HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate Documents - Human Resources (002)=18IR Grant County Human Resources
HUMAN RESOURCES
Date: 8/4/25
TO: Department Heads and Elected Officials
FROM: Human Resources Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Countywide Background Check Policy forNew Hires
The Board of County Commissioners has formally approved the implementation of a countywide background
check policy for all new hires in Grant County, effective January 1, 2o26.
This policy, proposed by the Human Resources Department, aims to enhance consistency, fairness, and safety
in the County's hiring practices. It will establish a standardized process for conducting background checks
across all departments and offices.
Policy Overview
1. Mandatory Background Checks for New Hires
All final candidates receiving a conditional job offer must complete a background check prior to beginning
employment.
2. Tiered Background Check System
Checks will be assigned based on the risk level of the position:
• Tier 1— Basic: Identity, criminal history, employment verification (7 years)
• Tier 2 — Comprehensive: Includes Tier 1 + education, license, and reference checks
• Tier 3 — Executive: Includes Tier 2 + additional references and security watch list review
3. Cost and Billing
HR will coordinate background checks through an approved third -party vendor. Departments will be billed
monthly for actual costs:
• Tier is $43.99 — $51.00
• Tier 2: $74.99 — $81.99
• Tier 3: $99.99 — $150+
(Fees are approximations and are subject to change depending on the vendor and scope)
Anticipated Benefits
• Standardization of hiring practices
• Improved safety and risk mitigation
• Greater fairness and transparency in hiring
• Compliance with best practices
Please direct any questions to your Human Resources Consultant. Thank you for your continued partnership in
strengthening Grant County's workforce.
Respectfully,
Zee° il� W,,,4,a ./- L:a Vim/
Human Resources Director
Grant County Human Resources ~ PO Box 37 ~ 35 C Street NW — Ephrata, WA 98823 — (509) 754-2011
HUMAN RESOURCES Grant County Human Resources
GRANT CC VN71,�
DATE: 8/4/25
TO: All Department Heads and Elected Officials
FROM: Human Resources Department
Subject: Approval of Invoicing Labor Relations Legal Fees to departments and offices
The Board of County Commissioners has officially approved a change regarding the financial responsibility for
labor relations legal fees.
Effective January 1, 2026, all County departments and elected offices will be financially responsible for
legal expenses related to labor relations matters arising from actions, decisions, or disputes within their
respective operations. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Attorney consultations (phone, email, or in -person)
• Review of documentation or disciplinary decisions
• Grievance preparation and response
• Arbitration hearings and related case work
• Legal review of department -specific labor policies or decisions
• Union -related disputes involving departmental actions
What This Means for Your Department or Office:
• The Human Resources Department will continue to coordinate with labor counsel and provide guidance
but will no longer fund legal services for department -specific issues.
• Legal expenses will be tracked by HR in collaboration with County -contracted attorneys.
• Your department or office will receive monthly invoices from HR for any applicable legal fees.
• Please ensure your 2026 budget reflects a line item for potential labor -related legal expenses.
Why This Change Matters:
• Accountability: Encourages thoughtful and policy -compliant employee relations practices.
• Transparency: Clear tracking of legal costs by department or office.
• Cost Management: Promotes early and collaborative resolution of issues.
• Equity: Ensures departments and offices generating legal costs are fiscally responsible for them.
Next Steps:
The Human Resources Department will:
• Finalize internal tracking and invoicing procedures.
• Coordinate with the Accounting Department to facilitate interdepartmental billing.
• Provide guidance and resources to assist departments and elected officials in managing labor matters
effectively.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to responsible labor management across Grant County.
Please contact your Human Resources Consultant with any questions or for additional support.
Respectfully,
Z _Z' 6'ej
Human Resources Director
Grant County Human Resources ~ Po Box 37 ~ 35 C Street NW - Ephrata, WA 98823 ~ (509) 754-2011