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6 Benefits to Look for Before Accepting a Job at an FQHC

If you’re considering taking a leadership position at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), you’ll be taking on one of the most important roles in the U.S.’s healthcare system. Without community health centers, millions of Americans would be without basic healthcare. Regardless, the decision to accept a position or not depends primarily on whether the position is a good fit for you. Does the job offer meet your needs and career goals? Here are the most important factors you should consider before accepting a job at an FQHC.

Should You Accept a Job at an FQHC? Consider These Components.

1. Base Compensation

Though your prospective salary will vary greatly depending on your experience, location, and the facility, one factor remains valid in all cases: Your skills are valuable. Experienced leaders and talented executives are needed if a community health facility is going to thrive, and you shouldn’t settle for a salary that doesn’t match your value.

2. Time Off

Though the myth of the overpaid executive permeates public opinion, the reality is that those in leadership are extremely likely to be overworked, overstressed, and burnt out. As such, you should make paid time off one of the cornerstones of your negotiation. In fact, a facility’s willingness to respect your needs in this area is a strong indicator of how you will be treated in the future.

3. Retirement

How long do you plan on remaining in the workforce? Unless you plan on working your way straight to the grave, a strong retirement plan will be needed. Before accepting a job offer, make sure the facility’s contribution to your retirement fund will be substantial and secure.

4. Insurance and Other Stipends

When taken piece by piece, individual allowances may not seem significant. When added together, however, stipends that were meant merely to sweeten the pot can become a major contribution to your overall compensation. If you want to squeeze a bit extra out of a job offer, ask about insurance, car, interim housing, phone, and other potential stipends.

5. Loan Repayment

Depending on where you are at in your career, loan repayment may be one of your most pressing financial goals. Even later on in your career, it’s worth considering whether your potential employer will reimburse you for extra education or training that you might seek out. Remember there are multiple levels of loan repayment: federal, state and the organization.

6. Soft Benefits

Ultimately, your biggest concern won’t have anything to do with salary and compensation. Instead, the most important question is this: Will this job make you happy? Rather than focusing purely on financial and career-based factors, spend some time considering the “soft” factors in play. Do you feel excited about the location of the facility and where you will end up living? Does the company culture fit your personality and needs? Do your future co-workers seem reliable, professional, and welcoming? If so, you’re well on your way towards making a decision about the job offer.

Find a Job Today!

If you’re ready to start the next leg of your career path, UHC Solutions can help. With two decades of experience placing executives in FQHCs around the country, we’ve helped hundreds of talented leaders find their way in the industry. To learn about potential career opportunities that are waiting for you, contact our top FQHC recruiters today.

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