{"id":6883,"date":"2022-07-15T13:53:46","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T12:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blinkx.com\/?p=6883"},"modified":"2022-08-03T12:59:14","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T11:59:14","slug":"non-profit-background-check-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessfinancenews.com\/background\/non-profit-background-check-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"non profit background check policy"},"content":{"rendered":"
Performing proper background checks for non profits is just as important as performing one for a for-profit business. Not only does it ensure that other employees and volunteers in the organization remain safe but it also protects the company from potentially expensive legal liabilities.<\/p>\n
In fact, many nonprofits are required by law to perform volunteer background checks. But, there\u2019s a \u201cspecial\u201d search method<\/em><\/strong> for 501(c)(3) classified organizations that make it easy to comply with both transparency and trust procedures.<\/p>\n Make no mistake, the foundation of any non profit is a deeply-held trust. Therefore, the types of background checks used will vary and need to be performed based on the individual, non-profit position, and organization at hand.<\/p>\n Simply put, the exact search method used will depend on several factors below. For example:<\/p>\n The following guide outlines everything involved with performing background checks for non profits, as well as what volunteers and salaried employees can expect.<\/em><\/p>\n The background check for a nonprofit is very similar to what one might expect from a traditional pre-employment background screening. However, in many cases non profit organizations may work with certain at risk groups.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Background checks for non profits that deal with vulnerable groups may require additional checks compared to a normal pre-employment background check.<\/p>\n There are several checks that are standard for both employees and volunteers of a nonprofit organization. These include but are not limited to the following:<\/p>\n Depending on the nature of the non-profit and the position that the individual will be working in, additional checks may be recommended or even required by law, such as if the organization works with children.<\/p>\n The background checks performed for non profit volunteers is the same as the background check required for employees of the same organization.<\/p>\n Not only are background checks performed to make the existing employees feel safe and comfortable, they also play an important financial role for the company. Anyone associated with the organization is part of their responsibility, and the actions of all official personnel (volunteer or not) present a liability.<\/p>\n For example if a volunteer is driving a company car in an official capacity while intoxicated and gets in an accident, the company is just as liable for the accident as they would be if a paid employee was doing the same thing.<\/p>\n What shows up on a volunteer\u2019s background check depends on the check that the company chooses to perform.<\/p>\n The following searches are standard for most organizations, and many states offer free or discounted background check costs for non profits.<\/p>\n Checking the criminal history information of all prospective employees and volunteers is arguably the most important part of any background checks for non profits (how to find out if someone is a felon). This not only keeps other volunteers and employees safe but also will make any liability issues with the employee clear.<\/p>\n Criminal history checks for non profits should include both local and national checks. Although local checks are a great place to start, they will not show criminal history information from places outside of the state. So if a volunteer committed a serious crime in another state, that information will be absent from a local check.<\/p>\n Federal criminal history checks may also be necessary, especially if the non-profit operates in several states. However, the rarity of federal crimes makes this check slightly less necessary than a national criminal history check.<\/p>\n A national check is performed using fingerprints.<\/p>\n Verifying the identity of an individual is one of the most basic checks that are performed as part of a background check. The purpose is to simply ensure the individual is who they claim to be by verifying their social security number.<\/p>\n This also ensures accurate information is returned in the criminal history check, just in case the person is attempting to use an alias.<\/p>\n Verifying the address of the individual is an important part of verifying their identity. Furthermore, verifying any address they have lived at in the last 5 years also aids in the criminal history information check, as the agency can be sure to check if the individual committed any crimes at their previous address, if it was in a different state or county.<\/p>\n An education check is not quite as common as the above checks, simply because the information is not always relevant. However, if the position requires a certain level of education or the completion of certain licenses or certifications, a check of these credentials will certainly take place.<\/p>\n The last of the standard checks, an employment history check is performed to ensure that the individual is not lying about their experience and to find out where they work currently. This usually entails contacting the previous employer to ensure they worked where they said they did, as well as check that they performed any duties that they have claimed.<\/p>\n Certain non-profits may have additional checks performed on some or all volunteers and employees. The two most common additional checks are a check of an individual\u2019s driving record and a child care and caregiver related checks.<\/p>\n A driving record check (MVR background check) is normally performed on employees who will be operating vehicles for a company.<\/p>\n Finally, there are several additional checks associated with individuals who work with children. These include:<\/p>\n The specific laws regarding what needs to be checked for individuals who work with children vary from state to state, so it is important to check local laws to get a better understanding of what is required.<\/p>\n\n
What Do Non Profit Organizations Check on Background Screenings?<\/h2>\n
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What Shows Up on a Background Check for Non Profit Volunteers?<\/h2>\n
Criminal History Check<\/h3>\n
Identity Verification<\/h3>\n
Address Verification<\/h3>\n
Education Check<\/h3>\n
Employment Check<\/h3>\n
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