Applications and Background Checks
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      1. Bloomerang Volunteer Knowledge Base
      2. Managing Your Organization (Administrator)
      3. Applications and Background Checks

      Start and Monitor Background Checks

      Start background checks quickly, right from Bloomerang Volunteer. Background checks help you create a safer environment where only trusted, vetted volunteers fill sensitive roles. 

      Bloomerang Volunteer integrates with Verified First, a leading background check provider that we recommend for nonprofit organizations. 

      When you become a Verified First customer, you can order background checks, drug tests, and other screens, all without leaving Bloomerang Volunteer. In some cases, background checks take only minutes. Your organization saves time and your volunteers can start contributing sooner. 

      Your organization can work with Verified First to create special screening packages. For example, your packages might include special screening components for volunteers who drive, handle food, or work with children.  

      In this article:

      How It Works

      Email success@bloomerang.com and we’ll refer your organization to Verified First. You’ll receive a discounted price when we refer you. Verified First will help you create a Verified First account and install a simple web browser plug-in.

      After you install the plug-in, a Verified First button appears on volunteer profiles in Bloomerang Volunteer. You can start a background check for any volunteer who has an account in Bloomerang Volunteer, which includes volunteers who have a pending application. You can also monitor the real-time status of background checks directly in Bloomerang Volunteer.

      Background check data is stored securely by Verified First. Bloomerang Volunteer does not receive or store sensitive data from Verified First. Read more about Verified First security and compliance. 

      Before You Begin

      After you create an account with Verified First, install the Verified First plug-in for your web browser. To install, click the link that Verified First emailed to you. Or, go to https://portal.verifiedfirst.com/#/install-extension.

      For help with the plug-in, watch How to Log In and Install the Extension or contact Verified First.

      The Verified First button appears in Bloomerang Volunteer only after you install this plug-in.

      Start a Background Check

      To save time, we recommend that you start background checks directly in Bloomerang Volunteer. 

      To start a background check:

      1. In Bloomerang Volunteer, open a volunteer profile:
        • From the My Organization page, click Volunteers.
        • From an Opportunity, click Volunteer List.
      2. Click the volunteer.
      3. Click Profile Details.
      4. Click Screen with Verified First.
        verified_first_button_profile
      5. Select Place New Order. A Verified First panel appears and includes information about the applicant from Bloomerang Volunteer. 
      6. Select the background checks you want to start and enter required information. For detailed instructions, watch How to Order via Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
      7. Review the order summary, which includes the total cost.
      8. Submit the order. Verified First sends the volunteer an email notification.

      View the Status of a Background Check

      To view the status of a background check:

      1. Open a volunteer profile:
        • From the My Organization page, click Volunteers.
        • From an Opportunity, click Volunteer List.
      2. Click the volunteer.
      3. At the bottom left, click the Verified First button. The button name reflects the background check status: File Processing, Report Pending, or Report Complete.
      4. Select View Report.

      Tip: For detailed reporting, log in to your Verified First account.

      Get Help with Background Checks

      For support and billing questions, contact Verified First or visit the Verified First Resource Center.