HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE:                   BACKGROUND SPECIALIST
BUREAU:                     ADMINISTRATIVE BUREAU
SUPERVISED BY:         STAFFING & BACKGROUND SUPERVISOR
PAY GRADE:                14N                         CREATED:     9/3/2025
FLSA STATUS:              NON-EXEMPT        REVISED:

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

Under the direction of the Staffing & Background Supervisor, the Background Specialist performs technical and confidential work of considerable responsibility to support the agency’s recruiting and pre-employment background investigation process. Duties includes applicant screening, criminal history checks, mutual agency verifications, personal references, employment history verifications, social media reviews, and credit inquiries. This position is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and maintaining detailed background investigation files in compliance with established standards and procedures. Work is evaluated through observation, reports, and ongoing interactions with supervisory staff.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prescreens candidate employment applications for minimum qualifications and conducts preliminary background checks to identify any automatic disqualifiers prior to invitation to the interview process.
• Communicates with applicants, references, prior employers, and other agencies to obtain and verify information.
• Ensures all background investigations are completed in a timely and accurate manner to support the hiring needs of the agency.
• Completes final reports for completed backgrounds for selection and approval.
• Responds to mutual agency requests for information on prior or current candidates and employees.
• Coordinates and participates in local recruiting events such as job fairs, academy visits, college fairs to support hiring initiatives.
• Oversees development, compliance, and maintenance of the Applicant Tracking System and background investigation software.
• Provides training and guidance to background investigators on systems, programs and processes required to complete pre-employment background screenings.
• Assists in conducting background investigations for both sworn and non-sworn positions.
• Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of clerical or investigation work
• Previous experience in a law enforcement or corrections atmosphere preferred.

• Skills in the use of modern office equipment, such as telephone, calculator, computer, word processor, and printer.
• Proficient at speaking, reading, and writing in English, demonstrates proper use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and policies; Knowledge of HR concepts, principles and practices.
• Ability to understand general concepts and follow complex oral and written instructions accordingly.
• Ability to separate and present clear and concise concepts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidential records.
• Ability to work independently or with limited need for supervision.
• Demonstrates intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time.
• Access file cabinets for filings and retrieval of data
• Carry up to 30 pounds (i.e., boxes, shredded reports, file stacks, etc.)
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER