Quick Answer

Yes, Cleveland Clinic hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As one of the world's largest academic medical centers with approximately 82,600 employees worldwide, Cleveland Clinic operates 23 hospitals and 280 outpatient facilities across Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Canada, Abu Dhabi, and London. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to federal OIG exclusion requirements and EEOC individualized assessment guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Cleveland Clinic explicitly states on their careers website that a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify you from consideration. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment considering whether the conviction is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to healthcare fraud (triggers mandatory OIG exclusion), patient abuse or neglect (permanent bars from patient-facing roles), and controlled substance offenses (critical concern given medication access). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points include Environmental Services (housekeeping), Food Services, Laundry, and Facilities Maintenance positions. These roles have lower barriers as they typically involve minimal direct patient contact and limited access to controlled substances or sensitive information.

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 Cleveland Clinic explicitly states a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify you. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment of each applicant.

  
  

• OIG Exclusion Status: Must NOT be listed on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Healthcare employers are legally prohibited from hiring excluded individuals. Check your status at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions before applying.

  
  

• 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, and nature of job sought.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment urine drug test. Cleveland Clinic maintains a drug-free workplace and does NOT accept medical marijuana cards regardless of state law. THC positives result in disqualification.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Many positions require ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, push/pull equipment, and work in fast-paced environments. Healthcare environments demand physical stamina.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Cleveland Clinic conducts thorough background checks, and dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier that can result in termination even after hire.

  
  

• 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. Cleveland Clinic operates primarily in Ohio and Florida, with facilities also in Nevada, Canada, Abu Dhabi, and London. As a healthcare organization receiving federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid, Cleveland Clinic must comply with strict federal OIG regulations in addition to EEOC guidelines.

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. Cleveland Clinic follows these guidelines, as evidenced by their explicit statement that felony convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants.

FCRA Requirements

Cleveland Clinic uses Universal Background Screening as a third-party consumer reporting agency. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if a job offer is denied based on the background report, Cleveland Clinic must:

(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. You have the right to dispute any inaccurate information.

State-Specific Considerations

Ohio adopted ban-the-box legislation in 2015, but this law applies only to public employers, not private organizations like Cleveland Clinic. However, Cleveland Clinic voluntarily practices fair chance hiring by not automatically disqualifying applicants with felony records. Ohio does not have a statewide law limiting criminal background check lookback periods for private employers, though the FCRA's 7-year reporting limit applies to non-conviction records. Florida, where Cleveland Clinic Weston operates, similarly has limited fair chance protections for private employers. Cleveland Clinic Florida follows the same hiring policies as the main campus.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

The healthcare industry has unique regulatory requirements that create significant barriers. The OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) represents the most critical barrier. Cleveland Clinic, like all healthcare organizations receiving federal funding, is legally required to check all employees against this list. Mandatory exclusions (minimum 5 years, often permanent) apply to: Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect, felony healthcare fraud or theft, and felony controlled substance offenses. Permissive exclusions (1-3 years) may apply to misdemeanor healthcare fraud, license revocation, and other offenses. Hiring an excluded individual exposes Cleveland Clinic to civil monetary penalties up to $100,000 per occurrence.

Company Overview

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty academic medical center integrating clinical care with research and education. Founded in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, the organization has grown into one of the world's most respected healthcare systems, ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals and #2 by Newsweek globally for five consecutive years.

The health system employs approximately 82,600 caregivers worldwide, including over 5,786 physicians and 20,700 nurses representing 140 medical specialties. Cleveland Clinic operates a 6,728-bed system with 23 hospitals and 280 outpatient facilities. In 2024, Cleveland Clinic recorded over 15.7 million outpatient encounters and 320,000 surgeries. The organization is Ohio's largest employer, generating $17.8 billion annually for the state economy.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1921 (Cleveland, Ohio)

• Headquarters: 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195

• Employees: 82,600 worldwide

• Industry Rank: #2 U.S. News Best Hospitals, #2 Newsweek World's Best Hospitals

• Major Operations: Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Canada, Abu Dhabi, London

• Organization Type: Nonprofit Academic Medical Center

• CEO: Tom Mihaljevic, M.D.

• Beds: 6,728 system-wide

Hiring Policy Analysis

Cleveland Clinic has implemented policies consistent with fair chance hiring principles. The careers website explicitly states that a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify applicants, and details about convictions remain confidential from hiring managers. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer, giving applicants opportunity to demonstrate qualifications first.

The hiring process typically includes: online application submission, prescreening questions (via HireVue video interview for some positions), recruiter phone screening, in-person or virtual interviews, conditional job offer, background check and drug screening authorization, occupational health screening, and final hiring decision. Cleveland Clinic provides accommodations for applicants who need assistance with the application process.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels at Cleveland Clinic are determined by patient contact level, access to controlled substances, access to sensitive information, licensure requirements, and OIG exclusion applicability.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and Cleveland Clinic job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, experience, and department. Cleveland Clinic notes that independent salary sites may not reflect accurate compensation.

Career Path Examples

Cleveland Clinic emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement after 90 days of employment. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion, providing genuine career growth opportunities for dedicated employees.

Environmental Services Track: Housekeeper ($16-$18/hr) → Environmental Specialist ($17-$21/hr) → EVS Team Lead ($19-$24/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($50K-$60K/yr). Requires demonstrated reliability and leadership skills.

Food Services Track: Dietary Aide ($13-$16/hr) → Food Service Worker ($13-$17/hr) → Cook ($15-$19/hr) → Food Service Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr). Culinary training or ServSafe certification helps advancement.

Facilities Track: Facilities Worker ($15-$18/hr) → Maintenance Technician ($18-$25/hr) → Facilities Specialist ($22-$28/hr) → Facilities Supervisor ($55K-$70K/yr). Technical certifications accelerate growth.

Background Check Process

Understanding Cleveland Clinic's background check process helps you prepare for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications and make a positive impression before criminal history is reviewed.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/SAM exclusion list verification (mandatory for all healthcare employees); identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring credentials; credit history for certain positions; drug screening (mandatory urine test including THC).

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback for most positions. OIG exclusions have no lookback limitation and remain permanent until removed. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years. Serious offenses including violent crimes and sexual offenses may be considered beyond the standard lookback period.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages 2-4 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete after conditional offer. Some positions with extensive verification requirements may take longer.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → HireVue prescreening → Recruiter phone screen → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted by Universal Background Screening → OIG/SAM exclusion list checked → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Occupational Health screening scheduled → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification: Listed on OIG LEIE (any position); healthcare fraud convictions (OIG exclusion); patient abuse or neglect convictions; felony controlled substance manufacturing/distribution; positive drug test (including THC); dishonesty during application process.

High Risk for Disqualification: Violent felonies (assault, battery, robbery) especially for patient-facing roles; sexual offenses (serious barrier for all positions); theft/fraud convictions (concern for positions with financial access); drug possession felonies (concern due to medication access); recent offenses within past 3-5 years.

Case-by-Case Assessment: Property crimes (non-violent); DUI/OVI convictions (unless driving required); older felonies (7+ years); non-violent drug possession misdemeanors; offenses unrelated to healthcare or job duties. 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 with Universal Background Screening.

  
  

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

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Cleveland Clinic cannot use blanket exclusions based solely on having a criminal record. They must consider the Green Factors.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with Universal Background Screening. Check your own criminal records beforehand through Ohio BCI or FBI to identify and correct errors.

Application Strategy

1. Verify OIG Status First: Before applying, confirm you are NOT on the OIG Exclusion List (LEIE) at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions. If excluded, you cannot work at Cleveland Clinic in any capacity. Address this before investing time in applications.

   
   

2. Target Entry-Level Support Services: Focus on Environmental Services, Food Services, Laundry, and Facilities positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. Avoid clinical, pharmacy, or patient care positions initially if your record includes relevant offenses.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through jobs.clevelandclinic.org. Cleveland Clinic also posts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, but the official careers site provides the most current openings. Check regularly as support positions are posted frequently.

   
   

4. Prepare for HireVue: Many positions require a HireVue video interview. Practice answering common questions on camera. Dress professionally, ensure good lighting, and choose a quiet location. Visit hirevue.com's Candidate Help Center for technical guidance.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Cleveland Clinic explicitly asks about felony convictions during the recruitment process. Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire. Your details remain confidential from hiring managers.

   
   

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, stability since conviction, and commitment to healthcare. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion certificates from treatment programs, educational achievements, vocational training, stable employment history, community service, and character references from employers, probation officers, or community leaders.

   
   

8. Apply to Multiple Locations: Cleveland Clinic operates 23 hospitals and 280 outpatient facilities. Applying to multiple locations increases your chances. Consider facilities in different neighborhoods or suburban areas where competition may be lower.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: Cleveland Clinic is Ohio's largest employer with 82,600 employees. Support services like EVS and Food Services experience regular turnover. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—continue applying to different facilities and positions.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Cleveland Clinic begin in support roles. Prove reliability by showing up on time, following protocols, and demonstrating initiative. Tuition reimbursement after 90 days can fund advancement into higher-paying clinical or technical positions.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your Ohio BCI background check and consider an FBI background check if you've lived in multiple states. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Pass the Drug Test Absolutely: Cleveland Clinic has zero tolerance for drug use, including marijuana regardless of Ohio's medical marijuana laws. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. The test is urine-based. A positive result means immediate disqualification.

   
   

5. Understand Healthcare Culture: Healthcare environments prioritize patient safety, infection control, and professionalism. Research HIPAA basics, infection control practices, and patient privacy. Demonstrating healthcare awareness impresses interviewers.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows dependability. Healthcare employers value attendance and punctuality above almost everything else.

   
   

7. Be Flexible on Schedule: Hospitals operate 24/7/365. Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays significantly increases your chances. Many positions offer shift differentials for less desirable hours.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Ohio has expanded expungement eligibility in recent years. Contact the Ohio Justice & Policy Center or local legal aid for assistance. Sealed records cannot be reported on most background checks.

Benefits Overview

Cleveland Clinic offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefits-eligible full-time and part-time employees. Benefits begin on the first day of the month following hire date for most coverage types.

• Compensation: Competitive wages with annual merit increases for most positions. Shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend work. Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer match. Individual Pension Plan (IPP) with employer contributions. All employees, including PRN, participate in the IPP with 5% contribution matched by Cleveland Clinic.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plan options through Cleveland Clinic's Employee Health Plan (EHP). Tier 1 (Cleveland Clinic providers) offers no copays for primary care visits. Low premiums and minimal copays. Dental and vision plans available. Coverage begins first of month after hire.

  
  

• Time Off: 10-20 paid vacation days depending on tenure. Paid holidays. Paid sick leave. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility after 12 months and 1,250 hours worked.

  
  

• Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement available after 90 days for associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. Loan repayment assistance up to $15,750 for qualifying positions. Career development programs and internal advancement opportunities.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Employer-paid life insurance (1x annual salary). Short-term and long-term disability. Employee Assistance Program. MetLife auto, home, and pet insurance. Legal plan. Identity protection. Wellness programs. Employee discounts.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Pros: World-class healthcare benefits; strong retirement package; tuition reimbursement; career advancement opportunities; prestigious employer; stable employment; Great Place to Work certified (79% positive).

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Cons: Demanding work environment; strict attendance policies; understaffing reported in some departments; pay raises may be limited; large organization bureaucracy; mandatory drug and nicotine policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Cleveland Clinic hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Cleveland Clinic explicitly states that a felony conviction will not automatically disqualify applicants. The organization conducts individualized assessments following EEOC guidelines. Opportunities are most accessible for support services positions (Environmental Services, Food Services, Facilities) and most limited for clinical roles requiring licensure. Applicants on the OIG exclusion list cannot be hired for any position.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Cleveland Clinic?

   Cleveland Clinic conducts background checks through Universal Background Screening after extending a conditional job offer. The check includes national criminal records (county, state, federal), OIG/SAM exclusion list verification, identity verification via SSN trace, employment and education verification, and drug screening. You must provide written consent before the check begins.

   
   

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

   Standard criminal background checks go back 7 years for most positions. OIG exclusion checks have no time limitation—exclusions remain until officially removed. Employment verification typically covers 5-7 years. Serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, and healthcare fraud may be considered beyond the standard lookback period.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Cleveland Clinic?

   Healthcare fraud (automatic OIG exclusion), patient abuse or neglect (bars from patient-facing roles), controlled substance felonies (medication access concern), violent felonies (patient safety), sexual offenses (vulnerable patients), and theft/fraud (financial access). Recent offenses within 3-5 years face higher scrutiny. Property crimes, DUI, and older non-violent offenses are evaluated case-by-case.

   
   

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

   Environmental Services positions (Housekeeper $16-$18/hr, Environmental Specialist $17-$21/hr) offer the best opportunities with minimal patient contact and no controlled substance access. Food Services (Dietary Aide $13-$16/hr, Food Service Worker $13-$17/hr) and Laundry ($14-$17/hr) positions are also accessible. These roles provide foot-in-the-door opportunities to demonstrate reliability before advancing to higher-responsibility positions.

   
   

6. Does Cleveland Clinic drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Cleveland Clinic requires mandatory pre-employment urine drug screening for all positions. The test screens for illicit drugs including marijuana/THC. Cleveland Clinic does NOT accept medical marijuana cards—positive THC results disqualify applicants regardless of Ohio law. The organization also has an expanded random drug testing program for all employees. Employees testing positive face termination.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Cleveland Clinic ask about criminal history?

   Cleveland Clinic may ask about felony convictions during the recruiter screening phase after initial application review. The careers website states applicants with felony convictions will be required to provide details to the recruiter (date, nature of events, time served). However, this information remains confidential from the hiring manager. The formal background check occurs after a conditional job offer is extended.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Cleveland Clinic if they have a felony?

   Yes, internal advancement is possible for employees who demonstrate reliability and leadership. Cleveland Clinic offers tuition reimbursement after 90 days and career development programs. Supervisory positions in support services are achievable. Advancement into clinical management or roles requiring licensure may face additional scrutiny. Building a strong internal track record is key.

   
   

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

   The complete process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Background checks through Universal Background Screening usually complete within 1-2 weeks after conditional offer. Some positions with extensive verification requirements may take longer.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Cleveland Clinic?

    Verify you're not on the OIG exclusion list before applying. Target support services positions (EVS, Food Services, Facilities). Be completely honest about your record when asked. Prepare a concise rehabilitation narrative. Document positive changes since conviction. Ensure you can pass the drug test (no THC). Be flexible on shift availability. Apply to multiple locations. Run your own background check first. Check expungement eligibility for Ohio convictions.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Cleveland Clinic doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in healthcare and related industries in Ohio:

Conclusion

Cleveland Clinic offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services. As one of the world's largest healthcare organizations with 82,600 employees, the company provides stable employment with comprehensive benefits and career advancement potential. The explicit policy that felony convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants demonstrates commitment to individualized assessment.

Healthcare support services work is physically demanding but meaningful. Compensation is competitive ($13-$21/hr for entry positions), with strong benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement after 90 days. Career advancement is achievable through internal promotion and education programs.

Key Success Factors: Verify you're not on the OIG exclusion list; target EVS, Food Services, and Facilities positions; be completely honest about your record; pass the drug test (no THC); demonstrate reliability and flexibility; document rehabilitation; apply to multiple locations.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusions are absolute bars; healthcare fraud, patient abuse, and controlled substance convictions face the highest barriers; clinical positions requiring licensure are largely inaccessible; mandatory drug testing with no THC tolerance; recent offenses face elevated scrutiny.

Cleveland Clinic has hired individuals with felony convictions and continues to evaluate applicants individually. With preparation, honesty, and persistence, the door is open. Focus on demonstrating reliability and building a track record that shows you've moved forward.

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, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and regulatory information (OIG, EEOC, FCRA), employment information may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Cleveland Clinic.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and OIG exclusion status should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization such as the Ohio Justice & Policy Center for specific legal advice.

Apply Now: https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org