Background Check for Volunteer Work: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader overseeing a community program or an individual preparing to volunteer your time, background checks for volunteer work are a critical part of ensuring safety, trust, and organizational compliance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the essentials of volunteer screening—from what’s included, how much it costs, and how long it takes, to why it matters and what could go wrong without it.

 

Why Volunteer Background Checks Matter

Volunteers often serve in positions of trust—with children, the elderly, animals, or at-risk populations. Without proper vetting, organizations risk putting vulnerable individuals in harm’s way, damaging their reputations, or facing costly litigation.

A real-life example includes a faith-based mentoring group that failed to screen a volunteer who had a prior assault conviction. The volunteer later caused harm, leading to a $2 million lawsuit and permanent closure of the program. Had a proper screening process been in place, this situation could have been avoided.

Volunteer background checks help:

  • Safeguard vulnerable populations

  • Reduce liability for the organization

  • Promote community trust

  • Support safer, stronger volunteer teams

 

 

Who Needs a Volunteer Background Check?

Any organization where volunteers work in sensitive or service-based roles should consider background checks mandatory. This includes:

  • Churches and ministries

  • Youth sports leagues and camps

  • Mentoring and educational nonprofits

  • Food banks and shelters

  • Animal rescue groups

  • Disaster relief and first responder support teams

  • Healthcare and eldercare programs

  • Charities handling personal data or finances

Even if you’re an individual volunteer applying to a group that doesn’t yet require background checks, proactively obtaining one can show responsibility and commitment.

How Volunteer Background Checks Work

At their core, background checks are investigative tools designed to verify an individual’s identity and flag any prior criminal behavior or inconsistencies that could impact their eligibility for a volunteer role. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Consent and Data Collection

The applicant signs a disclosure and authorization form, giving permission for the background check to be conducted. The applicant provides key information including name, SSN, date of birth, and address history.

2. Identity Verification

A Social Security Trace identifies all names and addresses associated with the applicant over the last 7–10 years. This ensures the background check covers all relevant jurisdictions and aliases (also-known-as or AKAs).

3. Database & Court-Level Criminal Searches

Depending on the organization’s package, searches may include:

  • National Criminal Database Search

  • Sex Offender Registry (All 50 States + Territories)

  • County Criminal Search (On-site with court clerks)

  • Federal District Criminal Search

  • Security Watch List Searches (e.g., OFAC, FBI, Homeland Security)

💡 Per the FCRA, all database “hits” must be verified at the originating court to ensure accuracy.

4. Verification & Reporting

Verified results are compiled into a comprehensive report and delivered securely. EDIFY uses FCRA-certified professionals to double-check the information before it is released, ensuring legality and accuracy.

For a visual breakdown of EDIFY’s process, see our article: Instant Does Not Mean Accurate

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Background Check for Volunteer Work

 

What’s Included in a Volunteer Background Check?

At EDIFY, our volunteer screening packages are designed to meet nonprofit needs with flexibility and compliance in mind.

Standard volunteer package typically includes:

  • Social Security Trace with alias lookup

  • Address history report

  • Multi-state sex offender registry check

  • Nationwide criminal database search

  • County-level criminal check (1 included, others optional)

  • Federal criminal court search

  • Security watch list search (OFAC, FBI, DEA, etc.)

Optional Add-ons:

  • Motor Vehicle Records (for driver volunteers)

  • Drug Testing (e.g., 5-panel or 9-panel)

  • Social Media Screening

  • Education and employment verification

  • Continuous criminal monitoring

📊Sample Volunteer Screening Packages

Package Basic Standard Premium
Social Security Trace
National Criminal Search
County Criminal Search
Sex Offender Registry
MVR & Drug Test Optional
Social Media Check Optional

How Long Do Background Checks Take?

Turnaround time (TAT) for most checks is 24 to 48 hours, but factors like court access, package depth, and jurisdiction can impact delivery time.

  • Instant Checks (e.g., Social Trace, MVR): Seconds to minutes

  • County Court Checks: 1–3 business days

  • Federal Searches: Same day

  • Verifications & Social Media Reports: 2–5 business days

Delays may occur in manual or remote court locations. EDIFY communicates all delays promptly and clearly to clients.


How Much Does It Cost?

EDIFY’s pricing is nonprofit-friendly and fully transparent. No hidden junk fees or bait-and-switch pricing.

Volunteer Background Check Costs (Spring 2024 Rates):

  • Basic Screening: $18–$24

  • Standard Packages: $30–$44

  • Premium Packages: $46–$68

  • Add-ons (e.g., MVR, social media): $8–$35

  • Self-check background reports for individuals: starting at $38

Many nonprofits qualify for affiliate pricing—reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

Volunteer Screening Use Cases

✅ Churches and Ministries

Use EDIFY to build trust within your congregation by showing that everyone working with children or the elderly has been vetted. 

✅ Animal Rescues

Ensure that volunteers have a clean history before working around animals and other staff. MVR checks are often required for transporting animals.

✅ Mentoring Organizations

Protect youth by thoroughly vetting adult mentors. Comprehensive packages include alias, national, county, and federal checks.

✅ Food Banks and Shelters

Prevent theft or misconduct by ensuring volunteers with access to sensitive environments are trustworthy.


Why EDIFY is the Preferred Choice for Volunteer Screening

Unlike massive, impersonal providers like Sterling Volunteers or Checkr, EDIFY was founded by a nonprofit leader who experienced the pain of being underserved firsthand. Today, we proudly serve faith-based groups, nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals across the U.S.

We provide:

  • Tailored, customizable packages

  • Dedicated U.S.-based support

  • FCRA-certified staff and legal compliance tools

  • Transparent pricing with no junk fees

  • Real-time court verification of all criminal hits

  • Member of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)


Can Individuals Run Their Own Background Checks?

Yes! Whether you’re volunteering with a new startup nonprofit or a group that doesn’t yet have formal screening, EDIFY offers self-check background reports that are:

  • FCRA-compliant

  • Accepted by most volunteer organizations

  • Delivered securely in 2–5 business days

You can start your own self-check today at Self-Checks – Affordable Self Background Checks | Fast Peace Of Mind


Final Thoughts

Volunteer background checks aren’t about distrust—they’re about due diligence and protecting the very communities you aim to serve. Whether you’re a small nonprofit trying to grow your team or an individual eager to serve, EDIFY makes background screening accessible, affordable, and accurate.

✅ Safe volunteers
✅ Safer communities
✅ Stronger missions


Related Articles & Resources from EDIFY:


Contact Us

EDIFY Background Screening
[email protected]
🔗 www.edifyscreening.com

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Disclaimer

The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.