Seattle Background Checks
Background checks are a key step to ensuring that the right candidate is hired for the job, but can often take a lot of time and require tedious research to avoid legal trouble. Health Street is here to help companies flawlessly accelerate the background screening process in Seattle. We can perform criminal database checks, DOT background check services, and even check the references or credentials that a candidate claims on a resume.
Register for a background screening in Seattle online or by calling (206) 347-1012. Every individual being screened will receive a waiver electronically, and the background screening will begin automatically once it has been signed. If this is the first time that your company has ordered a background screening through Health Street, then we will also send you an agreement to be signed electronically.
Seattle WA Background Check
Statistics About Crime in the City of Seattle, WA
Background Check Laws Specific to the City of Seattle
In addition to federal and state background check regulations, Seattle employers must further follow city-specific laws when using background screenings. City officials established the Fair Chance Employment Ordinance on November 1, 2013, which declared new restrictions on how local employers could use criminal records during the hiring process. Under the Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, categorical exclusions such as "felons may not apply" are prohibited from job ads.
The ordinance also limits questions of criminal history on job applications and background checks until after the Seattle employer conducts an initial screening. In the event that an applicant is denied employment based on a conviction record, the employer must provide a legitimate business reason for denial in addition to providing the applicant or employee the opportunity to explain or correct criminal background information.
Background Screening Stories Specific to the City of Seattle
In an ongoing lawsuit first filed in 2018, Seattle-area landlords are suing the city claiming Seattle background check laws violate their constitutional due-process rights by protecting themselves and already established tenants. Under current city law, Seattle landlords cannot ask a potential tenant about their past criminal record and cannot reject an applicant because of a criminal record.
As of right now, the only applicants who can be denied on the basis of a criminal background screen are those who are listed on the sex offender registry. If landlords fail to abide by these regulations, they can be fined upwards of $11,000 for the first offense and up to $55,000 after that. When the city passed this law, those who supported the initiative said it would lower barriers for those seeking housing who were often denied by landlords due to background check information.
The plaintiffs in the 2018 suit and their attorney group, Pacific Legal Foundation, have previously challenged the city of Seattle on a law that requires landlords to accept the first qualified renter who applied. The plaintiffs state that they have rented to individuals with previous conviction records before but simply want the ability to choose.
What Types of Background Screenings Does Health Street Offer in Seattle?
Criminal Background Screening Packages
Our criminal background checks for Seattle always begin with a Social Security Number Trace. We offer the option to build your own package or select from one of our popular background check packages below.
The Triple Database Package includes screenings for the National Crime Index, Sex Offender Registry, and the Do Not Fly List - Terrorism Registry.
The Platinum Background Package includes everything listed in the Triple Database package, plus Court Record Package (State and/or County level).
The Ultimate Package (Platinum + 10 Panel Drug Test) includes everything listed in the Platinum Package, plus a 10 Panel Drug Test.
This package can be mixed and matched to meet your needs, including options from our criminal database checks, resume verifications, sanctions, and drug testing. The price will be determined by the combination of services selected.
Additional Background Screening Services
Our DOT screening services or resume verification can help you save valuable time and ensure that your candidates meet the requirements for the job.
Beginning at $39, our Resume Verification can be used to check a person's work history, credentials or certifications, and references.
The price of this option depends on which of the background check services is selected. We offer a variety of DOT Background Check, including Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Check checks and DOT Prior Employment Drug Test History.
Why Order a Background Check
Why Are Background Checks in Seattle Important?
The safety of your employees and reputation of your company may be at risk if the wrong candidate is hired. Background screenings can help you identify important information that may determine whether someone is qualified for the job. As with any city, ordering a background screening in Seattle is a critical step to making sure you hire the best person for the job.
Why Choose Health Street For Seattle Background Checks?
Health Street has over a decade of experience with performing background checks in Seattle. Laws and regulations are different depending on the location, so performing a background check independently can be risky. We are here to help employers in Seattle avoid the risk of legally uncovering too much information during the hiring process, save time and money, and assist in hiring the best candidates for the job.
Background Checks for Other Locations
Looking for a Different City?
Learn more about Washington Background Checks .
Looking for a Different State?
Different states have different background screening regulations. View our state directory of background checks.
Employment Screening Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: