Policy: 320

Background and Reference Checks


Procedure:

For all applicants the agency intends to hire, and volunteers and interns who act in place of regular (direct-care) staff, MDCBDSN will conduct a SLED, SLED Sexual Offender, and a DSS Central Registry of Child Abuse & Neglect Check and Reference Checks and CMS "List of Excluded Individuals/Entries Check". The MDCBDSN adopts SCDDSN Directive 406-04-DD in regard to background and reference checks.

  • All applicants will be required to complete and sign forms necessary to request the background checks
  • As part of the application process should the applicant be employed by the agency, he or she will reimburse MDCBDSN for the processing fee paid for the background checks.
  • Should the applicant decide not to request the background checks, they will no longer be considered for employment by the agency.
  • Checks are conducted at least six (6) months prior to the individual providing services and every five (5) years thereafter.
  • The Human Resource Administrator will review all background checks to determine suitability of the applicant for employment or continued employment with the agency.
  • Should a question arise regarding the applicant or employees report, the Human Resources Administrator will discuss these concerns with the appropriate Supervisor and Executive Director.
  • In accordance with DDSN policy 534-02-DD, no person is eligible for employment with DDSN or a contract provider agency if he/she has a prior employment history or conviction of child or other crimes listed in S.C. Code §63-7-2350.
  • Employees that for their five (5) year check receives a negative report(s), describing convictions of such crimes as listed in S.C. Code §63-7-2350, will be terminated immediately.

PROCEDURES AS OUTLINED IN SCDDSN DIRECTIVE 406-04-DD

  1. All applicants will provide verification of residency for the twelve(12) months preceding the date of the employment application. MDCBDSN will conduct a state criminal record check if the applicant has resided in South Carolina during that twelve (12) month period with evidence verified by MDCBDSN.

  2. If MDCBDSN is unable to verify South Carolina residency as described above not only will a state criminal record check be conducted prior to employment, a federal criminal record check will be submitted for by the employee within two weeks after employment, as stated in Directive 406-04-DD, at the cost of the employee.
    A federal criminal record check may be obtained by following the procedures outlined at the FBI/CJIS Division website: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm.

  3. If MDCBDSN can verify residency in another state for the preceding twelve (12) months, MDCBDSN may conduct a state criminal record check in the applicant's resident state.

  4. In addition to requirements for criminal record checks, the background check must also include a search and report from the Department of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. These checks must be made by the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

REFERENCE CHECKS

All reference checks must be in writing, completed and dated within 90 days of application of employment, prior to an offer of employment being made. In instances where prospective employees indicated that the present employer is not to be contacted any employment offer will be made contingent upon receipt of a written satisfactory reference.

Purpose

In the interest of safety and well-being for the consumers we serve, it is the policy of MDCBDSN to conduct appropriate background checks as required by SCDDSN.

Effective Date:
June 1, 1998

Reviewed/Revised:
May 24, 2001
June 26, 2008
February 25, 2010