DCSS Fingerprint and Background Checks

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Due to new IRS rules regarding fingerprinting and background checks, the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) implemented new policies impacting about 400+ of our members. SEIU Local 1000 met multiple times with DCSS and the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to ensure the department’s implementation was not overly broad and they did not impact any of our members unnecessarily.

Some of the major details from your team’s negotiations include the following:

  • The background check process will cover up to a 7 year look back period.
  • A reduction in the number of Local 1000 represented employees subject to the new background checks.
  • Voluntary transfer or demotion, where possible, for failure to pass the background check.
  • Narrowing the scope of crimes that could cause failure of the background check to only those related to the duties the employees perform.
  • Implementation timeline expected to begin September 2018.
  • Clearly defining that there will be no cost to the employee and that fingerprinting will take place at the worksite. A detailed appeals process if employees believe they failed the background check by mistake and ensuring any issues discovered will be kept private and confidential.
  • The department will be communicating via email on the new policy as well as holding several town hall sessions for Q&A regarding the fingerprint and background check process.
  • Employees should be as thorough and honest as possible when filling out the background check application and personal history statement.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding the DCSS fingerprint and background check, please contact the Member Resource Center at 866.471.7348 (SEIU).