Background Check Specialist Unaccompanied Minors Program bei Lutheran Social Services of New York

Description

POSITION: Background Check Specialist – Unaccompanied Minors Program
REPORTS TO:  PSA Compliance Manager
CLASSIFICATION:  Full Time                 
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non- Exempt (Salaried)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Lutheran Social Services of New York’s (“LSSNY”) Safe Haven Shelter and Transitional Foster Care Program is a 24-hour program that serves unaccompanied children (“UACs”) in immigration custody who are awaiting release to their sponsors. The Background Check Specialist is responsible for ensuring the timely and thorough completion of all background checks for staff, volunteers, contractors, and interns working within the Safe Haven Program. This role ensures that all personnel meet required federal, state, and agency-specific standards to promote the safety and well-being of children in LSSNY's care. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
•    Ensure compliance with ORR’s Cooperative Agreement with LSSNY 
•    Coordinate and process background checks (e.g., FBI fingerprinting, child abuse/neglect registry, sex offender registry, criminal history, vaccination requirements, and TB testing) for all prospective and current employees, foster parents, volunteers, and contractors.
•    Maintain up-to-date knowledge of background check and medical requirements as mandated by ORR, state licensing bodies, and internal policies.
•    Track, monitor, and document the progress and results of background checks and medical requirements using secure HR systems or compliance tracking tools.
•    Review background check results and medical requirements for compliance and escalate any red flags or disqualifying offenses to the Compliance Manager or designated authority.
•    Work with HR, recruitment, and program staff to ensure that all required background check clearances and medical requirements are completed before onboarding or assignment to minors and every 5 years thereafter.
•    Respond to audits and requests for documentation from ORR or other regulatory agencies, ensuring files are accurate, complete, and compliant.
•    Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive personal data in accordance with federal and state privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA, FCRA).
•    Provide regular reports on status of background checks and medical requirements, pending clearances, and expirations to program leadership.
•    Assist in the development and updating of background check and medical requirement policies and procedures.
•    Participate in regular compliance and safeguarding training relevant to working with vulnerable populations.
•    Other tasks as needed. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 
•    High school diploma or equivalent degree AND Minimum of 3 years employment experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES
•    Strong investigative/analytical, communication and presentation skills - able to facilitate trainings.
•    Experience with regulatory compliance as well as quality assurance.
•    Able to work collaboratively with people from all walks of life especially immigrant youths.
•    Bilingual English/Spanish.
•    Must have base technical skills in Microsoft applications to Excel, Word, and Smartsheets.

This position description contains the major responsibilities required to perform this job. These responsibilities may change at any time to meet the needs of our clients, residents, or agency.