Hamilton Center Inc. Makes Second Bold Move in Two Years to Raise Minimum Pay

Melvin L. Burks

Minimum pay raised to $17.75

TERRE HAUTE – Hamilton Center’s President & CEO, Melvin L. Burks, announced today that, effective immediately, the organization will not have any employee working in the organization making less than $17.75/hour. This comes after the 2021 announcement of a $15.00 minimum payrate.

“We are in a very competitive environment,” said Burks. “Not only are we facing clinical staff shortages, but we are dealing with an increase in demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment. We want to ensure that access to treatment is available to anyone that needs it.”

In addition, it was announced that current staff will receive a 3.5% base pay increase if they meet threshold on their performance evaluation. Hamilton Center has a robust performance evaluation system in which goals and competencies are established for each employee.

“Our employees work hard each day to improve the quality of life of our internal and external customers” Burks said. “It is equally important that we work to improve the quality of life of our employees and their families.”

In addition to competitive salaries, Hamilton Center’s benefit package is a major enhancement to the overall compensation package offered.  For example, Hamilton Center has chosen to absorb increases in healthcare premiums year after year rather than passing them on to employees. Overall, the organization pays 89% of the premium and for some packages that precent is much higher. In addition, eligible employees have access to a generous 401K program where the organization contributes 5%. If an employee chooses to contribute 2%, the organization will contribute another 2%.

“Investing in our employees’ futures is imperative,” said Burks.

Hamilton Center is a regional healthcare system in central and west central Indiana serving 11 counties in Indiana. The organization is certified as a Community Mental Health Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and a Federal Qualified Health Center Look Alike. The full range of behavioral health services are offered to children, adults and families with specific programs targeted at veterans, infants and toddlers, those with serious mental illnesses and those with chronic addiction issues including opioid use disorder. Primary care services are also available in Vigo and Putnam counties. For additional information and job opportunities, go to www.hamiltoncenter.org/employment.