Start Your Career at Health First

A fulfilling career in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives every single day. But where do you begin? If you're looking to start your career at Health First, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through why Health First is a top choice for healthcare professionals, the diverse opportunities available, and how you can become part of their dedicated team.

Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?

The healthcare industry is dynamic, constantly evolving, and always in demand. It's a field where compassion meets innovation, and every role, from direct patient care to administrative support, contributes to a greater mission of health and wellness. Are you passionate about helping others? Do you thrive in environments that challenge you to learn and grow? A career in healthcare offers:

• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and communities.
• Job Stability: Healthcare is an essential service, providing consistent demand for skilled professionals.
• Diverse Opportunities: A vast array of roles means there's likely a path that aligns with your skills and interests, regardless of your background.
• Continuous Learning: The medical field is always advancing, offering endless opportunities for professional development and specialization.

Discovering Health First: A Premier Employer

Health First is a not-for-profit community health system founded in 1995, serving Brevard County, Florida. It operates four hospitals, including Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, and Viera Hospital, and is home to the county's only Level II Trauma Center. Beyond hospitals, Health First also includes Health First Health Plans, a multi-specialty physician group (Health First Medical Group), and offers various outpatient and wellness services, such as fitness centers, home care, hospice care, aging services, and family pharmacies.

What truly sets Health First apart as an employer? Their mission is "to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve." This commitment is guided by their I-CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, ensuring excellent and compassionate healthcare for every person, every time. Health First is dedicated to creating an environment where employees are empowered to succeed, providing the tools and support needed for learning, growth, and career exploration. They strive to be an industry leader in healthcare, which requires the collective effort of every employee.

Diverse Career Paths at Health First

When you think of healthcare, doctors and nurses might be the first roles that come to mind. While these are vital, Health First offers an abundance of meaningful jobs across various departments, many of which require little to no prior experience to get started. Whether your passion lies in direct patient interaction or in supporting the critical infrastructure of a healthcare system, there's a place for you to start your career at Health First.

Clinical Roles

These positions involve direct patient care or clinical support:

• Nursing: From registered nurses (RNs) to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants, nursing roles are the frontline of patient care, requiring empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Allied Health Professionals: This broad category includes roles like:
  • Phlebotomy Trainee: Health First offers paid on-the-job training programs for phlebotomists, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and essential skills.
  • Pharmacy Technician: You can gain employment and experience while training for your Pharmacy Technician License, with no prior experience required.
  • Home Health Aide: Opportunities are available to receive paid tuition for certification while gaining on-the-job experience.
  • Medical Lab Technologist: Work as a Lab Assistant while enrolled in a Medical Lab Technologist program, with the potential for full-time employment upon graduation.
  • Other roles may include medical assistants, radiologic technologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and more.
• Patient Support Services: Roles focused on patient comfort and well-being, such as patient care technicians.

Non-Clinical & Support Roles

Healthcare systems are complex organizations that rely on a wide range of professionals behind the scenes. These roles are just as crucial to the overall success and patient experience:

• Administrative & Clerical: Positions like receptionists, medical coders, billing specialists, and office administrators keep operations running smoothly.
• Information Technology (IT): With the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, IT professionals are essential for managing systems, data, and cybersecurity.
• Environmental Services: Housekeepers and utility staff ensure a clean, safe, and sterile environment for patients and staff.
• Food Services: Prep cooks and other food service staff contribute to patient nutrition and comfort.
• Human Resources: Professionals in HR help recruit, train, and support the diverse workforce.
• Customer Service/Service Agents: These frontline team members manage high volumes of calls, helping members navigate complex health insurance processes with empathy and precision. Health First provides comprehensive training and clear career progression paths for these roles.

The Health First Advantage: Benefits and Growth

Beyond a meaningful career, Health First offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its associates' well-being and professional growth.

• Health & Wellness: This includes medical and dental plans, prescription benefits, and vision benefits. They also offer a low-cost fitness center membership for covered associates and dependents.
• Financial Security: Health First provides retirement plans, life insurance, and disability coverage. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care are also available.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, holiday, and personal leave are provided. Health First values work-life balance and flexibility.
• Professional Development: Health First is deeply committed to employee growth. They offer:
  • Educational Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement: Available after six months of employment in a benefit-eligible position, supporting degree-seeking or technical programs.
  • Training Programs: Comprehensive training programs ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to excel, with ongoing professional development, advanced courses, workshops, and access to industry certifications.
  • Career Progression: Clear career progression paths with opportunities for promotion to supervisory and managerial roles are available based on performance and commitment.
• Employee Assistance Program: Short-term counseling and referral services are available for a variety of needs, offering up to six free, confidential sessions per incident for associates and their dependents.

How to Start Your Career at Health First: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to take the leap and start your career at Health First? The application process is designed to be straightforward, and Health First aims to provide a positive experience for all candidates.

1. Explore Opportunities: Visit the Health First careers website to browse current job openings. You can sign up for job alerts to be notified when new positions matching your skills and interests become available.
2. Craft Your Resume: Ensure your resume is professional, accurate, and free of typos. Highlight your experience and skills relevant to the role you're applying for.
3. Submit Your Application: Complete the online application on their career site. Some roles may require additional information or thoughtful responses to questionnaires.
4. Prepare for Interviews: If your application is a potential fit, a recruiter will contact you for an introductory phone interview.
   • Research the Company: Understand Health First's mission, vision, and values (I-CARE: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
   • Review the Role: Be prepared to discuss your experience related to the job duties and responsibilities.
   • Practice Behavioral-Based Questions: Health First often uses the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) for interviews. Prepare examples of your professional accomplishments and how you've made a positive impact.
   • Demonstrate Key Skills: For roles like Service Agent, emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and communication skills.
   • Be Ready to Discuss Your Future: Think about your career goals and how this role at Health First aligns with them.
5. Onboarding: If you receive and accept an offer, the onboarding process will include a background check, drug screen, and additional tasks to set up your employee profile. A Health First coordinator will guide you through each step.

Remember to monitor your phone, email, and application status from your candidate profile for updates.

Conclusion

Choosing where to start your career at Health First means joining a leading not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to improving community health and fostering employee growth. With a wide array of clinical and non-clinical opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to professional development, Health First offers a supportive and rewarding environment for individuals passionate about making a difference.

Are you ready to blaze your trail and contribute to a healthier future? Explore the possibilities and apply today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of jobs are available at Health First?

Health First offers a wide range of clinical roles such as nurses, phlebotomists, pharmacy technicians, and home health aides, as well as non-clinical positions in administration, IT, environmental services, food services, human resources, and customer service. Many entry-level positions are available with on-the-job training.

Q2: What benefits does Health First offer its employees?

Health First provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability coverage, generous paid time off, and flexible spending accounts. They also emphasize educational opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and extensive professional development programs.

Q3: How can I prepare for an interview at Health First?

To prepare for a Health First interview, research the company's mission and values, review the job description thoroughly, and be ready to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) for behavioral questions. Ensure your resume is accurate and professional.

Q4: Does Health First offer training or career advancement opportunities?

Yes, Health First is committed to employee growth and offers comprehensive training programs, ongoing professional development opportunities, including advanced courses and certifications, and clear career progression paths for promotion. They also provide tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.