April 18, 2025
When it comes to hiring, one-size-fits-all screening doesn’t cut it. The risks—and legal requirements—tied to a receptionist are vastly different from those tied to a delivery driver, accountant, or healthcare worker. Smart companies understand that risk mitigation starts with aligning the right background checks to specific job duties.
Let’s break down how to assess the risks tied to various job roles and what checks you should be running—not just for peace of mind, but for compliance.
- Financial & Accounting Positions
Roles: Bookkeepers, Controllers, Accountants, Payroll Managers
Risks: Embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, mishandling of sensitive data
Recommended Checks:
- Federal Criminal Check (white-collar crimes are often charged federally)
- Credit Report Check (where permitted by law)
- Education & Certification Verification
- Employment History
- OFAC/Terrorist Watchlist Check
Compliance Tip: Some states restrict the use of credit checks unless financially sensitive duties are involved. Always check state-specific laws.
- Drivers & Delivery Personnel
Roles: CDL Drivers, Couriers, Technicians who drive between sites
Risks: Traffic violations, DUIs, liability from accidents
Recommended Checks:
- Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) / DMV Check
- DOT Drug Testing (for CDL or regulated transportation roles)
- Employment Verification (especially for previous driving roles)
- County & Nationwide Criminal Search
Compliance Tip: DOT-regulated positions must follow FMCSA guidelines, including drug/alcohol testing history from previous employers.
- Healthcare & Medical Roles
Roles: Nurses, Physicians, CNAs, Caregivers, Medical Billers
Risks: Patient abuse, fraud, malpractice, unlicensed practice
Recommended Checks:
- FACIS (Fraud and Abuse Control Information System)
- License & Certification Verification
- OIG Exclusion List / SAM Check
- Sex Offender Registry
- County/National Criminal Check
Compliance Tip: Facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding are required to screen employees through OIG/SAM databases.
- 4. Teachers, Childcare Workers & Coaches
Roles: K-12 Teachers, Preschool Aides, Tutors, Youth Sports Staff
Risks: Abuse, inappropriate conduct, unqualified individuals
- Recommended Checks:
- State Child Abuse Registry (where available)
- Comprehensive Criminal Check (County, National, Federal)
- Sex Offender Registry
- Education & Certification Verification
Compliance Tip: Many states require fingerprint-based background checks for those working with children.
- 5. IT & Data Security Professionals
Roles: System Admins, DevOps, Database Managers, SaaS DevelopersRisks: Data breaches, intellectual property theft
Recommended Checks:
- Federal & County Criminal Check
- Employment Verification
- Reference Checks (character and technical references)
- Credit Report (optional, but helpful for access to financial systems)
Compliance Tip: For contractors, companies should ensure data access agreements and NDAs are in place.
- In-Home Service Workers
Roles: Cable Technicians, Plumbers, Cleaners, Home Health Aides
Risks: Theft, assault, unauthorized access to private spaces
Recommended Checks:
- County & Nationwide Criminal Check
- Sex Offender Registry
- MVR Check (if driving is involved)
- Social Security Trace
- Reference Verification
Pro Tip: Don’t rely on “instant” online checks. County-level court searches are often needed for the most accurate data.
- 7. Government & Regulated Roles
Roles: Airport Staff, Government Contractors, Cannabis Industry
Risks: National security, regulatory violations, compliance issues
Recommended Checks:
- FBI Fingerprint Check (if required by law)
- Federal Criminal Check
- OFAC/SAM Watchlist
- Employment & Education Verification
- State-Level Compliance Screening
Compliance Tip: Many of these positions require strict screening protocols, so it’s critical to work with a CRA that understands your regulatory environment.
- Entry-Level Retail or Office Workers
Roles: Cashiers, Office Assistants, Receptionists
Risks: Theft, internal fraud, workplace safety
Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- National Criminal Database
- Employment Verification
- Reference Checks
Pro Tip: Use Social Security traces to identify aliases and previous address history that may guide additional county-level searches
- 9. Warehouse & Fulfillment Workers
Roles: Pickers, Packers, Forklift Operators, Inventory Control
Risks: Workplace safety, theft, equipment misuse, productivity concerns
- Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- National Criminal Database
- Employment Verification
- Drug Screening (especially for safety-sensitive or forklift roles)
- MVR Check (if operating vehicles or machinery on public roads)
Pro Tip: If heavy machinery is involved, some states may require additional OSHA certifications—verify those before hire.
- Sales Representatives (Field or Inside)
Roles: Account Executives, B2B/B2C Salespeople, Territory Managers
Risks: Misrepresentation, fraud, access to client data or company finances
Recommended Checks:
- County & National Criminal Check
- Employment Verification
- Education Verification (if representing technical or regulated products)
- Reference Checks (customer-facing behavior and trustworthiness)
- MVR Check (for those traveling or with company vehicles)
Compliance Tip: For sales reps dealing with contracts or financials, consider running a civil records check to catch previous lawsuits or business disputes.
- Construction & Skilled Trades
Roles: Electricians, Plumbers, General Contractors, Laborers
Risks: Job site accidents, property damage, regulatory violations
Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Employment Verification (especially licensed trade work)
- License or Trade Certification Verification
- Drug Screening
- MVR Check (if driving equipment or company trucks)
📌 Pro Tip: Construction companies with federal contracts should also run SAM checks to meet compliance standards.
- Hospitality Staff
Roles: Hotel Front Desk, Housekeeping, Bartenders, Servers
Risks: Theft, customer safety, harassment, alcohol service violations
Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Sex Offender Registry
- Employment History
- Drug Screening (optional, based on company policy)
- Alcohol Server Permit Verification (for bartenders/servers where required)
Pro Tip: Hotels and resorts should screen for hospitality-related offenses (e.g., theft, disorderly conduct) that might not show up on national databases—county checks are key.
- Call Center & Remote Customer Service Roles
Roles: Phone Agents, Chat Reps, Tech Support
Risks: Access to sensitive customer info, poor representation of the brand
- Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Employment Verification
- Reference Checks
- Identity Verification (ensure applicant is who they claim to be)
Compliance Tip: If handling protected health info (PHI) or financial records, make sure you’re HIPAA or PCI-DSS compliant—background screening is part of that.
- Executive & Leadership Roles
Roles: CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Directors, VPs
Risks: Financial fraud, reputational damage, regulatory violations, strategic mismanagement
- Recommended Checks:
- Federal Criminal Check
- County Criminal Check
- Civil Records Search (to uncover lawsuits or business disputes)
- Credit Report (where legally permissible)
- Education & Credential Verification
- Reference Checks (board-level or investor references if applicable)
Pro Tip: Consider running global checks or media reviews for executives with international experience or public-facing roles.
- 15. Security Guards & Facility Monitors
Roles: Night Security, Event Security, Commercial Property Monitors
Risks: Use of force, access to restricted areas, theft, escalation of incidents
Recommended Checks:
- Comprehensive County Criminal Check
- Sex Offender Registry
- License or Guard Card Verification (state-specific)
- Drug Screening
- Employment Verification (especially security history)
Compliance Tip: Many states require security guards to pass background checks through a licensed agency or register with a state licensing board.
- Janitorial & Custodial Staff
Roles: Office Cleaners, School Custodians, Night Janitors
Risks: Theft, access to sensitive areas or information, harassment
- Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Sex Offender Registry (especially for schools or public facilities)
- Employment Verification
- Reference Checks (to assess reliability and trustworthiness)
Pro Tip: Cleaners often work unsupervised after hours—screen for offenses related to theft, trespassing, or property damage.
- 17. Food Service Workers
Roles: Line Cooks, Prep Staff, Fast Food Crew, Dishwashers
Risks: Workplace conflict, hygiene violations, theft
Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Employment Verification
- Food Handler Certification (if required by state/county)
- Drug Screening (optional based on policy)
Compliance Tip: Some states mandate food safety certifications—verifying those during onboarding can save time and fines later.
- Retail Employees (Non-Cashier Roles)
Roles: Stockers, Floor Staff, Greeters, Merchandisers
Risks: Internal theft, customer interaction incidents, loss prevention
Recommended Checks:
- County Criminal Check
- Employment History
- Reference Checks
- Social Security Trace (to confirm identity and uncover alias records)
Pro Tip: Consider retail theft-focused background checks that include specific databases used by major retailers for internal loss incidents.
Final Thoughts: Match the Check to the Risk
Risk-based screening isn’t about checking every possible box—it’s about checking the right boxes for each role. By tailoring your background screening to each position’s risk profile, you’re:
- Staying compliant with local, state, and federal laws
- Reducing your company’s liability
- Protecting employees, customers, and your reputation
At Western Verify, we help companies build screening programs that are job-specific, legally compliant, and flexible—with no contracts or monthly minimums.
Want to evaluate your current screening process? Let us help you customize it for every role on your team. Learn More: www.westernverify.com