Background Check Specialist

Are you excited by the prospect of working for an organization that truly values your contributions, provides opportunities for growth and development, AND gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families?

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Background Check Specialist is a non-exempt position responsible for completion of all aspects of the background screening process as required by law and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Cooperative Agreement. Key responsibilities include managing the employee roster in the ORR portal and background check process, verifying candidate information, ensuring data privacy, and resolving any discrepancies or issues that arise during the screening process.

• Conduct comprehensive background checks for all new hires, volunteers, interns, contractors, and internal transfers, including Level II fingerprinting, local criminal background checks, motor vehicle reports, child abuse and neglect checks, national sex offender searches, education verification, and employment and reference checks.
• Ensure consistent execution of all background checks in strict accordance with federal, state, and local laws, the ORR Cooperative Agreement, and company policies.
• Review and analyze background screening results, identify discrepancies or areas of concern, and escalate issues to appropriate stakeholders when necessary.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all screening activities and outcomes, prioritizing compliance and data privacy.
• Partner with external background check vendors to monitor service quality and promptly resolve any issues or discrepancies.
• Respond to candidate inquiries regarding the background screening process and communicate issues and outcomes clearly and efficiently.
• Notify HR, hiring managers, and other stakeholders of screening results in a timely and transparent manner.
• Collaborate with the ORR point of contact to ensure compliance with employee suitability screening processes and proactively address any compliance concerns.
• Manage employee immunization and TB Test tracker; initiate TB tests for new hires and ensure all documentation is submitted accurately and promptly.
• Update employee records in the ORR portal, audit roster accuracy, add or remove employees as necessary, submit approval requests, review weekly suitability screening status reports, and conduct follow-ups to maintain compliance and roster integrity.
• Conduct updated screenings for all active personnel in accordance with legal requirements, the ORR Cooperative Agreement, and company policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of background screening regulations and practices to ensure compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of background screening regulations and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and confidentiality.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• $45,500 salary
• 15 PTO Days per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Hybrid Work Environment
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Healthcare Concierge
• Financial Wellness Program
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Supplementary Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Specified Disease insurance
• Paid Life/AD&D insurance
• Pet, Legal, and Identity Theft programs
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Mileage Reimbursement
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• At least two (2) years of experience in human resources, compliance, or a related field

• Associate or Bachelors degree preferred

• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to background checks (e.g., FCRA, EEOC guidelines).

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and background screening platforms.

• Ability to lift and/or carry office supplies, equipment, files, etc., up to 25 lbs.

• A hybrid work environment is offered, and assigned in-office workdays will be correlated

WHO WE ARE:

From babies to seniors, Gulf Coast JFCS serves all people in need, regardless of race, religion, culture, or gender identity. Our programs span a broad spectrum of human services, including behavioral and mental health, child welfare and adoption, family support, job and employment transition, housing, food, transportation, and home care assistance for the elderly.

Gulf Coast JFCS strives to offer opportunities to gain field experience and direct client contact hours for both Bachelors and Masters level practicum and internships. For license-eligible candidates, we may provide both individual and group supervision from a Board-Certified qualified supervisor to help fulfill state requirements, at no cost to the employee, depending on staff availability and scheduling capacity.

Gulf Coast JFCS is committed to maintaining a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, and inappropriate behavior. Gulf Coast JFCS will not tolerate discrimination against its employees on the basis of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, workers compensation status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Background Screening Requirements: It is our policy at Gulf Coast JFCS that any candidate being considered for employment must successfully complete the organizations background screening requirements, including drug screening and applicable motor vehicle checks. Gulf Coast JFCS is a Florida Care Provider of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Agency for Health Care (AHCA), and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), which requires all candidates to undergo fingerprinting through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. To learn more about the Clearinghouse, please visit: HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

Gulf Coast JFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Drug-Free Workplace, and E-Verify employer.