Technology
Who Can Be the Point of Contact for Background Verification?
Who Can Be the Point of Contact for Background Verification?
This is a fantastic question. When undergoing a background verification process, you may wonder who you should contact for guidance and information. It's important to know that the point of contact can vary depending on your organization and the specific requirements of the verification. Common contacts include Human Resources (HR) professionals, Personnel Security Specialists (PSS), and Personnel Security Assistants (PSA). Let's explore how to identify the appropriate point of contact and understand the roles involved in the background investigation process.
Identifying the Point of Contact
The most common or first point of contact is the individual responsible for collecting and processing forms and paperwork. This person is typically associated with the electronic questionnaires for investigations processing (e-QIP) system. Whether you're working with a larger or smaller organization, this point of contact is the one you should submit your paperwork and forms to, including your e-QIP file.
Understanding e-QIP
The e-QIP system is a web-based automated system designed to streamline the processing of standard investigative forms. Originally developed for use by the Department of Civilian Safety Advocacy (DCSA) and other Investigation Service Providers (ISP), it's now widely used for background investigations related to federal security, suitability, and credentialing purposes. This system allows users to securely enter, update, and transmit their personal investigative data via an internet connection.
Role of Personnel Security Assistant (PSA)
In larger organizations, the Personnel Security Assistant (PSA) plays a crucial role by collecting all necessary paperwork and forms. The PSA is often the initial point of contact and may initiate the background investigation by running searches using fingerprint, credit, and other required data. These searches are crucial steps in the background investigation process.
The PSA's responsibilities include:
Collecting and processing all required paperwork and forms. Initiating the background investigation process. Running preliminary searches on fingerprint and credit data. Maintaining the casefile and ensuring all required checks are completed.The Role of Personnel Security Specialist (PSS)
Upon completion of the initial steps by the PSA, the case is often forwarded to a Personnel Security Specialist (PSS) for a more thorough review. The PSS examines the casefile and search results to identify any issues or concerns that need to be addressed or resolved before the security clearance process can move forward.
The PSS's responsibilities include:
Reviewing the casefile and all search results. Identifying and advising on any issues or concerns that need to be addressed. Ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate.Role of the Investigator
After the PSS conducts their review, an investigator is assigned to your case. This investigator is responsible for verifying all the information provided on your forms and paperwork. They conduct thorough investigations and reviews to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted.
The roles of the investigator include:
Verifying all information provided in the forms and paperwork. Conducting comprehensive investigations to gather additional information if necessary. Sending feedback to the PSS about any discrepancies or incomplete information.Conclusion
The background verification process can be complex, but understanding the roles and responsibilities of the different points of contact, such as the PSA, PSS, and investigator, can help guide you through the process smoothly. Always ensure that you submit your forms and paperwork to the initial point of contact, typically through the e-QIP system, and communicate with them for guidance and updates.