4 Things You Should Look For In A Contractor Background Check Vendor

Background Screening | May 5, 2023

Partnering with a contractor background check vendor is a big decision. You need to be sure the company you use offers these essential services to protect your customers and business. 

In 2005, our vision to improve safety for businesses that utilize contractor networks took shape in the form of PlusOne Solutions. We strive to service the in-home services industry and many other industries by taking a fresh approach to compliance practices for contractor networks.

Over the past 18 years, we have learned the best practices to implement to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with a comprehensive contractor compliance strategy. When searching for your next contractor background check vendor, look for these solutions that indicate a strong and successful partnership.

1. Accreditation

The best way to minimize risk to your organization is to partner with an experienced, accredited background screening company like PlusOne Solutions. The Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP), created by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), establishes rigorous professional criteria for background screening companies.

You should also only utilize a screening provider who follows the FCRA guidelines. The Fair Credit Reporting Act oversees the gathering, distribution, and utilization of consumer data from the information gathered in background screenings. In the FCRA, a screening partner, called a consumer reporting agency, and your organization, called an end-user, must follow a strict process. Specific requirements must be met to ensure compliance during the screening, which can cause operational and financial liabilities if not satisfied.

If a background check vendor is not accredited or does not follow FCRA requirements, they’re not the vendor for you.

2. In-Depth Criminal Background Checks

Your contractor network interacts with your customer base every day. Whether your business provides in-home appliance repair, furniture delivery, or roadside assistance, it’s crucial to your reputation, and your customers’ safety,that the contractors representing your organization can be trusted.

PlusOne Solutions offers comprehensive background check solutions to help reduce the risk of theft and violence in the workplace and the field. We leave no stone unturned as we examine various databases and primary record sources, including National Criminal Databases, statewide repositories, and county courthouses, to create a comprehensive report.

When interviewing contractor background check vendors, ask them if they offer these services:

• Verification of personally identifiable information
• Discovery of additional names and places of residence
• A search of multiple county courts where the applicant has lived using multiple names (given, maiden, aliases, etc.)
• Search for criminal activity outside an applicant’s areas of residence
• Database searches, including government watch lists and the Office of Foreign Assets Control
• Search of Federal Court records
• Search of the Department of Justice Sex Offender Database

3.  Continuous Criminal Monitoring Services

Once a contractor passes their initial screening, they typically will not be re-screened for another two years. What if the individual is arrested or incarcerated during that time? With PlusOne Solutions’ Continuous Criminal Monitoring Services, our team proactively reviews records that may indicate an increased security concern.

When you add this service, continuous criminal monitoring begins immediately after the initial background screening. In the case of an incarceration or booking event, we will notify you within 24 hours. This near-real-time information allows you to identify potential behavior that may be a risk to your business, customers, and brand reputation.

4. Drug Testing Solutions

Contractors who struggle with substance abuse tend to exhibit lower productivity levels, higher rates of errors, increased absenteeism, and more frequent turnover. 

PlusOne Solutions uses multiple tools to screen potential contractors to help you make informed decisions. Our drug screenings include the following:

• Use of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-certified laboratories
• Collection network of almost 15,000 facilities across the U.S.
• Medical Review Officer reviews of results for accuracy and reliability
• Standard five and nine-panel tests (with customized panels available)

Our drug testing process is thorough and provides an accurate report which allows your organization to respond to a positive drug test in the way you see fit. 

PlusOne Solutions Is The Contractor Background Check Vendor That Checks All The Boxes

We provide every service on this list and more. When you are ready to upgrade your background screening partnership, we are prepared to help. Contact us today to discuss a customized solution for your organization’s needs. We look forward to working with you.

Contents are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Users are reminded to seek legal counsel with respect to their obligations and use of PlusOne Solutions services.

About PlusOne Solutions

PlusOne Solutions has been an industry leader in the risk management field by specializing in compliance programs that meet the complex challenges of geographically dispersed contractors, vendors, and employee networks. PlusOne Solutions protects companies from possible financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with contractor and vendor relationships while creating safer work environments. To learn more, visit https://www.PlusOneSolutions.net.