathways to clinical certifications.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Check the OIG LEIE database, request your North Dakota criminal history, and order a consumer background check. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Understand Healthcare Regulations: Healthcare employment has unique regulatory requirements beyond typical background checks. Familiarize yourself with OIG exclusion criteria, understand which positions involve controlled substance access, and recognize that patient safety is the paramount concern.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. CHI St. Alexius Health requires pre-employment drug screening (typically 10-panel) and may conduct random testing. North Dakota has no recreational marijuana law, and THC will disqualify you.

   
   

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 and punctuality.

   
   

7. Consider All Shift Options: Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays increases your chances significantly. Hospitals operate 24/7, and shift differentials can add $2-$6/hr to base pay.

   
   

8. Network Through Workforce Programs: Job Service North Dakota and local workforce development programs can connect you with healthcare employers. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration at CHI St. Alexius Health.

Benefits Overview

CHI St. Alexius Health, as part of CommonSpirit Health, offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment for benefits-eligible positions (typically 24+ hours per week).

• Compensation: Entry-level support positions start at $13-$17/hr. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. Performance-based raises and recognition programs available.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: After one year and 1,000 hours worked, CHI St. Alexius Health contributes 3% of gross wages plus matches up to an additional 1%. Employer contributions fully vested after five years; your contributions 100% vested immediately. Pension plan available for eligible employees.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plan options including vision, telehealth, and prescription drug coverage. Comprehensive dental plans available. Coverage begins the first of the month after 30 days. Free mental health benefit through Lyra.

  
  

• Time Off: PTO accrued based on hours worked and years of service. Eight paid holidays per year. Extended sick leave available. Paid holidays added during the pay period the holiday occurs.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance; disability coverage; Employee Assistance Program (free confidential counseling); tuition reimbursement; student loan forgiveness assistance; continuing education support; adoption assistance; pet insurance; wellness incentive program; employee discounts through BenefitHub.

• 
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Mission-driven organization; pension plan available; tuition reimbursement; job stability in healthcare; multiple advancement opportunities; comprehensive benefits package; faith-based values.

Cons: Pay may be lower than competitors; benefits changes in recent years; PTO accrual starts at zero; rural locations may have limited amenities; healthcare work can be physically demanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does CHI St. Alexius Health hire people with felonies?

   Yes, CHI St. Alexius Health considers applicants with felony convictions through an individualized assessment process as required by EEOC guidelines. The best opportunities are in support services roles such as Environmental Services, Food Service, and Facilities. However, certain convictions—particularly those resulting in OIG exclusion (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, controlled substance felonies)—create permanent employment bars for any position paid by federal healthcare funds.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at CHI St. Alexius Health?

   Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer of employment. The process includes criminal history checks at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/LEIE and SAM exclusion list screening; employment and education verification; and mandatory drug screening. You must provide written consent before the check is conducted. Results are reviewed using individualized assessment, and you'll receive pre-adverse action notice if negative findings may affect your offer.

   
   

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

   Standard criminal background checks follow FCRA's 7-year lookback period for most convictions. However, OIG exclusions are permanent with no lookback limitation—if you're on the LEIE, you remain excluded until you apply for and receive reinstatement. Employment verification typically extends 5-10 years. Serious offenses such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, and patient abuse may be reviewed beyond the standard lookback period.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at CHI St. Alexius Health?

   The most challenging convictions are those triggering mandatory OIG exclusion: healthcare fraud, patient abuse/neglect, and felony controlled substance offenses—these are permanent bars. Other high-difficulty convictions include violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft/fraud (especially recent), and drug offenses for positions with medication access. Property crimes unrelated to healthcare, older non-violent offenses, and traffic violations generally face lower barriers, particularly for support services positions.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at CHI St. Alexius Health for applicants with a record?

   Environmental Services Technician ($14-$17/hr), Dietary Aide ($13-$16/hr), Laundry Worker ($14-$17/hr), and Facilities/Maintenance positions ($16-$22/hr) offer the best opportunities. These roles have minimal direct patient contact, no controlled substance access, and high turnover creating frequent openings. Apply across multiple locations—Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, and rural facilities—to maximize your chances.

   
   

6. Does CHI St. Alexius Health drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, CHI St. Alexius Health requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine test conducted after conditional offer acceptance. Random and post-incident testing may occur during employment. North Dakota has no recreational marijuana law, so THC will disqualify you. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will CHI St. Alexius Health ask about criminal history?

   Per North Dakota's ban-the-box law, CHI St. Alexius Health cannot ask about criminal history on the initial job application. Criminal history inquiries occur after you've been selected for an interview or have received a conditional job offer. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications before your record is considered.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at CHI St. Alexius Health if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to supervisory and management positions is possible for individuals with records, particularly in support services departments. Success depends on your work performance, leadership abilities, and continued clean record. Promotions to positions with greater responsibility may trigger additional background review. Focus on demonstrating reliability, taking on leadership opportunities, and utilizing tuition reimbursement for professional development.

   
   

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

   The overall hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Background checks generally complete within 5-10 business days after you authorize them. Positions requiring license verification or multi-state history checks may take longer. Support services positions with high turnover often have faster hiring timelines than clinical roles.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at CHI St. Alexius Health?

    First, verify you're not on the OIG exclusion list. Target support services positions with lower barriers. Gather rehabilitation documentation including certificates, references, and stable employment history. Be completely honest about your record when asked. Prepare a brief, positive explanation of your offense and growth. Apply to multiple locations across North Dakota. Be flexible on shifts—willingness to work nights/weekends significantly improves chances. Follow up professionally and respond promptly to any requests.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If CHI St. Alexius Health doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries in North Dakota and the region:

Conclusion

CHI St. Alexius Health offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services positions such as Environmental Services, Food Service, and Facilities Maintenance. As North Dakota's largest healthcare system in central and western regions with approximately 3,000 employees across multiple facilities, the organization provides realistic pathways to stable employment with comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, health insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Healthcare work can be physically demanding but offers stable employment, consistent scheduling, and opportunities for advancement. The compensation is competitive for the region, with entry-level support positions starting at $13-$17/hr plus shift differentials. The benefits package includes 401(k) with employer contribution, medical/dental/vision coverage, and PTO accrual. Career advancement is available through internal promotion and tuition assistance for certifications.

Key Success Factors: Verify OIG exclusion status before applying; target support services positions; be completely honest about your record; document rehabilitation evidence; apply to multiple locations across North Dakota; be flexible on shifts; demonstrate reliability and professionalism throughout the process.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, or controlled substance felonies creates permanent employment bars. Violent offenses, sexual crimes, and recent theft/fraud convictions face highest scrutiny. Clinical positions requiring state licensure have additional barriers through licensing board reviews.

With persistence, honesty, and strategic targeting of appropriate positions, CHI St. Alexius Health can provide a stable foundation for rebuilding your career in North Dakota's largest healthcare system.

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 CHI St. Alexius Health.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, OIG exclusion procedures, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization such as Legal Services of North Dakota for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://www.commonspirit.careers