Before You Begin


Before starting work at St. Mary's Health Care System, you need to complete a variety of important action items to ensure a smooth onboarding process. Use this page to guide you each step of the way. 

The links included on this page are not compatible with Internet Explorer. Please use another browser.

New Hire Mandatory Processes

The following steps must be completed before you will be able to begin work. Click here to access a New Hire Checklist that outlines each step of our pre-employment process. Not completing these steps timely can impact your start date.

Throughout the pre-employment process, most of our communication will come through email. Please watch for multiple emails between now and your scheduled start date. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see an email within the timeline below.

St. Mary's Health Care System is a member of Trinity Health. Some of the emails and communication you receive may come from Trinity Health.

Our communication timeline is as follows: 

New Hire Timeline

  • This step will be completed in Workday (Candidate). Please note that you must use your computer, will not work on cell or tablet/ipad.
  • All 3 tasks (Offer letter, SSN, Personal Information) must be fully completed before we will be able to proceed.
  • CLICK HERE for instructions.
  • For technical assistance, please contact the HR Service Center at 877-750-4748 option 5.
  • This step will be completed through First Advantage (Formerly Sterling).
  • Watch for an email from First Advantage (Formerly Sterling) and follow the instructions. This process may take several weeks, so it is important to fill out and submit the information as soon as possible.
  • After you enter your information into First Advantage (Formerly Sterling), the report can be processed while other pieces of the pre-employment process are being completed.
  • It is important to fill out the Employment Verification portion as accurately as possible. Please do not include any unpaid/volunteer opportunities, or employment outside of the United States, as First Advantage (Formerly Sterling) will not be able to verify it. First Advantage (Formerly Sterling) may email you directly to request additional documentation or contact information if they are unable to complete the verification.

This step can be completed virtually through our partner Equifax and must be completed prior to your start date. Once you have signed your offer letter in workday, you should receive an important email from Equifax at donotreply@equifax.com to get your I-9 completed. Click here for a step-by-step job aid to assist with completing this requirement.

  • Email: “Important: Form I-9 is Due Before your First Day” - This email will include Form I-9 instructions, username/Login ID, and guidance to use your Social Security Number (SSN) as the initial password. Note: Use your 9-digit SSN without dashes to login.
  • Enter Section 1 Information
    • Include all last names: You should include all last names you have used, including your maiden name (if applicable).
    • Include hyphens and apostrophes: If your name has a hyphen or apostrophe, you will need to include it.
  • Virtual Section 2 Verification
    • Your I-9 Section 2 Verification will be done virtually using video conferencing/virtual meeting technology. After completing Section 1 of the I-9, you will upload a photo of the front and back of your documentation, then you will click to meet with a virtual agent to verify your documents.
    • The hours to meet with a virtual agent are Monday-Friday 8am-8pm EST and Saturday from 9:30am-6:30pm EST. If you are completing Section 1 outside of these hours you will be notified to return to complete the portion of meeting with a virtual agent during the hours of operation.
    • To be prepared for the virtual I-9 Section 2 Verification, be in a quiet well-lit room as the agent will be confirming your identity on camera. Have your documents ready to share with the agent and ensure your camera and microphone are turned on.
  • From beginning Section 1 of the I-9 to finishing Section 2 with a virtual agent, it should only take between 10-15 minutes. Please set this time aside so you can finish the process in full.
  • Please visit the Official Website of Homeland Security for a list of acceptable documents.
  • If you have specific questions regarding the completion of your I-9, please contact Workforce Solutions Support at 877-664-8778 or workforcesolutions@equifax.com.
  • Your Employee Health Appointment is an assessment that includes a review of the functional requirements of the position, a urine drug screen, and a blood draw = all provided at no cost to you.
  • You will schedule this appointment with your recruiter once you have accepted the position. Appointments must be competed the Wednesday prior to start date.
  • You will need to bring to your appointment:
    • Immunization records.
    • Valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Pre-Employment Screening Locations at Employee Health Services (EHS) in Athens:
Your First Week

Your First Week

Learn More
Benefits and Perks

Benefits and Perks

Learn More
Additional Resources

Additional Resources

Learn More
Colleague Care Resource Guide

Colleague Care Resource Guide

Learn More