Background Records Technician - Technician III

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position exists to provide technical assistance to applicants who have requested background checks by utilizing judgment, technical knowledge, computer skills, and employing research tools available to the Department of Human Services employees, agencies, and the public through the interpretation of laws, rules, policies, procedures, and processes directly related to background investigation functions. The Background Investigation Unit will exist to provide a comprehensive pre-licensing background program for the Provider Services Unit within the Division of Child Welfare and the Colorado Department of Human Services to reduce the risk to vulnerable persons in licensed facilities and agencies. The unit staff will screen applicants who are applying for employment in child care facilities licensed by human services, foster care, adoptions, interns, community mental health, and individuals to provide better protection for children in the State of Colorado. The unit staff will provide information for interpretation of background statutes, function as the statewide authority in background screening program development, operation, and updates. This work unit also performs background screens using the Department’s automated data system “Trails.” The Trails system captures reports of child abuse and neglect that have been called into the child abuse and neglect hotline and/or investigated by county departments of human/social services. Individuals seeking employment involving children, foster care placements, adoption, and volunteer activities are required to be screened against this data. This unit provides information to other states, for example, when former Colorado residents seek to be foster care parents or facility staff in the state they currently reside. This unit also ensures proper handling of revenues received for fees that are charged for background screens.

Requirements

Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to three (3) years.
Standard Background ALL CDHS - CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver’s license)

Nice To Haves

C JIS Trained
Experience Processing Criminal History Record Information
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Process requests for background checks regarding the criminal history of individuals working in a child care capacity that is licensed under the Provider Services Unit. Requests for background checks include the analysis of Criminal Justice Information (CJI) received from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a result of fingerprint-based submissions for such checks. The evaluation and scrutiny of each record also involves obtaining and reading court dispositions, review of the Integrated Court Online Network (ICON), understanding legal reporting requirements, addressing inconsistencies, creating/modifying internal procedures, processes, and training manuals, and providing consultation. Reviews CJI data and integrates evaluation results into the unit’s data system and generates the appropriate response form for release back to the requesting party or their designee.
Serves as a work unit technical expert in the area of child welfare system confidential background screens. Independently researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies statutes, rules, procedures, and practices to ensure that the Trails Abuse and Neglect background screening process is completed accurately and according to federal and state statutory requirements. Provides the final review and evaluation of documentation submitted by facilities, individuals, and applicants for accuracy and completeness to determine that requests are in compliance with Department requirements. Reviews Trails data, and integrates evaluation results into the unit’s data system and generates the appropriate response form for release back to the requesting party or their designee. Evaluates and interprets inconsistencies, unclear data, and incomplete information in the Trails system to determine whether the applicant matches the information in Trails.
Responds to customer inquiries concerning the background investigation process and the status of individual background screens. Responds to complaints from customers concerning the process and investigates and resolves the concerns using independent judgment and professionalism. Provides technical assistance to licensed providers, counties, local agencies, individuals, schools, and other state agencies concerning the procedures, policies and guidelines of the unit. Utilizes discretion to determine prioritization of emergency and non-routine requests for expedited background screens.
Works as part of the Background Investigation Unit team developing procedures, evaluating and improving processes and forms, and produces informational summaries as requested. Provides training to other BIU staff, department staff, county staff, and other customers on the processes and procedures involved in the background screening function.
Independently researches, analyzes, interprets and applies rules, procedures, statutes, policies and practices regarding agencies and facilities licensed as defined in Section 26-6-903, C.R.S of the Licensing Act and individuals as it pertains to criminal background checks and child abuse/neglect background investigations. Reviews and evaluates corresponding statutes, rules, regulations, and procedures for application in the final determination of eligibility regarding an applicant’s record.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Employee Wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program