Sterling Volunteers: Background check platform
Looking for a platform to make background checks easier to track and share? Equity and Access Services offers the Sterling Volunteers background screening platform as a resource for programs and activities involving youth on VCU’s campus. Sterling Volunteers can be used to screen both volunteers and employees as required under the Protection of Minors Policy.
For more information, visit sterlingvolunteers.com.
Why Sterling Volunteers?
Sterling Volunteers already has a universitywide account with VCU, so new VCU youth programs can opt in at any time with no annual service fee attached. You only pay for the background checks you order. Program benefits include:
- Select desired level of service
- Gain access to the Verified Volunteers advocates team for support
- Access to a customized VCU training on how to use the platform
- Track and review volunteers through the dashboard feature
Levels of service and pricing
You can choose your own level of service for each background check through Sterling Volunteers. The levels of service are listed below.
- Level 2: The Advanced Criminal Locator Search - $13/screening
- Level 3: The Complete Criminal Locator Search - $25/screening
Each account or program has the option to pay for the screenings for their volunteers and employees or ask the volunteers to pay for their own screening. If your program is paying for the screenings, you also have the option to ask volunteers to make a donation toward their screening to help offset the cost.
If you have questions about levels of services or billing, email info@sterlingvolunteers.com or call (855) 326-1860.
Sharing background checks
If at any time an individual would like to share their background check information with another organization within the community or another department at the university, they can purchase the Fast Pass for $4. The Fast Pass allows individuals to share their background check results indefinitely for up to one year. The first time background check results are shared is free.
Steps to sign up for a Sterling Volunteers account:
1. Email mary.mendoza@sterlingvolunteers.com stating your interest in Sterling Volunteers. Please include the following:
- Indicate that you are part of VCU
- Program supervisor's name
- Name of the program or activity
- Name of your department
2. Sterling Volunteers will send an activation packet.
3. Complete the required forms in the activation packet and return to Sterling Volunteers. To request a completed sample activation packet, please email youth@vcu.edu.
4. Your account will be set up within 48 hours. You will receive a welcome email from Sterling Volunteers with your credentials and dates for web-based training sessions.
Note: If you need to run background checks for your program or department that are unrelated to the Protection of Minors Policy or the VCU Human Resources hiring process, you can set up a separate Sterling Volunteers account. Please do not use the account you created for policy screenings for other non-policy screenings. Non-policy accounts require additional forms and setup processes. To set up this type of account, please email Mary Mendoza with Sterling Volunteers at mary.mendoza@sterlingvolunteers.com and indicate the purpose of your account.