SEIU Local 1000 / DSS Meet and Confer
First Meet and Confer on DSS Tier 2 Enhanced Background Checks
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, SEIU Local 1000 had a meet and confer with the Department of Social Services (DSS) on Tier 2 Enhanced Background Checks. DSS has already begun the process for current employees hired prior to 2019 to undergo the Tier 2 Enhanced Background Check. Here is more information provided about the process and potential outcomes.
- If through the investigative process, the Deputy Commissioner
of Human Resources (DCHR) determines that the employee is “not
suitable,” DCHR will contact the administrator for the State of
California to have a confidential discussion and inform DSS of
individuals who have not received clearance. DCHR will not
provide detailed information pertaining to the background check
to the administrator.
- Department of Social Services (DSS) has made a commitment to
try and find a position for an employee who cooperated with the
investigative process and has passed probation somewhere else in
the department and close to where they are currently located.
- If the employee is on probation and through the investigation
is found “not suitable,” they will face a non-punitive
termination.
- An employee has seven (7) calendar days to make a written
appeal if they wish to provide more clarification/additional
information.
- DSS has indicated that during the course of the investigation
interview with DHCR, the only participants of the conversation
are the employee and the investigator. We were informed a union
representative is not permitted because the investigation is not
related to the performance and disciplinary process, but it is an
investigation to determine if the employee meets the criteria to
be found suitable. This background check is a condition of
employment. This is only for the background check interview. Once
the conversation is between the employee and DSS has been
completed, you have the right to ask for a union representative
to be present.
- The background check process has a phased roll out approach. The schedule of the roll out is attached with this communication.
If you are having any issues with the implementation of Tier 2 Enhanced Background Checks, please call the Member Resource Center (MRC) at 866.471.7348 (SEIU). You can also contact your respective Bargaining Unit Chairs at unit1@seiu1000.org or unit4@seiu1000.org
Click here to view the roll out schedule.