Background check credentials are either manual or integrated. Integrated background checks are checks that are performed through our system with the aid of a 3^rd party partner such as Sterling Volunteers.

In this solution we will be highlighting the steps a new volunteer takes when viewing and signing up for a volunteer opportunity that requires a background check with a VolunteerMatters system that has integrated with Sterling Volunteers Seamless integration.  If you are interested in this integration, or have legacy Sterling Volunteers integration and are looking to migrate, please contact sales@volunteermatters.com for more information. 

User "Finds" a Volunteer Opportunity

The volunteer may be driven to the sign-up page when browsing the project catalog, receiving an email invitation, or clicking on a link advertised via social media. If the volunteer is new, they can click ‘Register Now’ to begin the sign-up process.

Volunteer Application - Required Information

Volunteer Application - Optional Information

System Analyzes Required Credentials

The volunteer is automatically logged into the system and is prompted to complete their credentials. The system determines which credentials are required of all volunteers and those that are required for this specific assignment. This could include a liability waiver, child abuse prevention policy, drivers license, CPR certification, lifeguard training, background check, or any other credential the organization deems necessary. They are customizable per organization and can be marked as being a requirement per volunteer need.

Volunteer Submits/Applies for Required Non-Integrated Credentials

 Volunteer Submits/Applies for Required Integrated Background Check Credential

The volunteer will sign the statement and disclosure and then verify their contact information and enter their Social Security number* and click "Continue". 

After submitting the information below, the volunteer's work for the background check is completed.  The information is then automatically submitted to Sterling Volunteers for processing.  When the check is complete, Sterling Volunteers will automatically update the credential in VolunteerMatters if the check was Approved or if it needs Review at Sterling Volunteers.

*The Social Security number is not held within VolunteerMatters 

Complete Sign-up

After submitting their background check credential, the volunteer is brought back to the project need automatically signed up for it.  The credential will be in process and it will show on the need that it must be approved/exempted prior to the assignment.  With an integrated seamless background check credential with Sterling Volunteers, the volunteer is done.  The credential will be updated according to the results of the check.  It will either be automatically approved or if for any reason the background check has any issues the administrator/organizer will need to login to Sterling Volunteers and adjudicate the check as to deem it eligible or ineligible, and then may need to follow up with the volunteer and manually adjust the assignment as needed. Click here for admin management.

NOTE: If any of the credentials required on the need are "Strict" and require administrator or system intervention they will not be automatically signed up for the need at this time. They must come back when credential is approved or exempted and then sign up for the need.