Quick Answer

Conditional, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) hires individuals with felony convictions for certain non-clinical positions. As New Jersey's largest integrated healthcare network with approximately 36,000 employees across 18 hospitals and 500+ facilities, HMH operates under strict regulatory oversight. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check, OIG exclusion screening, and pre-employment drug testing.

Healthcare employment is governed by federal OIG exclusion requirements and New Jersey state healthcare statutes. A conviction is not an automatic disqualifier for all roles; however, individuals on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) are permanently barred from healthcare employment. New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act provides ban-the-box protections, but healthcare positions are subject to mandatory state background checks that may override standard protections.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to healthcare fraud (mandatory OIG exclusion), patient abuse or neglect (permanent disqualification), and controlled substance offenses (exclusion from positions with medication access). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

The best entry points are Environmental Services (EVS), Food Services/Dietary, and Facilities/Maintenance positions. These roles have minimal direct patient contact and limited access to controlled substances, making them more accessible for applicants with non-disqualifying criminal records.

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:

• OIG Exclusion Status: Must NOT be on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Check your status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov before applying. OIG exclusion is an absolute bar to healthcare employment.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: HMH cannot automatically exclude you solely for having a felony. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment considering the Green Factors.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Be prepared for evaluation of whether your felony is related to job duties using Green Factors: nature of crime, time elapsed, and nature of job sought.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug test. HMH maintains a drug-free workplace. Testing is typically a standard urine screening. Recent employee reports suggest HMH may not penalize for marijuana in 2024, but policies vary by position.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Many positions require standing, walking, and lifting. EVS positions require physical stamina for cleaning and sanitizing duties.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about criminal record when asked. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and demonstrates the integrity failure that healthcare employers cannot tolerate.

  
  

• 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. Hackensack Meridian Health operates entirely within New Jersey and must comply with federal OIG regulations, New Jersey state healthcare statutes, and EEOC guidelines. Healthcare positions face significantly more regulatory scrutiny than other industries due to patient safety mandates.

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. However, certain healthcare-specific regulations may create mandatory exclusions that supersede EEOC guidance.

FCRA Requirements

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

New Jersey has strong Fair Chance protections through the Opportunity to Compete Act, which prohibits employers with 15+ employees from inquiring about criminal history during the initial employment application process through the first interview. However, healthcare roles are subject to mandatory state background checks which may override standard Ban the Box protections. New Jersey's 2024 expanded background check law requires criminal history checks for healthcare professionals seeking licensure. The state also has a Clean Slate law allowing automatic expungement of certain offenses after specified periods.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

The healthcare industry involves vulnerable patient populations, which creates specific regulatory mandates. The OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) bars certain individuals from ANY healthcare employment. Mandatory exclusions include:

(1) Medicare/Medicaid fraud convictions;

(2) Patient abuse or neglect convictions;

(3) Felony healthcare-related fraud, theft, or financial misconduct;

(4) Felony controlled substance manufacturing, distribution, or dispensing. Minimum exclusion period is 5 years; second offense results in 10-year exclusion; third offense is permanent. HMH must check this list for ALL employees regardless of role—even administrative or environmental positions. Employing an excluded individual results in severe civil monetary penalties for the employer.

Company Overview

Hackensack Meridian Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive integrated healthcare network, formed in 2016 through the merger of Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health. Headquartered in Edison, NJ, the not-for-profit organization operates 18 hospitals spanning from Bergen to Ocean counties, including three academic medical centers (Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and JFK Medical Center), two children's hospitals, nine community hospitals, a behavioral health hospital (Carrier Clinic), and two rehabilitation hospitals. The network includes 500+ patient care locations including ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, urgent care facilities, and long-term care communities.

HMH employs approximately 36,000 team members and 7,000 physicians. The organization is affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and maintains active teaching programs. HMH has been recognized as a Great Place to Work and ranked among Newsweek's 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2025.' The network serves over 5 million patients annually.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 2016 (merger); legacy organizations date to 1888

• Headquarters: 343 Thornall Street, Edison, NJ 08837

• Employees: 36,000+ team members, 7,000 physicians

• Hospitals: 18 hospitals across New Jersey

• Facilities: 500+ patient care locations

• Industry Rank: Largest healthcare provider in New Jersey

• CEO: Robert C. Garrett, FACHE

• Structure: Not-for-profit health system

Hiring Policy Analysis

Hackensack Meridian Health conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines and complies with New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act. Background checks are conducted after conditional job offers are extended, giving applicants opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history review. However, healthcare regulatory requirements including OIG exclusion screening and state-mandated criminal background checks for certain positions create barriers beyond typical employment screening. The hiring process typically includes online application, phone screening, virtual or in-person interviews, conditional offer, background check authorization, drug testing, and health assessment through Team Health.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by patient contact, controlled substance access, and licensing requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, and experience. New Jersey minimum wage is $15.49/hr (2024).

Career Path Examples

HMH emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement for full-time, part-time, and per-diem team members. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Support Services Track: EVS Aide ($16-$22/hr) → Lead EVS ($20-$25/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr) → EVS Manager ($55K-$70K/yr). Advancement based on performance, reliability, and leadership skills.

Food Services Track: Dietary Aide ($16-$19/hr) → Food Service Associate ($17-$20/hr) → Lead Cook ($19-$24/hr) → Food Services Supervisor ($45K-$58K/yr). Culinary certifications enhance advancement.

Facilities Track: Maintenance Worker ($18-$26/hr) → Senior Maintenance ($24-$32/hr) → Facilities Supervisor ($55K-$70K/yr) → Facilities Manager ($70K-$90K/yr). Trade certifications and experience valued.

Background Check Process

Understanding Hackensack Meridian Health's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically. The organization conducts background checks after conditional job offers, which means you'll have opportunity to interview and demonstrate qualifications first. However, healthcare regulatory requirements make HMH's screening more extensive than typical employers.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/SAM exclusion list screening (required for ALL healthcare employees); SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring credentials; drug screening (mandatory for all positions); health assessment through Team Health.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback in New Jersey for most offenses. OIG exclusions have no lookback limit—they remain until formally removed through reinstatement process. Serious offenses involving patient harm reviewed indefinitely.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 36 days from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete after conditional offer. Support services positions may move faster than licensed roles.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check, drug test, and OIG screening authorized → Results reviewed → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Team Health appointment → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

  
  

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification (OIG Exclusion): Medicare/Medicaid fraud; patient abuse or neglect; felony healthcare fraud, theft, or financial misconduct; felony controlled substance offenses. These result in minimum 5-year exclusion from ANY healthcare employment.

High Risk for Disqualification: Violence against persons (especially recent); sexual offenses; theft or fraud (particularly identity theft); drug offenses involving distribution; any crimes against vulnerable populations.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes (older); DUI/traffic offenses (not for driving positions); possession-only drug offenses (older). All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before background check. If denied based on report, you're entitled to a copy and right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before final decision, you must receive notice with copy of report and summary of your rights. HMH must allow reasonable time to respond.

  
  

• Opportunity to Compete Act: In New Jersey, employers cannot ask about criminal history during initial application or first interview. Criminal history inquiry occurs after first interview.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand through consumer reporting agencies.

Application Strategy

1. Check OIG Status First: Before applying to ANY healthcare position, verify you are not on the OIG Exclusion List at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. OIG exclusion is an absolute bar regardless of position type.

   
   

2. Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Dietary, and Facilities positions which have lowest barriers. Avoid clinical positions initially if your record is recent or includes relevant offenses.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through jobs.hackensackmeridianhealth.org. HMH posts positions frequently on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Apply to multiple hospital locations to maximize opportunities.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Interview: Research HMH's mission and values. Be ready to discuss your reliability, work ethic, and commitment to patient safety. Interviews are generally described as straightforward and comfortable.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about criminal history. Healthcare environments require absolute integrity. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without excuses, describe what you learned, explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation and growth. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: treatment completion, educational certificates, stable employment history, community involvement, references from employers or probation officers.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement under New Jersey's Clean Slate law. Contact Legal Services of New Jersey (1-888-576-5529) for assistance.

   
   

9. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, be patient but persistent. The process averages 5 weeks. If you receive pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: HMH operates 18 hospitals with over 36,000 employees. Support services positions have consistent turnover. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different facilities.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers begin in EVS or Dietary. Prove reliability through consistent attendance and quality work. HMH offers tuition reimbursement to help you advance to higher 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.

   
   

4. Understand Healthcare Requirements: Healthcare environments require infection control awareness, patient confidentiality understanding, and safety compliance. Demonstrating knowledge of these areas strengthens your application.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: Address any substance issues completely before applying. HMH requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically standard urine screening.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history. Healthcare employers especially value dependability and punctuality.

   
   

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

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Schedule: Willingness to work evening, night, and weekend shifts increases your chances significantly. Many support services positions offer shift differentials for non-day hours.

Benefits Overview

Hackensack Meridian Health offers comprehensive benefits for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) employees. Benefits rated 3.8/5 by employees on Glassdoor.

• Compensation: Pay ranges vary by position and location. Shift differentials available for evening, night, and weekend work. Annual pay raises reported by most employees.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer match. 3-year vesting period. TIAA retirement savings options available. Pension plan for some positions.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical insurance with multiple plan options including HSA-compatible Basic Plan. Dental and vision coverage. Prescription coverage including in-house pharmacy. Coordinated Care Program with free prescriptions for chronic conditions.

  
  

• Time Off: PTO (Paid Time Off) program. Employees report receiving 10-20 vacation days. Paid holidays. Paid parental leave.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement for all employment types. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Optum. Life and disability insurance. Commuter benefits (up to $530/month pre-tax). Employee discounts on home/auto insurance through Farmers. Pet insurance through Nationwide. HMH 24/7 virtual care app.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Pros: Great benefits package, tuition assistance, generous PTO, raises yearly, good medical insurance, career advancement opportunities, Great Place to Work certification.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Cons: Difficulty using PTO, management issues in some departments, work can be physically demanding, varying experiences by facility and department.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Hackensack Meridian Health hire people with felonies?

   Conditionally, yes. HMH considers applicants with criminal records for non-clinical support services positions like Environmental Services, Dietary, and Facilities. However, anyone on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities is permanently barred from healthcare employment. The best opportunities are in positions with minimal patient contact and no access to controlled substances. HMH must comply with EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment rather than blanket exclusions.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Hackensack Meridian Health?

   HMH conducts background checks after conditional job offers. The process includes national criminal search, OIG/SAM exclusion list screening (required for ALL healthcare employees), SSN trace, employment verification, education verification when applicable, and pre-employment drug testing. After accepting a conditional offer, you'll work with an onboarding specialist who explains the process. Results typically take 1-2 weeks. If issues arise, you receive pre-adverse action notice with opportunity to respond.

   
   

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

   Standard criminal lookback is 7 years in New Jersey for most offenses under FCRA guidelines. However, OIG exclusions have no time limit—they remain until formally removed through reinstatement process after serving the exclusion period. Serious offenses involving patient harm or abuse may be reviewed indefinitely. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years. Convictions may be reportable beyond 7 years depending on salary and position.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Hackensack Meridian Health?

   Automatic disqualification occurs for anyone on the OIG Exclusion List (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, controlled substance felonies). High difficulty: violence against persons, sexual offenses, theft/fraud (especially identity theft), drug distribution. Moderate difficulty: property crimes, DUI (especially for any driving duties), recent offenses of any type. Lower difficulty: older non-violent offenses, minor possession charges from years ago. All assessments consider nature of offense, time elapsed, and relevance to job duties.

   
   

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

   Environmental Services Aide ($16-$22/hr) offers the best entry point—high volume hiring, minimal patient contact, no medication access. Dietary Aide ($16-$19/hr) works in kitchen environment away from clinical areas. Food Service Associate ($17-$20/hr) handles cafeteria operations. Housekeeper positions ($17-$22/hr) available across all 18 hospitals. These support services roles still require OIG clearance but have the lowest barriers among healthcare positions.

   
   

6. Does Hackensack Meridian Health drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, HMH requires mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically a standard urine screening. Recent employee reports (2024) suggest HMH may not penalize for marijuana unless impaired on the job, but policies may vary by position and department. Healthcare positions have stricter requirements due to patient safety concerns. Random testing may occur during employment. HMH maintains a drug-free workplace policy.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Hackensack Meridian Health ask about criminal history?

   Under New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act, HMH cannot inquire about criminal history during the initial application or through the first interview. Criminal history discussion occurs after the first interview, typically when a conditional offer is extended. At that point, you'll authorize the background check. If you voluntarily disclose earlier, the employer can then ask follow-up questions. The delay allows you to demonstrate qualifications before history becomes a factor.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Hackensack Meridian Health if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement is possible within support services departments. HMH emphasizes internal promotion and offers tuition reimbursement. Career paths exist from entry-level EVS or Dietary to supervisor and manager roles. The key is establishing a track record of reliability, demonstrating leadership capabilities, and maintaining a clean record during employment. Positions requiring professional licensure or increased patient/medication access may face additional scrutiny.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Hackensack Meridian Health?

   The complete hiring process averages approximately 36 days from application to start date based on Glassdoor reports. Application review takes 1-2 weeks. Interviews (phone and in-person/virtual) take 1-2 weeks. Background check and drug testing typically complete in 1-2 weeks after conditional offer. Support services roles generally move faster than licensed clinical positions. Some employees report processes as quick as 10-14 days for onboarding.

   
   

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

    (1) Verify you're not on OIG exclusion list before applying.

    (2) Target EVS, Dietary, or Facilities positions.

    (3) Apply to multiple HMH hospital locations.

    (4) Prepare honest, brief explanation of your record.

    (5) Document rehabilitation through certificates, references, stable history.

    (6) Research expungement eligibility in New Jersey.

    (7) Be completely honest—dishonesty is immediately disqualifying.

    (8) Show flexibility on scheduling (evenings, nights, weekends).

    (9) Demonstrate understanding of healthcare environment requirements.

    (10) Follow up professionally after applying.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

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

Conclusion

Hackensack Meridian Health offers conditional opportunities for individuals with criminal records, primarily in support services positions like Environmental Services, Dietary, and Facilities. As New Jersey's largest healthcare network with 36,000 employees across 18 hospitals, the organization provides pathways to stable employment with comprehensive benefits including tuition reimbursement for advancement.

The work in support services can be physically demanding, involving cleaning, sanitizing, food preparation, and facility maintenance. However, the compensation is competitive for New Jersey ($16-$26/hr range), and benefits including healthcare, retirement, and education assistance add significant value. Career advancement from entry-level to supervisor and manager positions is achievable through demonstrated reliability and internal development programs.

Key Success Factors: Verify OIG status before applying; target EVS, Dietary, or Facilities positions; be completely honest about your record; document rehabilitation thoroughly; demonstrate reliability and flexibility; pass drug screening.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion (permanent bar for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, controlled substance felonies); recent violent offenses; theft or fraud convictions; drug distribution history; any offense involving vulnerable populations.

Healthcare employment faces more regulatory barriers than other industries, but support services positions offer genuine second chance opportunities. Focus on positions with minimal patient contact, maintain absolute honesty throughout the process, and demonstrate your commitment to reliability and safety. The healthcare industry's constant staffing needs create ongoing opportunities for those willing to start at entry level and prove themselves.

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 Hackensack Meridian Health.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by jurisdiction and should be confirmed with legal professionals. OIG exclusion status is a federal matter with specific reinstatement procedures. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation. Legal Services of New Jersey offers free assistance: 1-888-576-5529.

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