Background Processing Specialist, DHHS

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

State of Utah is hiring a Background Processing Specialist in Salt Lake City. The role involves conducting background screenings for applicants to licensed programs or caregivers, interpreting statutes, and ensuring confidentiality.

You will respond to inquiries, process denial letters, and support timely communication within a collaborative team. The position is full-time with a hybrid work arrangement and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide excellent service to applicants and stakeholders.
• Ability to use digital tools and systems to enter, retrieve and manage data (MS Office, Google Workspace).
• Ability to review data for accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Ability to apply rules, statutes, and logical reasoning to decisions.
• Ability to take ownership of tasks and maintain reliability.
• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Search, retrieve, and research public and private records per state and federal laws.
• Enter data into computer systems and correct or delete records as needed.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
• Conduct initial background/history research on individuals under investigation.
• Classify, process, and control agency and state records.
• Approve or deny applications based on background screening findings.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Records management

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $21.00 - $24.00 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Application Deadline – 11/10/2026*

Background Processing Specialist

The Utah Division of Licensing and Background Checks is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Background Processing Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting background screenings of applicants for employment with licensed/certified programs or as a caregiver for the vulnerable population, and determining if the applicant is approved or denied. You will interpret statute and rules; understand and maintain confidentiality according to guidelines set for by the Department of Public Safety and FBI.

May coordinate with other divisions to process screenings for applicants with licensed/certified programs and other types as required by statute or rule. Responds to questions from providers or applicants in writing and over the phone to explain actions taken to applicants or programs; processes denial letters and appeals. The main duties are to provide exceptional customer service, maintain accurate records, and ensure the efficient flow of communication. If you have a passion for delivering excellent customer service, staying organized, and contributing to a collaborative team environment, this role is a perfect fit for you.

Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Searches, retrieves, and/or researches public and private records in accordance with applicable state and federal laws governing access to these records.
• Enters data into a computer system and retrieves, corrects, or deletes previously entered data.
• Writes or drafts correspondence, reports, documents, and/or other written materials.
• Performs initial background and history research on individual(s) being investigated as well as screens, composes, and/or controls sensitive data/documentation.
• Ensures that agency and/or state records are properly classified, processed, and controlled.
• Approves or denies applications based on the findings of a background screening.

Qualifications

Minimum (Day-One) Qualifications

• The ability to provide excellent service to applicants and stakeholders to ensure a positive and professional experience.
• The ability to use digital tools, software, and systems to efficiently enter, retrieve, and manage data (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace).
• The ability to review and verify data and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies.
• The ability to evaluate information including rules and statutes and apply logical reasoning to make sound decisions.
• The ability to take responsibility for assigned tasks and decisions to ensure reliable and consistent performance.
• The ability to pass a thorough background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications (Trainable / On-the-Job)

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• The ability to adhere to organizational guidelines and legal requirements to ensure compliance in all background check activities.
• The ability to manage confidential data and records to protect applicant privacy and maintain organizational trust.
• The ability to draft clear and professional letters, reports, and correspondence to provide accurate information to stakeholders.
• The ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation to ensure efficient workflow and compliance.
• Verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish are an asset for interacting with customers.

Supplemental Information

• Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
• Please note, a position's eligibility for remote and/or hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.

About The Role

Location

195 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah. Other benefits may include:

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].