background check program Questions & answers for volunteers

QAHow secure is my personalbackground checkprogramQuestions & answersfor volunteersinformation?The security of your personal informationis very important to us. Background checksare processed online using the most secure andcurrent data encryption systems. Any paperworkcontaining sensitive information is kept inlocked files in the parishes and schools.Why do you need my social securitynumber? I am worried about identitytheft.Our background check vendor, Criminal InvestigationsCorporate Security (CICS), requiresthe social security number so that all previousaddresses of an individual can be identified. Inthat way, a background check can be performedin all jurisdictions where an individual has lived.I was told that i should never giveout my social security numberunless I have to.We are very concerned about the confidentialityof personal information due to the increasein identity theft. However, our concern for thesafety of children and vulnerable adults in ourcare must take precedence. Our backgroundcheck system is designed to take advantage ofall available security measures for protectingyour personal information. If you do not wantto give out your social security number, you canchoose to volunteer in another capacity thatdoes not require a background check.archdiocese of seattle

QAWhat types of volunteer activitiesrequire a background check?We cannot provide an exact or exhaustive listbecause circumstances, ministries and parishprograms change and evolve. The following listprovides examples of the kinds of volunteeractivities requiring background checks:• Catechists in religious education programs• Adult volunteers in youth ministry programs• Eucharistic ministers who visit the homebound• Stephen and Cabrini ministers• Money counters• An usher in sole control of the collection• Vacation Bible school volunteers• Parish nursery volunteers• Volunteers working on any parish bookkeepingor fundraising activitiesWhat about volunteers in the schools?The same criteria apply to school volunteers.In addition, all non-parent volunteers in schoolsmust successfully pass a criminal background check.The following list provides examples of the kindsof activities that require a background check forparent volunteers in Catholic schools:• Coaches and assistant coaches• Field trip drivers• Volunteers in any before or after schoolprograms• Health/sick room volunteers• Volunteers who supervise activities such asan after school chess clubFor more information, contact the Archdiocese of SeattleOffice of Human Resources:Phone: 206-382-4570; toll-free: 1-800-261-4749Email: HR@seattlearch.org