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Background Check Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to pass a standard background check. Earnings & Volume * Flat-Rate Pay: This is a 1099 position where you are paid a set fee for every inspection completed. * Earning Potential: While pay is ...

Ability to pass a standard background check. Earnings & Volume * Flat-Rate Pay: This is a 1099 position where you are paid a set fee for every inspection completed. * Earning Potential: While pay is ...

Ability to pass a standard background check. Earnings & Volume * Flat-Rate Pay: This is a 1099 position where you are paid a set fee for every inspection completed. * Earning Potential: While pay is ...

Ability to pass a standard background check. Earnings & Volume * Flat-Rate Pay: This is a 1099 position where you are paid a set fee for every inspection completed. * Earning Potential: While pay is ...

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Background Check Specialist information

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How much do background check specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for background check specialist in the United States is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a background check specialist make?

A background check specialist typically earns between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer size. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries. The job often requires attention to detail and familiarity with screening tools and databases.

How to become a background check agent?

To become a background check agent, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require additional training or certification in background screening or related fields. Familiarity with screening tools, attention to detail, and understanding of privacy laws are important; some employers may also require background checks or security clearances before employment.

What does a Background Check Specialist do?

A Background Check Specialist is responsible for conducting and reviewing background screenings on job candidates, tenants, or other individuals. They verify personal, criminal, financial, and employment history to help organizations make informed decisions. This role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of privacy laws, and the ability to work with sensitive information while ensuring compliance with company policies and legal regulations.

What does a background specialist do?

A background check specialist reviews and verifies individuals' personal, employment, criminal, and educational records to assess their suitability for employment or other purposes. They use various databases and tools to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards, often working in a structured environment with attention to detail. Certification and knowledge of privacy laws are important in this role.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for a Background Check Specialist typically refers to the standard period during which employment history, criminal records, and other background information are considered current and relevant. Many employers focus on background checks within the past three months to ensure recent and accurate information, especially when verifying employment or criminal history. However, specific policies can vary by employer and jurisdiction.

What are some common challenges faced by Background Check Specialists and how are they addressed?

Background Check Specialists often encounter challenges such as incomplete or inconsistent information, tight deadlines, and navigating complex legal or privacy requirements. To address these, specialists must be thorough in their research, stay current with regulatory changes, and maintain open communication with applicants and hiring managers to resolve discrepancies quickly. Many employers provide regular training and use advanced technology platforms to streamline the process. Working collaboratively with legal, HR, and compliance teams also helps ensure background checks are accurate and fully compliant. Being proactive and detail-oriented can make the process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Background Check Specialist position, and why are they important?

A Background Check Specialist should possess a strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of compliance with employment laws and privacy regulations, typically supported by a relevant background in human resources or criminal justice. Familiarity with background screening databases, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and certified training such as FCRA compliance are often required. Excellent communication, discretion, and organizational abilities are vital soft skills for interacting with candidates, clients, and internal teams. Mastery of these skills ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and timely completion of background checks, minimizing risks for employers.

More about Background Check Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Background Check Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Background Check Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Check Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Background Check Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Background Check Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Background Check Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Background Check Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,343 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

HR Background Check Specialist

Crittenton SoCal

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$21 - $27.30/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Summary:
The HR Background Check Specialist is responsible for managing the full scope of background investigations, suitability determinations, and documentation for all staff, contractors, and volunteers serving within Crittenton's ORR shelter programs. This role ensures full compliance with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), HHS, and state regulations, including FBI fingerprint checks, Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N) registry checks, DOJ Sex Offender Registry searches, and ORR Central Registry reviews .The Specialist verifies and adjudicates all background check results, maintains documentation, and performs Quality Assurance (QA) reviews of every personnel file before submission to ORR. This position is critical to ensure that all individuals working in child-facing roles are thoroughly vetted, suitable, and approved by ORR before beginning employment.
Essential Duties
  • Coordinate and manage all background checks required under ORR and state regulations, including FBI fingerprinting, CA/N registry checks (for all states of residence within the past five years), DOJ Sex Offender Registry searches, and annual ORR Central Registry updates.
  • Ensure all adjudication notes, suitability determinations, and clearance documentation are maintained in each personnel file.
  • Submit background check packages and results to ORR for review and approval before any employee, contractor, or volunteer begins child-facing duties.
  • Perform QA checks on every personnel file prior to ORR submission to confirm compliance with documentation standards.
  • Conduct re-checks every five years-or more frequently if required-to maintain staff eligibility.
  • Lead the suitability process to identify and select qualified, safe, and competent individuals for child-facing roles.
  • Ensure sexual abuse prevention is integrated into the applicant screening process, including written acknowledgment of Crittenton's sexual abuse prevention and reporting policies.
  • Provide each applicant with the ORR Staff Code of Conduct and secure signed acknowledgment prior to hire; maintain copies in personnel files.
  • Oversee the use of structured written applications that gather comprehensive information about applicants' employment history, volunteer experience, and conduct.
  • Ensure professional reference checks include inquiries about any substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or harassment, disciplinary actions, or resignations during pending investigations.
  • Document all efforts to contact prior employers, particularly those providing direct child access, and maintain a record of findings in personnel files.
  • Ensure written applications include questions regarding any prior misconduct, including civil or criminal convictions, arrests, investigations, or adjudications.
  • Manage the provisional hiring process when CA/N results are delayed, ensuring all required ORR conditions are met.
  • During evaluations and promotion reviews, confirm that employees disclose any new misconduct since their last background investigation.
  • Document these inquiries and staff responses in personnel files.
  • Ensure no employee, contractor, or volunteer involved in sexual abuse, sexual harassment, child endangerment, or violent offenses remains in service.
  • Maintain a tracking system for all background checks, renewals, and re-investigations, producing weekly compliance reports for HR leadership and quarterly audit summaries for QA.
  • Ensure all documentation aligns with ORR Section 4.3.5 (Staff Code of Conduct) and Section 4.3.7 (Employee Performance Evaluations and Promotion Decisions).
  • Ensure all personnel files are audit-ready for ORR, HHS, or licensing reviews.
  • Participate in and conduct ongoing training on ORR suitability standards, prevention of sexual abuse and harassment, and misconduct reporting protocols.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education / Experience Required
  • Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in human resources, compliance, or investigative coordination, preferably in a federally funded or child welfare environment.
  • Knowledge of ORR, federal, and state background investigation requirements, including CA/N registry, FBI fingerprinting, and personnel adjudication processes preferred.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Clearances and Requirements
  • Must successfully clear DOJ and FBI fingerprint checks.
  • Must be cleared by ORR. ?
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Valid California driver's license and current auto insurance.
  • Must provide proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g., Varicella, MMR, Tdap, TB, Influenza).
  • Completion of all required ORR trainings, including Employee Misconduct Acknowledgment, Code of Conduct, and Sexual Abuse and Harassment Prevention.

Salary Description
$21.00-$27.30/hour