City of Tampa

This is responsible human resources work which involves the verification of employment application and personal history data.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing human resources work of a technical and sensitive nature involving the research, verification and evaluation of employment application and personal history data.  Work is of more than average difficulty and includes ensuring all data necessary to evaluate an application is received from the candidate, verification of data through various sources, conducts applicant testing, maintains data in applicant tracking software, offers software assistance to candidates and management personnel.  This employee conducts an objective review of data received in order to make recommendations on applicant background packages.  The employee must remain aware of changes in statutory requirements affecting the applicant selection process and report the effect of such changes to management personnel.  The employee is required to be aware of the confidentiality of the information obtained and not disclose same to unauthorized persons.  Considerable public contact is involved during verification, requiring patience, tact and good judgment.  

Work is performed under general supervision; however, considerable initiative and independent judgment are exercised concerning the appropriate methods and procedures to be utilized.  Unusual or difficult problems are referred to a superior who reviews work through consultation, analysis of reports and observation of results obtained.

Verifies applicant background information which may include but is not limited to; verifying U.S. citizenship, proof of education, military service records, automobile driving record, performing financial and credit checks, and interviewing personal and professional references. Upon candidate selection, corresponds with local and national law enforcement agencies in researching an applicant’s criminal background. 

Maintains records, compiles reports and briefs supervisor on the status all applicants in the selection process; reports background results to appropriate higher level or hiring authorities.  

Notifies candidates and schedules appointments for testing.  Provides instructions to candidates and monitors and grades examinations.     

Enters information into or updates applicant tracking or performance management systems,  fields questions from customers and may assist with end user training on same; research personnel related policies and procedures to provide information to others; may complete basic surveys as assigned; uses computer to access data as necessary.    

Performs related work as required.

Some knowledge of:  principles and practices of human resources particularly as they relate to applicant recruitment, testing, and selection procedures; use of minimum qualifications for applicants being considered; interviewing techniques and practices; criminal background processing; basic statistical concepts and data collection methods; municipal government or civil service organizations.  Software applications: MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and HR Information Systems, particularly applicant tracking software.   

Ability to:  conduct a comprehensive interview to secure complete and accurate information and report all relevant facts objectively and without bias; maintain a professional demeanor and act with considerable discretion and patience in conducting background evaluations; clearly organize and present oral and written reports of findings and recommendations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public as necessitated by the work; maintain complex records; edit and correct correspondence and reports for final typing or production.

Ability and skill in: the operation of office machinery and equipment; typing or operating computer accurately and at a prescribed rate of speed, when required.

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field with 6 months of experience in human resources and at least 6 months experience coordinating applicant background checks or research OR, an associate's degree in human resources or a related field and 1 year of experience in human resources and at least 1 year experience coordinating applicant background checks or research.

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.