ARTICLE
Streamlining Volunteer Screening With Verified First
Guide To Volunteer Background Checks
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Recruiting volunteers is a lot like hiring new employees—you’re searching for the perfect match to meet your organization’s needs. But finding the right fit goes beyond a simple interview. That’s why it’s key to streamline the process, and we’re excited to announce a partnership with Verified First—an integrated background screening solution with Bloomerang that makes the entire process faster and easier. Ready to see how Verified First can transform your volunteer screening? Jump to more details about our partnership with Verified First.
Screening and background checks help you catch any potential red flags in volunteers’ backgrounds before welcoming recruits. By screening volunteers, you’re not just keeping things safe for everyone—you’re also making sure you place volunteers in roles where they can really shine.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about volunteer screening and background checks, including:
- Why do nonprofits run volunteer background checks?
- What do volunteer background checks look for?
- Steps of the volunteer screening process
- Best practices for successful volunteer screening
- Introducing Verified First: Integrated Background Screening with Bloomerang
Even if your region or state doesn’t require volunteer screening, incorporating background checks into your volunteer recruitment process can reduce risks and improve your nonprofit’s reputation. Let’s start by reviewing other benefits of running volunteer background checks.
Why do nonprofits run volunteer background checks?
Your organization may want to conduct background checks and volunteer screenings for several reasons:
- Protect vulnerable populations. If your organization works with vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, running volunteer background checks is a vital way to keep them safe.
- Keep community members and volunteers safe. Thorough volunteer screening doesn’t just protect vulnerable groups—it helps everyone feel more comfortable participating in your programs.
- Comply with legal requirements. Depending on where you are, background checks may be a legal requirement. Be sure to check relevant laws to understand what your organization needs to do to stay compliant.
Beyond just a legal requirement or best practice, nonprofits are increasingly turning to solutions like Verified First, which integrate with their volunteer management solutions to streamline their background screening process. This not only reduces the wait time for volunteers but also improves satisfaction during the onboarding process.
No matter your reasons for conducting volunteer screening, be sure to create a standardized process for all applicants. Fairness, consistency, and transparency will help ensure smooth screening every time.
What do volunteer background checks look for?
These are the most common records volunteer background checks assess:
- Driving records: If you’ll need volunteers to drive for your organization, you’ll want to make sure they have a clean driving record.
- Criminal background check: This screens for felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, date of conviction, and sentencing information.
- Sex offender database: If your volunteers work with vulnerable groups like children, you can use the National Sex Offender Public Website to screen volunteer applicants.
- Drug screening: You may decide to require volunteers to pass a drug test or screen for drug-related offenses.
- Social media presence: Volunteers are the face of your organization, so screening their social media presence can ensure they’re a good fit, especially for digital-first roles.
- Employment or education verification: If your volunteer roles require specific skills or education, this step will confirm that applicants meet those requirements.
The types of background checks you run will depend on the nature of your volunteer work and any relevant regulations.
Steps of the volunteer screening process
It’s important to start thinking about the volunteer screening process before you even begin recruiting volunteers. Being thoughtful during recruitment will help you bring on the right volunteers to move your mission forward.
Here’s how to do it:
- Define your needs. Determine how many volunteers you need and what specific roles they’ll fill. For example, are you looking for people to help with an afterschool program or for support behind the scenes, like organizing supplies or managing logistics? Will volunteers need specific skills or educational backgrounds?
- Recruit volunteers. Use your marketing platforms, like your website, social media pages, and email newsletters, to promote your open volunteer roles. Make sure volunteers know that their applications are pending a background check.
- Conduct background checks. Determine the criteria you’ll use to screen volunteers and run checks promptly to keep the recruitment process moving.
- Hold interviews (if needed). Some volunteer roles may require interviews. Be prepared with questions to assess qualifications and whether the candidate is a good cultural fit for your nonprofit.
- Assign shifts. After you finish the screening, assign roles and shifts to the volunteers who passed. Consider their interests when matching them with tasks.
Best practices for successful volunteer screening
Handling background checks should be a smooth process for your team and your volunteers. Use these tips to make sure it is:
- Be transparent about the process. Let volunteers know why you run background checks and what you’re screening for. Share your policy on your website so everyone can review it ahead of time.
- Choose a reputable background check service. Sterling Volunteers, Background Checks for Volunteers, and Checkr offer popular background check services with packages tailored to nonprofit and volunteer program needs. In addition to these services, we’ve partnered with Verified First to offer an integrated background screening solution. You can use Verified First to initiate and track background checks directly from Bloomerang Volunteer, simplifying the process and reducing wait times. Plus, Verified First offers competitive pricing just for nonprofits, making it a smart option for streamlining volunteer recruitment.
- Use your volunteer management software to track the progress. Take advantage of your volunteer app management system to track who’s been approved, and who’s still waiting. This ensures volunteers move through the process quickly.
- Communicate with your volunteers. Let them know if they’ve passed—or failed— background checks and what steps they can take if they want to reapply.
Creating a straightforward, positive screening process will set the tone for strong and lasting volunteer relationships.
Introducing Verified First: Integrated background screening with Bloomerang
Verified First offers a streamlined screening experience, providing robust solutions, including background checks, drug testing, I-9 and E-verify, and more. Effortlessly evaluate candidates, recruit volunteers, and even rescreen employees. Their patented screening technology securely connects with 100+ cloud-based people and volunteer management platforms, including Bloomerang.
What makes Verified First stand out? They don’t require any annual commitments, long-term contracts, or minimum screening requirements. Plus, they back their services with an industry-leading, PBSA-accredited client care team that’s there to support you every step of the way.
This partnership solves a big challenge facing many nonprofits—finding a reliable, integrated background check service that fits seamlessly into your existing volunteer management system.
The last word
Using a thorough volunteer screening process, like the one Bloomerang now offers with Verified First, will set up your nonprofit to recruit the most suitable volunteers while keeping everyone safe and happy. The right tools make all the difference in creating a smooth, efficient system that builds trust from day one.
Ready to level up your knowledge of volunteer management? Start with these extra resources:
- The Smart Nonprofit’s Guide to Volunteer Management. Learn how to build long-lasting volunteer relationships.
- How to Host an Effective, Engaging Volunteer Orientation. Learn how to build a positive first impression with an efficient volunteer orientation program.
- 9 Best Volunteer Apps to Simplify Program Management. Discover apps that offer convenient features for both volunteers and program leaders.
Check out all of the Bloomerang Product Updates.
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