Welcome to the SCA AmeriCorps onboarding process!
Please note the onboarding tasks are required prior to starting your position. Failure to complete them in a timely manner will result in postponing your start date, removal from AmeriCorps, or termination from the program.
First you must submit documentation providing your full legal name. SCA is required to run name-based criminal history checks for every applicable AmeriCorps participant. You must complete your proof of citizenship form in your MySCA portal that documents your full legal name and includes a photo ID to progress to the next steps. After that, the HR team will send you the necessary background checks. These can take up to 3 weeks to process, depending on the state. Background checks must be returned back clear to SCA prior to the start date. AmeriCorps values the safety of its participants and the people you serve, so they have stringent criminal history check requirements that you need to follow in order to be allowed to serve as an AmeriCorps member. All tasks are due at least 7 days before your position starts.
Required AmeriCorps Training
Required AmeriCorps Paperwork
Upon acceptance of the AmeriCorps Program, the onboarding process will begin starting with the following required documents to be completed electronically in your MySCA member portal:
- AmeriCorps Proof of Citizenship – must be completed first
- AmeriCorps Member Agreement
- AmeriCorps Confirmation of Acceptance (COA)
You also will be sent an invitation via email to create your MyAmeriCorps account in order for SCA to enroll you in the AmeriCorps Program and issue your award at the conclusion of your position.
Required Background Checks
You will receive information via email to initiate your three-part required background check. If issues arise outside of your control, you will need to onboard through an agency volunteer agreement or delay travel plans and your hours will not count towards your AmeriCorps award.
1. Fingerprint-based FBI check
- Fieldprint conducts FBI fingerprinting for all SCA AmeriCorps members, but an appointment to get this completed must be scheduled. All SCA AmeriCorps members are required to complete an FBI Fingerprint Background Check prior to the start of their position. Failure to do so will delay a member’s start date or disqualify them from serving in AmeriCorps. You will receive an email from SCA’s HR Department that provides step-by-step instructions on how to schedule a fingerprint appointment and what to bring with you to your appointment.
2. National Sex Offender Website (NSOPW) check
3. State Repository checks for your state of residence AND your state of service (if applicable)
All members should expect to receive emails from Truescreen for their NSOPW and/or State Background checks, as well as Fieldprint for the FBI Background Check.
Please Note: Additional background checks may be required by your position site. Those are managed directly with your site supervisor and are separate from what is required by SCA or AmeriCorps. If driving is required, a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) will be required.
Details on each type of Background Check:
✔ National Sex Offender Website (NSOPW) Check
- This criminal history check is conducted through Truescreen electronically and will send you an email with a special link unique to you. You will need to click that link and follow the directions. This one is pretty straight forward, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the SCA’s Human Resources staff directly at HRDocs@thesca.org or reach out to your assigned SCA Advisor. Note that NH, TX, DC, and WA tend to take longer to process the NSOPW check.
✔ State Repository Check
- In most circumstances this check is conducted at the same time as the NSOPW check and is all electronic based on information you provide to Truescreen. However, you may be required to complete additional forms such as a release of information form. You will also need to provide a photo of your unexpired and valid government ID. This step is mandatory. Any questions can be directed to HRDocs@thesca.org or reach out to your assigned SCA Advisor.
✔ **Fingerprint-based FBI Check**
- SCA’s Human Resources staff will send an email with instructions on how to access the Fieldprint site and schedule an appointment with a local office that conducts Fingerprint-based FBI checks in your area. SCA only approves fingerprints from Fieldprint. Offices that conduct fingerprint-based FBI checks for Fieldprint are completed via digital scanning.
- If you are in an area that is not within a fair distance for you to travel to the closest office, you will need to contact Fieldprint directly to send a fingerprinting packet to your mailing address. Once you receive the packet to your mailing address, you will then need to visit your local police station to have the fingerprints completed. Once your fingerprint packet is complete, you will need to send the packet back to Fieldprint. All materials needed to complete the paper fingerprint-based FBI process are provided in the packet. Any questions can be directed to HRDocs@thesca.org or reach out to your assigned SCA Advisor.
Visit the page for End of Term Wrap-Up for SCA AmeriCorps Members
Visit the page for Life After AmeriCorps
Updated 6/1/22
