Summary
This job involves reviewing and processing background checks for people who want to work with vulnerable populations in Washington state's social services, ensuring they don't have disqualifying criminal histories.
You'll use various databases and legal guidelines to analyze records from sources like police and courts, resolve any issues, and decide if someone is cleared for unsupervised access.
It's a good fit for detail-oriented professionals with experience in records management or criminal history review who enjoy investigative work in a government setting.
Full Job Description
Background Check Specialist 2 The Background Check Central Unit has statewide impact conducting over 350,000 background checks annually for department programs, external services providers, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
The Background Check Specialist 2 works under general direction and uses specialized technical knowledge of DSHS background check laws, rules, and standards to conduct technical background checks and to identify and resolve complex background check issues.
Some of what you'll be doing- Conduct technical background checks – Receive, review and process name/date of birth, interim fingerprint, non-technical final fingerprint background checks and technical final fingerprint background checks.
- Use specialized and standard computer software to conduct background checks.
- Accurately match background check records with person of interest records in background check system.
- Accurately assess and interpret complicated background check information from multiple data sources including Washington State Patrol, Washington Courts, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Corrections, out-of-state courts, negative actions, and applicant self-disclosures.
- Determine if the applicant is disqualified from having unsupervised access to vulnerable people based on the appropriate DSHS program’s list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions.
- Determine the correct background check result type based on reported crimes and negative actions and disseminate background check records in accordance with state and federal laws.
- Independently research Judicial Information System – Superior Court Management Information System and Department of Corrections records as needed to clarify information reported by the background check data sources.
- Initiate specialized search of Western Identification Network states when indicated on WSP fingerprint rap sheet.
- Initiate Thumbprint verification with applicants and Washington State Patrol to ensure correct State Identification number is chosen.
- Process Fingerprint Errors and Doubles – requiring research and completion of background check.
- Manage records requests, applicant affidavit, court documents and applicant requests.
- Conduct legal review with assistant attorney general or in-house legal unit.
Who should apply? Professionals with:
Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in forms and/or records management,
OR
High school diploma or equivalent and six years of experience in forms and/or records management.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute year for year.
Preferred Professional Experience:
- At least one (1) year of experience interpreting criminal history information including Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation RAP Sheets.
- At least one (1) year of experience accessing, extracting, interpreting, deciphering, maintaining and processing information accessed through Office of Administrator for the Courts Justice Information System, Department of Corrections Felony Offender Reporting System, Washington State Patrol WASIS, Department of Health professional licensing, DSHS Background Check System or state licensing and enforcement databases in a governmental regulatory, licensing, or enforcement agency or court setting.
- Prior experience as a Forms and Records Analyst 1 or 2 with the DSHS Background Check Unit.
Note:
Must pass typing and communication tests which will be conducted prior to an appointment to this position.
Interested? Apply today!
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Email peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov
or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 01245.
Additional Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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