Understanding What is Included in a Tier 1 Background Check

What is Included in a Tier 1 Background Check?

Introduction to Tier 1 Background Checks

Understanding the background check process is crucial for anyone seeking a position within the US Government or contracted with a government agency. A Tier 1 background check, often referred to as a minibus or low-risk non-sensitive investigation, is designed for positions that are considered low-risk and non-sensitive. These checks are conducted to ensure that individuals meet the necessary standards for access to certain types of data and areas within government facilities. The Tier 1 check is the minimum level of investigation required for final credentialing decisions for physical and logical access to government resources.

Overview of the Tier 1 Background Check Process

The Tier 1 background check is typically initiated through the Standard Form SF 85, which serves as the official form for collecting basic information about the individual being investigated. The SF 85 covers a range of information, including:

Personal Information: This includes personal details such as full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Employment History: A comprehensive list of past employment, including details on previous positions, supervisors, and reasons for leaving each job. Education and Training: Information on formal education, vocational training, and any relevant certifications or licenses. Civilian and Military Service: Details on any military service, including the branch, rank, dates of service, and any honorable discharges or discharges under other than honorable conditions. Financial Information: Questions about bank accounts, credit card debts, and any financial liens or judgments. Legal and Criminal History: Questions about arrests, pending charges, and any convictions. Drug Use: Questions about illegal drug use or prior alcohol or illegal drug-related arrests. Consumer Credit Information: Verifiable credit information to evaluate financial responsibility. Alcohol and Controlled Drugs Use: Questions about alcohol and controlled drug use. Alcohol and Drug Testing: Information about any alcohol or drug testing. Psychoactive Medication Use: Information about any use of prescription medications for psychoactive purposes. Mental Health Counseling: Information about any form of mental health counseling. Service in the U.S. Armed Forces: Information about service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The completion of the SF 85 is a vital step as it initiates the background check process by providing the initial data for the investigation. It is important to note that the SF 85 form collects only verifiable information, ensuring that the background check process remains fair and accurate.

Detailed Components of a Tier 1 Background Check

A Tier 1 background check includes several components that are designed to evaluate an individual's suitability for a position. Each component is thoroughly investigated, ensuring that all potential risks are identified and addressed. Here are the key components:

Personal References

Personal references are individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s character, work ethic, and reliability. These individuals are contacted to provide insights into the applicant's personal and professional behavior. They can include former colleagues, supervisors, or anyone who can attest to the applicant's character and work performance. This component helps to establish the applicant's trustworthiness and credibility.

Employment Verification

Employment verification involves cross-checking the information provided on the SF 85 with the actual employment records. This includes confirming the dates of employment, job titles, and duties performed. Verification of the authenticity of the supervisors' statements and the accuracy of job experience is crucial in ensuring the applicant's background is accurate and reliable.

Criminal History Check

Criminal history checks involve investigating any legal charges or convictions the applicant may have. This includes both adult and juvenile records. The check is designed to determine whether the applicant has any criminal history that could potentially affect their suitability for the position. It is important to note that pre-employment criminal history checks are conducted to determine if the applicant poses a risk to the US Government or its contractors.

Credit Report

A Tier 1 background check also includes a credit report to evaluate the applicant's financial responsibility. The report covers details such as open bank accounts, credit card debts, and any liens or judgments. This helps to ensure that the individual is financially reliable and trustworthy. While a poor credit score does not automatically disqualify an applicant, it may be a factor in the final decision-making process.

Educational Verification

False or incomplete educational information can disqualify an applicant. The educational component of the Tier 1 check involves verifying the applicant's educational background by contacting the institution or by obtaining official academic records. This step is crucial in ensuring that the applicant has the necessary qualifications for the position.

The Importance of Thoroughness in Tier 1 Background Checks

Given the critical nature of US Government positions, thoroughness is paramount in Tier 1 background checks. The level of detail and scrutiny is comparable to that of higher-tier background checks, despite the fact that these checks are categorized as Tier 1. This is because the information collected can significantly impact the decision-making process and the individual’s suitability for the position. Any gaps or inconsistencies in the information provided must be investigated to ensure that the final determination is accurate and fair.

Conclusion

In summary, a Tier 1 background check involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s personal and professional history. This includes personal references, employment verification, criminal history checks, credit reports, and educational verification. The goal of these checks is to ensure that individuals are suitable for positions within the US Government and contracted entities, where information security and trust are critical. Understanding the components and the process of a Tier 1 background check is essential for both applicants and organizations seeking to maintain a secure and reliable workforce.