Scripps Health Offers Hiring Bonuses As Federal Benefits Expire

SAN DIEGO — Scripps Health, a network of hospitals and clinics in San Diego, is offering extra money to new workers who accept job offers by Oct. 1, a way of helping unemployed people bounce back as federal pandemic-relief benefits expire.

The group will offer “incentive payments” to 80 employees who sign on as room cleaners and food servers, Scripps said in a news release Wednesday.

People in San Diego County are likely looking for work again as Californians lose benefits from four federal programs that took effect in 2020 as many lost jobs, the news release says.

The federal government stopped those programs Saturday, causing about 2.2 million Californians to lose their benefits, according to the state Employment Development Department.

“This is a great chance to become part of a team that is doing valuable work for the community at an organization that is recognized nationally as one of the best places to work,” said Eric Cole, corporate senior vice president of Scripps human resources department.

Incentive payments come in two installments, the first after 30 days of employment and the second after six months.

Total incentives vary. A current full-time opening for a "food and nutrition services lead" pays a $1,250 bonus, for example, as does one for a full-time housekeeping technician.

The nonprofit medical network founded in 1924 treats more than 600,000 patients annually through 3,000 affiliated doctors and more than 16,000 employees. It has five hospitals and 28 clinics.