Running background checks for nannies may be the most important investigation you ever conduct. Taking the time to thoroughly investigate potential nannies can save you money and frustration in the future. In this article we will be discussing how the background checks for nannies process works and what you need to look for in a proper service.
First off, we should mention that you should get written permission to do your investigation on potential nannies. If they refuse, that should eliminate them from consideration immediately. Once permission is obtained, you will need their social security number as well as work and residential history. This will help you research all the important areas of their life that will pertain to the job.
Important components of a background checks for nannies service include the following:
#1 - Social Security Trace
An excellent aspect of doing background checks for nannies is a social security trace. It is used primarily to verify addresses for the last 7 to 10 years. Your goal will be to compare it to the information the candidate gave you. Obviously, any discrepancy would be a red flag. You can either ask the candidate to clear up the information found on the report and decide if they are being honest, or eliminate them from contention.
#2 - Criminal History
One of the first things you want to look for when performing background checks for nannies is to check is the National Sex Offender Registry website. Keep in mind that the data here is provided by local jurisdictions and is only as good as the information that is being sent in. That said, the website will direct you to state, territory and tribe sites to further check those areas if needed.
Your search should then continue by checking county courthouses in towns where the candidate lived and worked for 7-10 years. Don't just go by their home address history. It is important to check the county where they worked as well. There could be a record of criminal activity in that county that you don't want to miss while doing your research.
#3 - Driving History
Driving history is another important part of doing background checks for nannies. It may be more of a character barometer than anything. While we all get traffic tickets, a history of tickets for speeding or a conviction for DUI may indicate lack of judgment. Even if your nanny will not be driving your kids, it will be important to find out if the nanny shows signs of responsibility, good judgment and sound character.
#4 - Employment History
The employment history in your background checks for nannies will answer many questions including...
- Has your candidate has bounced from job to job with regularity?
- What do former employers have to say about them?
- Does the potential nanny show any difficulties with discipline or missing work?
If there is a history of job jumping, check deeper. Maybe your research will show the nanny was married to a corporate executive who moved many times, necessitating that the nanny move as well.
In the end, you as an employer should conduct proper research to help make the correct hiring decision. There are a handful of quality companies out their that will do all the investigating for you and deliver a nice comprehensive report for you to review
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