Quick Answer

Conditional. Henry Ford Health hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions, though opportunities are limited due to mandatory federal and state healthcare regulations. As Michigan's second-largest health system with approximately 50,000 employees across 13 hospitals and over 550 care sites, Henry Ford operates under strict compliance requirements. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check, OIG exclusion screening, and verification through Michigan's fingerprint-based criminal history check system.

Federal law requires Henry Ford to check all prospective employees against the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Individuals excluded due to convictions for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, or unlawful distribution of controlled substances face permanent exclusion from employment at any healthcare facility receiving federal funding.

Michigan Public Health Code mandates additional background check requirements for covered health facilities, creating a 15-year lookback for felonies and 10-year lookback for relevant misdemeanors involving abuse, assault, fraud, or theft against vulnerable adults. Support services roles such as Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities offer the most accessible pathways for Second Chance applicants. These positions provide stable employment with benefits while allowing individuals to establish a positive work history within the healthcare industry.

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 a permanent bar from healthcare employment.

  
  

• Michigan Healthcare Statute Compliance: Must be at least 15 years from completion of all sentencing, parole, or probation for felony convictions. 10 years for misdemeanors involving abuse, assault, fraud, or theft against vulnerable adults.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory 4-panel drug test. Henry Ford tests for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines. THC and nicotine are NOT included in the current panel.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift, push, pull, and squat a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be able to stand and walk 90% of the work period for most support services positions.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record. Providing false information is a misdemeanor under Michigan law and results in automatic disqualification.

  
  

• 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 regulatory landscape is essential for Second Chance applicants seeking healthcare employment. Henry Ford Health operates under multiple layers of federal and state compliance requirements that significantly impact hiring decisions for individuals with criminal records.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse applicants based on criminal records. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. However, healthcare employers must also comply with mandatory exclusion requirements that supersede EEOC guidelines for specific offenses.

FCRA Requirements

When using a third-party consumer reporting agency to conduct background checks, Henry Ford must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This includes providing written notice and obtaining consent before conducting the check, providing a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report if considering denial, allowing reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies, and providing a final adverse action notice if the decision stands.

State-Specific Considerations

Michigan Public Health Code Section 333.20173a establishes comprehensive background check requirements for covered health facilities. The statute mandates fingerprint-based criminal history checks through the Michigan State Police and FBI for all employees with direct patient access. Detroit's Ban the Box ordinance prohibits criminal history inquiries until after interview selection for public employers and contractors, though private healthcare facilities may still conduct checks earlier in the hiring process. Michigan's Clean Slate Law allows automatic expungement of certain convictions after specified waiting periods, which may benefit some applicants.

Healthcare-Specific Considerations

Healthcare employment involves unique regulatory requirements that create significant barriers. The OIG maintains the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE), which healthcare organizations must check for all employees. Mandatory exclusions apply to convictions for Medicare/Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect, healthcare-related felony fraud or theft, and felony convictions for unlawful manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances. These exclusions can be permanent, and employing an excluded individual subjects the organization to civil monetary penalties up to $10,000 per day.

Company Overview

Henry Ford Health is a comprehensive, integrated, nonprofit health care organization headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1915 by auto pioneer Henry Ford, the system has grown to become Michigan's second-largest health system. Following a significant joint venture with Ascension Michigan that was finalized in September 2024, Henry Ford now operates 13 hospitals across the Detroit, Flint, and Jackson areas with over 550 sites of care.

The organization employs approximately 50,000 team members and generated total operating revenue of $9.6 billion in 2024. Henry Ford is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, positioning itself as one of Michigan's most diverse employers. The system also operates Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a health insurance company, and trains over 4,000 medical students, residents, and fellows annually through partnerships with Wayne State University School of Medicine. The organization is leading a $3 billion investment called Future of Health: Detroit, anchored by a reimagined academic healthcare campus that will further expand employment opportunities in the region.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1915 (Detroit, Michigan)

• Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan

• Employees: Approximately 50,000

• Industry Rank: 2nd largest health system in Michigan

• Major Operations: 13 hospitals, 550+ care sites across Metro Detroit, Flint, and Jackson

• Organization Type: Nonprofit (501(c)(3))

• CEO: Bob Riney

• Revenue: $9.6 billion (2024)

Hiring Policy Analysis

Henry Ford Health operates as an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, height, weight, marital status, family status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or criminal history (within legal limits). The organization conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines while simultaneously complying with mandatory federal OIG requirements and Michigan healthcare statutes. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer, giving applicants the opportunity to present their qualifications and interview before criminal history review. However, healthcare regulatory requirements create significant barriers that limit flexibility in hiring decisions for certain offense types, particularly those involving patient safety, fraud, or controlled substances.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by degree of patient contact, access to controlled substances, regulatory licensing requirements, and specific offense type.

Available Positions and Pay

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

Career Path Examples

Henry Ford Health emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement for employees seeking additional credentials. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion. The organization provides training programs, mentorship opportunities, and educational support to help team members advance their careers within the health system.

Environmental Services Track: EVS Associate ($15-$18/hr) → EVS Lead ($18-$20/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr) → EVS Manager ($55K-$70K/yr). Advancement based on reliability, leadership potential, and demonstrated commitment to quality standards. Typical progression time: 2-4 years to supervisory level.

Food Services Track: Dietary Aide ($15-$17/hr) → Cook ($16-$19/hr) → Lead Cook ($18-$21/hr) → Food Services Supervisor ($45K-$55K/yr). Culinary training available through organization. Food safety certification may accelerate advancement opportunities.

Patient Support Track: Patient Transporter ($16-$19/hr) → Patient Care Technician ($18-$25/hr) → Unit Coordinator ($20-$24/hr). Requires CNA certification for PCT advancement. Tuition reimbursement available for certification programs. BLS certification typically required.

Background Check Process

Henry Ford Health conducts comprehensive background checks after extending conditional offers of employment. Understanding the process helps you prepare for what to expect.

• What They Check: Fingerprint-based criminal history through Michigan State Police (ICHAT) and FBI databases; OIG/LEIE and SAM exclusion list verification; identity verification through SSN trace; employment history verification (typically 5-7 years); education verification for positions requiring credentials; mandatory drug screening; professional license verification where applicable.

  
  

• Lookback Period: 15 years for felony convictions per Michigan healthcare statute (MCL 333.20173a). 10 years for misdemeanors involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, sexual conduct, fraud, or theft against vulnerable adults. OIG exclusions have no time limit and may be permanent. FCRA 7-year limit applies to some civil records but does not apply to criminal convictions in Michigan.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Background checks average 1-2 weeks for fingerprint-based results. Over 80% of background checks are completed within 48 hours of fingerprinting, though some may take up to 30 days.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Background check consent and fingerprinting → OIG/SAM exclusion verification → Drug test → Background results reviewed → Individualized assessment if issues arise → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

Permanent Disqualification (OIG Mandatory Exclusion): Medicare/Medicaid fraud convictions; patient abuse or neglect; felony healthcare-related fraud, theft, or financial misconduct; felony convictions for unlawful manufacture, distribution, prescription, or dispensing of controlled substances. These create permanent bars from healthcare employment.

High Risk for Disqualification: Violent felonies within 15 years; sexual offenses; theft or fraud offenses; drug trafficking or distribution; assault or battery against vulnerable populations; misdemeanors involving abuse, neglect, or fraud within 10 years.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property offenses older than 15 years; DUI without injury (though may affect transport positions); minor drug possession (not distribution); offenses unrelated to healthcare, vulnerable populations, or dishonesty. Subject to individualized assessment with 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 summary of your rights with reasonable time to respond.

  
  

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

  
  

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

Application Strategy

1. Verify OIG Status First: Before applying to any healthcare position, check your status on the OIG LEIE database at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you are listed, you cannot work at any federally-funded healthcare facility until reinstated.

   
   

2. Target Support Services Positions: Focus on Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities positions which have fewer regulatory barriers. These roles offer the best opportunity to establish a track record within the organization.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through henryford.com/careers. Henry Ford posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as EVS and Food Services positions are posted frequently.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Interview: Research Henry Ford's mission and values. Emphasize reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to patient safety. Be ready to discuss your customer service orientation.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and providing false information on healthcare background check forms is a misdemeanor under Michigan law.

   
   

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

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and references.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Michigan's Clean Slate Law allows automatic expungement of certain convictions. Contact Michigan Legal Help or a local legal aid organization for assistance.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Healthcare Has Constant Hiring Needs: Henry Ford's 50,000+ employee workforce experiences regular turnover in support services departments. The organization operates 13 hospitals across Metro Detroit, Flint, and Jackson with continuous hiring needs for Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities positions. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—persistence often pays off in healthcare hiring.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Henry Ford begin in Environmental Services or Food Services positions. Prove reliability through consistent attendance, punctual arrival, and strong performance. Henry Ford's tuition reimbursement program supports employees seeking additional certifications or degrees for career advancement into higher-paying roles.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order an ICHAT search through Michigan State Police. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Understand Healthcare Requirements: Healthcare environments require infection control awareness, patient confidentiality understanding, and safety compliance. Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA basics and infection prevention.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: Address any substance issues before applying. Henry Ford uses a 4-panel test (opiates, cocaine, meth, amphetamines). THC is currently not tested. Testing is via urine sample, not directly observed.

   
   

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

   
   

7. Consider Multiple Locations: Henry Ford operates across Metro Detroit, Flint, and Jackson. Apply to multiple facilities to maximize opportunities. Some locations may have different hiring needs.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Scheduling: Willingness to work evening, night, and weekend shifts increases your chances significantly. Healthcare operates 24/7 with shift differentials for off-peak hours.

Benefits Overview

Henry Ford Health offers comprehensive benefits through its My Choice Rewards program, which is designed to support the physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual well-being of team members. Benefits are available to employees classified as benefits-eligible (typically working 20 or more hours per week). Employees classified as contingent status are not eligible for benefits.

• Compensation: Minimum pay rate of $15/hour established in 2020 for over 3,000 frontline team members. Pay varies by position, shift differential, and experience level. Evening and night shifts typically receive additional hourly premiums.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Multiple medical plan options including three Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHPs), a PPO plan, and an HMO plan. Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution; employer contribution doubles when participating in well-being programs. Dental and vision coverage available. Reduced out-of-pocket costs for employees participating in wellness activities.

  
  

• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions. Vesting schedule applies.

  
  

• Time Off: Combined Time Off (CTO) and Paid Time Off (PTO) programs. Seven mandatory holiday closure days around Christmas and New Year's.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life and disability insurance; on-site child care center (Henry Ford Kids); fitness center access and discounts; adoption assistance; employee discount programs; dependent scholarship program.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Pros: Good benefits package, opportunities for advancement, diverse workforce, strong mission focus, tuition reimbursement, job stability in healthcare.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Cons: Some reports of understaffing, mandatory holiday closures can impact pay for newer employees, HR responsiveness varies, management quality depends on department.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Henry Ford Health hire people with felonies?

   Conditionally yes, for certain positions. Henry Ford will consider applicants with felony convictions for support services roles like Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities Maintenance, provided they are not on the OIG exclusion list and meet Michigan healthcare statute requirements (15+ years since completing sentence for felonies). Clinical and patient care positions face more significant regulatory barriers. Individual circumstances, offense type, relationship to job duties, and time elapsed since conviction are all considered through individualized assessment.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Henry Ford Health?

   After receiving a conditional job offer, you'll provide written consent for a fingerprint-based background check through Michigan State Police (ICHAT) and FBI databases. Henry Ford also checks the OIG/LEIE and SAM federal exclusion lists, which is mandatory for all healthcare employers receiving federal funding. The process includes identity verification through Social Security Number trace, employment history verification for the past 5-7 years, and mandatory drug screening via urine test.

   
   

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

   Michigan healthcare statute requires a 15-year lookback for felonies and 10 years for specific misdemeanors involving abuse, assault, fraud, or theft. OIG exclusions have no time limit and may be permanent. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Henry Ford Health?

   OIG exclusion offenses (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, controlled substance felonies) create permanent bars. High difficulty: violent felonies, sexual offenses, theft/fraud, drug trafficking. Moderate difficulty: assault, dishonesty-related offenses. Lower difficulty: non-violent property crimes, minor drug possession (not distribution), offenses older than 15 years.

   
   

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

   Environmental Services Associate ($15-$18/hr) offers the best opportunity due to high volume hiring across all 13 hospitals and minimal direct patient contact requirements. These positions involve housekeeping, sanitation, and maintaining clean healthcare environments. Food Services Associate ($15-$18/hr) in dietary and cafeteria operations is also accessible with consistent scheduling options. Laundry Services ($15-$17/hr) provides another pathway with minimal patient contact. These positions provide pathways to establish positive work history and advance internally through demonstrated reliability.

   
   

6. Does Henry Ford Health drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Henry Ford requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. They use a 4-panel urine test checking for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines. THC (marijuana) and nicotine are NOT currently included in the panel. Additional testing may occur following workplace injuries.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Henry Ford Health ask about criminal history?

   Criminal history inquiry occurs after a conditional offer is extended, in compliance with fair chance hiring practices. The background check consent form authorizes fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history checks. You should not volunteer criminal history information during the interview unless directly asked.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Henry Ford Health if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible within support services departments for individuals with older, non-disqualifying offenses. EVS and Food Services supervisory positions are regularly filled through internal promotion. Clinical management positions face additional regulatory barriers due to patient care oversight responsibilities.

   
   

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

   The overall process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Over 80% of fingerprint-based background checks are completed within 48 hours, though some may take up to 30 days depending on FBI response times and record complexity. Allow additional time for drug test results and offer finalization.

   
   

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

    First, verify you're not on the OIG exclusion list. Target support services positions with lower barriers. Gather rehabilitation documentation. Be completely honest on applications. Prepare a concise narrative about your past and growth. Check your own background through ICHAT first. Consider expungement if eligible. Be flexible on scheduling and location.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

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

Conclusion

Henry Ford Health offers limited but genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in support services roles like Environmental Services, Food Services, and Facilities. As Michigan's second-largest health system with 50,000 employees, the organization has significant hiring needs but operates under strict federal and state regulatory requirements that create substantial barriers for certain offense types.

The work in support services positions is physically demanding but provides stable employment with comprehensive benefits. Starting pay of $15/hour meets Michigan's living wage standard, and the benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tuition reimbursement adds significant value. Career advancement is possible through demonstrated reliability and internal development programs.

Key Success Factors: Verify OIG status before applying; target Environmental Services or Food Services positions; gather rehabilitation documentation; be completely honest; demonstrate stability and reliability; be flexible on scheduling.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion list creates permanent bars for healthcare fraud, patient abuse, and controlled substance felonies. Michigan's 15-year lookback for felonies is longer than many states. Clinical and patient care positions face additional licensing barriers.

For applicants with records that don't trigger mandatory exclusions, persistence and professionalism can lead to meaningful employment at a respected healthcare organization. Start with support services, prove your reliability, and take advantage of internal advancement opportunities.

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 Henry Ford Health.

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 requirements are federal mandates that apply to all healthcare organizations receiving federal funding. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://www.henryford.com/careers