Due to an update in Hamilton County policies (GRC 10.4), background checks are strongly encouraged or required for most volunteers who intend to participate in SWCD/Ham Co Parks/Ham Co Gov volunteer roles that occur on public property. Background checks are required for anyone who could have contact with children or vulnerable populations and anyone working without direct supervision of county staff (tabling at events, speaking events, etc).
This background check is FREE to you and is conducted quickly and online via the company Sterling Volunteers.
Learn more about the background check process (step by step guide), security, etc. in THIS DOCUMENT.
If you have questions or concerns about this process or requirement, please let us know. We do not want this to stop anyone from volunteering.
FAQ
What does the background check look for?
The Basic Criminal Locator Search includes the following services:
Social Security Trace is performed using the Social Security number provided. This search identifies places where the individual has lived and alias names used within the last 7 years.
The DOJ Sex Offender checks the Federal Department of Justice database, which includes the listing of registered sex offenders for all 50 States- except Nevada, which currently has an injunction in place.
The Government Watch List Search identifies individuals and companies, owned, controlled by, or acting on behalf of countries targeted by US foreign policy as terrorists and narcotics traffickers. These individuals are identified as Specially Designated nationals (“SDN”). The SDN search is conducted using documentation provided by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC”).
The Basic Criminal Record Locator Search checks a nationwide criminal database to identify any records in places you have lived and/or visited. * All reported criminal history is validated at the primary source of information.
How long does the background check take?
The check can take as few as 2-3 hours but almost all are
returned within 48-72 hours.
How much does it cost?
The background check is free to you.
Can I “respond” or sign up for opportunities before my background check clears?
You are not able to sign up for background check-required opportunities until your background check has cleared. You will receive an email once your BC is completed. You can then “respond” or sign up for opportunities on the website.
Is my info safe with Sterling Volunteers?
“Sterling Volunteers complies with all national and local regulations with respect to the storage and transmission of sensitive data and is hosted in ISO 27001-audited data centers. The Sterling Volunteers platform is audited regularly throughout the year with external vendors. These audits include a network perimeter security assessment, an application penetration test and a physical security assessment.”
Learn more at: www.sterlingvolunteers.com/about/faqs/
