Specialist, Business, Regulatory Compliance Specialist

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VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards. VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most.

Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.

The Background Check Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and operational continuity of programs serving Unaccompanied Children (UC). This position manages the full spectrum of staff screening and clearance requirements mandated by ORR, federal, and state regulations, including FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse/Neglect Registry checks, annual affidavits, and re‑checks, to ensure all personnel meet suitability standards prior to and throughout employment.

Reporting directly to the Program Director and working closely with the Compliance Department, the Background Check Specialist safeguards program operations by coordinating, submitting, and tracking all background checks, maintaining eligibility documentation, and conducting regular internal audits. This role is pivotal in preventing delays that could disrupt services, strengthening accountability, and mitigating organizational risk through strict adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

• Manage all background screening processes for new hires and current staff, including fingerprinting, registry checks, annual affidavits, TB tests, and re‑checks, in accordance with ORR, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate, submit, and track clearance documentation to ensure timely approvals and uninterrupted program operations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit‑ready eligibility files for all staff and ensure suitability letters and related documentation are stored according to regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular internal audits of personnel files to identify discrepancies, expired clearances, or missing documentation, and proactively resolve issues.
• Provide guidance and support to staff, supervisors, and HR regarding clearance requirements, timelines, and results; elevate unresolved issues promptly to the Program Director and Compliance Department.
• Monitor and respond to updates in regulations or ORR guidance to ensure screening processes remain compliant and up to date.
• Ensure strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and legal compliance standards, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and federal laws.
• Collaborate closely with compliance and program leadership to develop and improve screening procedures, prepare for audits, and implement corrective action when required.

• Solid understanding of ORR, federal, and state requirements related to background checks, eligibility, and suitability standards.
• Strong ability to track, document, and audit clearances with accuracy to prevent compliance gaps.
• Effective at managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and documentation in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
• Clear and professional in explaining requirements, timelines, and results to staff, leadership, and agencies.
• Demonstrates discretion in handling sensitive information and adherence to privacy and data‑protection standards.
• Proactive in identifying issues, escalating concerns, and supporting timely resolutions.
• Works effectively with program leadership, compliance, and HR to ensure continuous eligibility and operational continuity.

• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services, compliance, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in compliance, background screening HR, or a related regulatory role.
• Experience working in highly regulated environments,…