Nonprofits

What is a volunteer background check?

A volunteer background check is the process of gathering information about a candidate for volunteer opportunities to determine their eligibility to join your team. Depending on the type of screening your organization requires, volunteer background checks might involve searching public records and databases, checking motor vehicle records, or contacting an individual’s previous schools or employers.

Many organizations may perform background checks as a part of their volunteer screening process. In some cases, nonprofits use them to assess whether prospective volunteers are safe people to work with vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities. For example, an elementary, middle school, or high school may require screenings for parents or community members who wish to assist in classrooms, chaperone field trips, or lead clubs and activities. 

Background checks can also help organizations feel confident entrusting their finances to volunteers for bookkeeping, accounting, and nonprofit management positions. In addition, background checks allow nonprofits to verify that volunteers have the experience, education, and skills necessary to fulfill specific responsibilities, such as educating others, providing counseling, or delivering medical care.

Why are volunteer background checks important?

Background checks are important for volunteers because they enable nonprofits to better understand the eligibility and qualifications of the individuals looking to join your organization. These screenings can verify individuals’ qualifications and provide additional context about their past experience, while helping your nonprofit select candidates and volunteers who are well prepared to work towards your organization’s mission. Performing a background check for volunteers can also help protect your organization from potential liability claims and reputational risks, safeguard your organization’s assets, and maintain your donors’ trust.

Nonprofits may choose certain background checks to help mitigate risks associated with their mission or to confirm that candidates are qualified for a role. For example, a nonprofit that works with vulnerable populations might include a criminal records check in its volunteer screening, while a nonprofit hiring for a leadership position might run an education history background check to verify that candidates’ credentials are accurate. 

What shows up on a nonprofit background check?

What shows up on a nonprofit background check depends on the type and number of screenings, the scope of each search being performed, and your organization’s background check policy. 

Here are common results that may show up a background check for nonprofit organizations:

• Criminal background checks may show felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as arrests, warrants, and history of incarceration as an adult.
• Driving record (MVR) checks show license class and status (such as active, suspended, or revoked), traffic violations, and driving-related convictions.
• Education verification reports a candidate’s dates of attendance and any degrees or credentials earned.
• Employment verification reports on a candidate’s past employment, including employers, job titles, and dates of employment. 
• Drug testing can reveal the presence of certain controlled and illicit substances or alcohol.

Background checks for schools

Schools often perform background checks on employees and volunteers to protect the students that they serve. State and local laws may even mandate that schools perform certain types of employment and volunteer background checks. For example, Pennsylvania requires all prospective school employees to undergo a state police background check.  

What do school volunteer background checks look for?

School volunteer background checks are often conducted to ensure the safety of students in elementary, middle school, or high school. Schools may look use these volunteer screenings to determine if a prospective volunteer has a history of criminal convictions related to child abuse and neglect, sexual offenses, or financial crimes or help ensure that volunteers have the credentials necessary to serve as volunteer teaching assistants or in positions that involve transporting students by car, van, or bus.

Background checks for churches

A background check for church volunteers can enable organizations to make informed decisions about entrusting responsibilities to those that serve your congregations and communities. Churches may choose volunteer background checks based on the position. For example, you may choose to conduct a criminal background check to ensure individuals who will work with vulnerable populations or manage money have no previous criminal convictions that make them ineligible for their positions or an education verification to determine if a prospective volunteer has the credentials needed to perform tasks, such as teaching Sunday school or providing medical care through a church-run mission.

Does the FCRA apply to volunteers?

Yes, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies to volunteers and employees, if the nonprofit organization chooses to conduct background checks by partnering with a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like GoodHire. The FCRA is a federal law that requires employers to provide candidates (or volunteers) with written notice of their intent to run a background check, obtain written consent before proceeding, and follow the adverse action process should the results of a background check negatively impact a hiring or onboarding decision.

Partnering with a company that provides background check services for nonprofits, like GoodHire, can make compliance with FCRA requirements easier with built-in tool and workflows.

Can you volunteer if you have a criminal record?

Whether an individual is able to volunteer with a criminal record may depend on industry or area laws and the nonprofit organization’s background check policy. In some cases, federal, state, or local laws may require nonprofits to disqualify candidates when background checks for volunteers reveal certain types of convictions, such as sexual or child abuse offenses. 

Nonprofits may also establish their own policies regarding volunteer eligibility for individuals with a criminal record. For instance, an organization may elect not to proceed if the position involves financial responsibilities and the results of a volunteer background screening reveal a history of convictions for financial crimes.

Volunteer background check requirements

Volunteer background check requirements vary based on organization type, location, and the individual policies of nonprofits. Federal, state, and local laws may establish specific requirements for certain organizations. For example, the law in your area may require a volunteer criminal background check for nonprofit organizations that serve seniors, children, or other vulnerable populations. Nonprofits can establish policies regarding when to conduct background checks during the volunteer background screening. If you’re unsure what the requirements are for your nonprofit, consult your legal counsel and your organization’s volunteer management  policies and procedures.

Get background check services for nonprofits with GoodHire

Background checks for volunteer work can help your nonprofit protect the populations you serve so you can focus on achieving your mission. For many organizations, the most convenient way to run compliant background checks is to work with qualified background check companies for nonprofits, like GoodHire. 

GoodHire offers 100+ background screening options for employers and candidates, delivering fast, smooth, and safe reports. With features like custom messaging and built-in communications tools, we can help you provide the best possible experience for candidates while you gather the valuable information you need to move forward with the hiring and onboarding process. Get started with GoodHire today.