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Background Checks Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Valparaiso

Adjunct Lecturer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also ...

Valparaiso University

Adjunct Lecturer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also ...

Valparaiso University

Adjunct Lecturer

Chicago, IL

Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also ...

Valparaiso University

Adjunct Lecturer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also ...

Valparaiso University

Adjunct Lecturer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also ...

SOUTH SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH

Part Time Janitor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

  • PTO

These checks typically include: * Criminal Background Check: * A thorough examination of any criminal history, focusing on offenses that may disqualify the candidate from working in a school or ...

SOUTH SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH

Part Time Janitor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

These checks typically include: * Criminal Background Check: * A thorough examination of any criminal history, focusing on offenses that may disqualify the candidate from working in a school or ...

SP+

Mobility Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

City CHICAGO Location (Location assigned to this requisition will be billed for any background checks and drug tests ordered against this requisition) : State/Province IL Location (Location assigned ...

SOUTH SHORE BAPTIST CHURCH

Part Time Janitor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

These checks typically include: * Criminal Background Check: * A thorough examination of any criminal history, focusing on offenses that may disqualify the candidate from working in a school or ...

SP+

Shuttle Driver (Non-CDL)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Address 2 600 S MICHIGAN AVE Location (Location assigned to this requisition will be billed for any background checks and drug tests ordered against this requisition) : City CHICAGO Location ...

SP+

Customer Service Representative

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

City CHICAGO Location (Location assigned to this requisition will be billed for any background checks and drug tests ordered against this requisition) : State/Province IL Location (Location assigned ...

SP+

Attendant - Driving

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Address 2 655 W IRVING PARK RD Location (Location assigned to this requisition will be billed for any background checks and drug tests ordered against this requisition) : City CHICAGO Location ...

Promising Futures, Inc.

Be Seen First

Case Coordinator (Child Welfare)

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$27 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Local Background Checks Qualities of an Ideal Candidate include but not limited to: * Reliable * Trustworthy * Timely * Practice Trauma Informed Care * Compassionate * Hardworking * People Person

Promising Futures, Inc.

Be Seen First

Case Coordinator (Child Welfare)

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$27 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Local Background Checks Qualities of an Ideal Candidate include but not limited to: * Reliable * Trustworthy * Timely * Practice Trauma Informed Care * Compassionate * Hardworking * People Person

CDM Smith

Automation Engineer 1

Chicago, IL

$124K/yr

Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United ...

CDM Smith

Automation Engineer 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$124K/yr

Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United ...

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All JobsBackground Checks JobsBackground Checks Jobs in Chicago, IL

Background Checks information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$19

$41

How much do background checks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for background checks in Chicago, IL is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.57 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Background Checks vs Security Guards?

AspectBackground ChecksSecurity Guards
PurposeVerify criminal history, employment, education, and other credentialsProtect property and people, monitor premises
Required CredentialsNone specific, but often includes background screening certificationsSecurity license or certification may be required
Work EnvironmentOffice, online, or on-site for screening processesOn-site at client locations, often outdoors or in various environments
Industry UsageHR, hiring, and employment screeningSecurity services, law enforcement support

Background Checks focus on verifying an individual's history to ensure suitability for employment or other purposes, while Security Guards are responsible for physical security and safety. Both roles are essential in the employment and security industries but serve different functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a background checks specialist role, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Checks specialist, you need strong attention to detail, investigative skills, and knowledge of compliance regulations, typically supported by experience in HR, security, or legal fields. Familiarity with background screening tools, databases, and systems such as FCRA-compliant platforms is essential. Excellent communication, discretion, and problem-solving abilities help you navigate sensitive information and interact with clients or candidates professionally. These skills ensure accurate, lawful, and efficient background screening, protecting organizations from legal or reputational risks.

What are background checks?

Background checks are processes used by employers, landlords, or other organizations to verify an individual's identity, criminal record, employment history, education, and other relevant information. They are commonly performed during hiring processes to ensure candidates meet certain standards of trustworthiness and reliability. The scope of a background check can vary depending on the position and industry, ranging from basic identity verification to more in-depth screenings. These checks help organizations make informed decisions and maintain a safe environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals conducting background checks, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in background checks often encounter challenges such as incomplete or outdated information, varying state and international laws, and tight turnaround times for clients. Managing these challenges involves staying current with legal regulations, using reputable databases, and maintaining strong communication with both clients and data providers. Additionally, attention to detail and a consistent verification process help ensure accuracy and compliance throughout the background check process.

What are popular job titles related to Background Checks jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Background Checks jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Checks jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Checks jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Background Checks jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Background Checks job openings:

Background Checks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Checks job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,799 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Background Check Specialist Tier 2

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$44K - $57K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The Office of Safety and Security serves as the critical department to partner with school principals and other CPS staff members to ensure that all schools strive towards the goal of establishing a safe environment for our students.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Safety Services, the Senior Background Check Specialist is charged with supporting the Director in ensuring that CPS Offices are equipped to provide a safe environment for CPS Staff, Students and Families.
The Senior Background Check Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Complete pre-screening activity for background checks (DNH, National Sex Offender Database, IL Sex Offender Database and National Violence Against Youth Database and any other as required).
  • Retrieve criminal history information for applicants Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP).
  • Redact information from applicant reports as appropriate.
  • Complete daily file decryption and save information to secure network drives.
  • Input database and registry findings into spreadsheets and tracking systems.
  • Review backlogged work to update applicant status changes daily.
  • Initiate applicant background check files (online and physical).
  • Provide applicants with a copy of ISP reports and instructions on how to challenge the information as mandated by state law.
  • Handle confidential information with integrity.
  • Complete analysis and determine preliminary background review.
  • Communicate with the applicant to request additional information needed for further review; including name checks.
  • Retrieve information from and communicate with in-person candidates as needed.
  • Compile information and update files escalated to the Background Check Committee.
  • Answer calls from applicants on the Background Check main phone line.
  • Monitor and respond to messages in the Background Check email inbox.
  • Track DCFS status updates for candidates and request additional DCFS information as required.
  • Update spreadsheets and trackers with preliminary applicant status information.
  • Close out files and send communications to applicants that miss document submission deadlines.
  • Stay current on policies, laws, and guidelines related to background check procedures.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Senior Background Check Specialist must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Experience Required:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with employee records and databases.
  • Proficiency with Google applications and Excel is preferred.
  • Customer service or call center experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong communication skills (Oral/Written/Presentation)
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
  • Analytical skills to interpret information and documents to guide decision making
  • High standards of support for personnel, ethical behavior, and professionalism; able to maintain objectivity and confidentiality with highly sensitive information

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
  • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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