PA Act 153- Required Background Checks
Overview
Pennsylvania Act 153 requires employees working at educational institutions who have direct contact and routine interaction with minors to obtain three different background clearances:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (Act 33)
- Pennsylvania Criminal History Check through the Pennsylvania State Police (Act 34)
- FBI Criminal History Check; this check requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI (Act 114)
Direct contact is defined as the care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine interaction with children.
Routine interaction is defined as regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person's employment responsibilities.
Certifications must be renewed every sixty months or five years.
In consultation with HR, departments and individual managers are responsible for determining whether their employees - based on required job duties - must obtain PA Act 153 clearances.
Applicant Instructions for Act 153 Checks
Overview
Based on position duties, certain employees will be required to undergo the following background checks:Pennsylvania Act 153 requires employees working at educational institutions who have direct contact and routine interaction with minors to obtain three different background clearances:
- Pennsylvania Criminal History Check through the Pennsylvania State Police (Act 34)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (Act 33)
- FBI Criminal History Check; this check requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI (Act 114)
Duquesne University has contracted with HireRight to facilitate employee background checks for faculty, staff, and student employees.
What Applicants Can Expect
Communication from HireRight
When a background check is initiated, applicants will receive an email from HireRight requesting some basic information. The new hire will also be asked to provide consent for HireRight to perform a background check on behalf of Duquesne University.
Act 34 - PA Criminal History Check
No action is needed on the applicant's part in order to initiate an Act 34 check. Results of the Act 34 check will be sent directly to the Office of Human Resources by HireRight.
Act 33 - PA Child Abuse History Check
While HireRight assists in the facilitation of a PA Act 33 check, the employee must request the check him/herself. Access detailed instructions on initiating an Act 33 check.
Act 114 - FBI Criminal History Check
The applicant must apply for the FBI criminal history check her/himself. Access detailed instructions on initiating an Act 114 check.