Lead Analyst, DHHS

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job Stability

Career Growth

Meaningful Work

Supportive Work Environment

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking a Background Processing Lead Analyst in Salt Lake City, UT. The role focuses on conducting background checks for licensees and employment with DSPD programs, interpreting statutes, and maintaining confidentiality per DPS and FBI guidelines.

You will train and lead a team, respond to inquiries, and manage appeal determinations and related records in a collaborative public-safety environment.

Qualifications

• Use digital tools to enter, retrieve, and manage background check data.
• Review data for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Evaluate information and apply logical reasoning to decisions.
• Draft clear letters, reports, and correspondence.
• Provide excellent service to applicants and stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for assigned tasks and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance, education, and training to agencies serving DSPD populations.
• Serves as backup to the manager when unavailable.
• Assists the manager in quality assurance checks of team processes.
• Researches public and private records per state and federal laws.
• Uses DACS to process background screening determinations and updates.
• Writes correspondence and reports related to background checks.
• Performs initial background/history research and evaluates sensitive data.
• Decides to approve or deny applications based on findings.
• Maintains confidentiality per DPS and FBI guidelines.
• Prepares reconsiderations, conducts appeal reviews, and handles administrative hearings.

Skills

Digital tools

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Writing

Customer focus

Accountability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $19.76 - $25.36 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Application Deadline – 8/30/2026*

This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Utah Division of Licensing and Background Checks is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Background Processing Lead Analyst to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting background checks of applicants for a license, or for employment with licensed/certified programs, and determining if the applicant is approved or denied. You will interpret statute and rules; understand and maintain confidentiality according to guidelines set by the Department of Public Safety and FBI. You will serve agencies contracted, certified or licensed with the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD). Respond 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. In this role you will also be responsible for all background check appeal determinations. This may include representing the office in an administrative appeal. In this role you will also be responsible for training and ensuring team members correctly adhere to the processes and policies in place. The main duties are providing excellent customer service, reviewing and maintaining accurate records, provide backup and training for the team. If you are ready for a role focused on delivering excellent customer service, helping the team excel in a collaborative team environment, helping individuals served by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD), and want to make a real difference in public safety, this is the opportunity for you!

Day-to-day Responsibilities Of This Position

• Provides technical assistance, education, and training to agencies that serve DSPD populations and acts as a liaison.
• Serve as the backup to the manager when the manager is unavailable.
• Assist the manager in completing quality assurance checks of team processes.
• Searches, retrieves, and/or researches public and private records in accordance with applicable state and federal laws governing access to these records.
• Utilizes the Direct Access Clearance System (DACS) to process and record background screening determinations, upload documentation, record actions taken in appeals and other updates as required.
• Writes correspondence, reports, documents, and other written materials.
• Performs initial background and history research on individuals being investigated as well as evaluates, composes, and controls sensitive data.
• Approves or denies applications based on the findings of a background check.
• Maintains confidentiality according to guidelines set forth by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
• Prepares reconsiderations, conducts appeal reviews, settlement negotiations and administrative hearings for disputed background screenings.

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Leveraging Technology: Ability to use digital tools, software, and systems to efficiently enter, retrieve, and manage data for background checks (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace).
• Attention to Detail: Ability to review and verify data and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies for background checks.
• Thinking Critically: Ability to evaluate information and apply logical reasoning to make sound decisions. Communicating through
• Writing: Ability to draft clear and professional letters, reports, and correspondence to provide accurate information to stakeholders.
• Focusing on Customers: Ability to provide excellent service to applicants and stakeholders to ensure a positive and professional experience.
• Demonstrating Accountability: Ability to take responsibility for assigned tasks and decisions to ensure reliable and consistent performance.

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• Interpreting Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Ability to understand and apply statutes, rules, and regulations to ensure decisions align with legal standards.
• Following Policies & Procedures: Ability to adhere to organizational guidelines and legal requirements to ensure compliance in all background check activities.
• Handling Sensitive Information: Ability to manage confidential data and records to protect applicant privacy and maintain organizational trust.
• Organizing: Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation to ensure efficient workflow and compliance.

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

Benefits

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 , click here . Other benefits may include:

• 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].