Background Check Specialist

VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most. Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.

The
Background Check Specialist
plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and operational continuity of

programs serving Unaccompanied Children (UC). This position manages the full spectrum of staff screening and

clearance requirements mandated by ORR, federal, and state regulations, including FBI fingerprinting, Child

Abuse/Neglect Registry checks, annual affidavits, and re-checks, to ensure all personnel meet suitability standards

prior to and throughout employment.

Reporting directly to the Program Director and working closely with the Compliance Department, the Background

Check Specialist safeguards program operations by coordinating, submitting, and tracking all background checks,

maintaining eligibility documentation, and conducting regular internal audits. This role is pivotal in preventing delays

that could disrupt services, strengthening accountability, and mitigating organizational risk through strict adherence

to legal and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Manage all background screening processes for new hires and current staff, including

fingerprinting, registry checks, annual affidavits, TB tests, and re-checks, in accordance with ORR,

state, and federal regulations.

• Coordinate, submit, and track clearance documentation to ensure timely approvals and

uninterrupted program operations.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready eligibility files for all staff and ensure suitability

letters and related documentation are stored according to regulatory standards.

• Conduct regular internal audits of personnel files to identify discrepancies, expired clearances, or

missing documentation, and proactively resolve issues.

• Provide guidance and support to staff, supervisors, and HR regarding clearance requirements,

timelines, and results; escalate unresolved issues promptly to the Program Director and

Compliance Department.

• Monitor and respond to updates in regulations or ORR guidance to ensure screening processes

remain compliant and up to date.

• Ensure strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and legal compliance standards, including

the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and federal laws.

• Collaborate closely with compliance and program leadership to develop and improve screening

procedures, prepare for audits, and implement corrective action when required.

Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding of ORR, federal, and state requirements related to background checks,

eligibility, and suitability standards.

• Strong ability to track, document, and audit clearances with accuracy to prevent compliance gaps.
• Effective at managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and documentation in a fast-paced, regulated

environment.

• Clear and professional in explaining requirements, timelines, and results to staff, leadership, and

agencies.

• Demonstrates discretion in handling sensitive information and adherence to privacy and

data-protection standards.

• Proactive in identifying issues, escalating concerns, and supporting timely resolutions.
• Works effectively with program leadership, compliance, and HR to ensure continuous eligibility

and operational continuity.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in human services,

compliance, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in compliance, background screening, HR, or a related

regulatory role.

• Experience working in highly regulated environments, preferably within child welfare, social

services, or government-funded programs.

• Proficiency with digital record-keeping systems, databases, and productivity tools (e.g., Google

Workspace, Microsoft Office).

• Familiarity with FCRA, data privacy laws, and state and federal screening requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.
• Cleared tuberculosis test results.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Must be able to provide proof of required vaccinations.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI

criminal background.

• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds

infrequently.

• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.

The Pay Range For This Role Is
USD per hour(884 Sam Mahan Center)