The (agency) will conduct criminal background checks on all candidates for employment prior to employment and on contractors prior to engaging their services. Applicants with sexual abuse convictions, or who have engaged in or attempted illegal sexual activity facilitated by force, threat of force, or coercion will not be hired. The agency will contact prior employers for information on substantiated sexual abuse or resignation during the investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse. The agency also considers any incidents of sexual harassment decisions about hiring, contracting, and promotion.
In addition, applicants for employment or contracted positions will undergo a Department of Human Services (DHS) background check that includes civil judgments of child abuse, mistreatment, and additional non-criminal behaviors. Applicants found to have such elements in their background will be excluded from employment.
Applications for employment include a requirement to disclose information on criminal convictions or substantiated allegations of sexual abuse, and include notice to applicants that failure to disclose may result in termination.
Prior to promotion within the agency, applicants will be re-checked for criminal charges and for substantiated DHS findings of sexual abuse.
Employees and contractors having contact with residents will be subject to criminal background and DHS checks every five years, unless another system to document such findings is in place. Employees and contractors have an ongoing affirmative duty to report such information during the course of their affiliation with the agency. It is also the policy of the agency to disclose such information to potential future employers.