Social workers play a vital role in society. Their commitment to helping others and the compassion they show can help those less fortunate thrive, even amid hardship. The respected field is also strictly regulated. Social workers must go through schooling and obtain licenses before they can work in the industry. Potential employers, including governmental agencies, routinely check qualifications for any social worker they’re planning to bring on board. What about performing a DBS check?
A DBS check takes a deep dive into a potential social worker’s background, searching for any past criminal history. This helps ensure social workers are not only qualified for the job but that they’re also not posing a risk to vulnerable members of society.
We’ll take a look at what a DBS check involves and why it’s essential for social workers.
What is a DBS Check?
DBS is the acronym for Disclosure and Barring Service. This refers to the public body that carries out DBS checks. Don’t be surprised if you also see it referred to as a CRB check. Previously, the checks were carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
A DBS check is a vital and required background all social workers must go through. The background check helps ensure social workers are qualified and suitable for a position working with and helping others.
The process is relatively simple to perform. A DBS check involves gathering and reviewing information relating to a potential social worker’s criminal background. The check also highlights other background information that may make them unsuitable for a position in social work. The DBS check looks for details relating to any previous convictions or warnings. The check also looks at pending criminal investigations and ongoing proceedings. Character references, occupation history, and professional qualifications are also reviewed
You can choose from three types of DBS checks, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List Checks.
Basic checks involve searching for past and recent convictions that appear in police records. Standard and Enhanced checks provide more detailed and in-depth background information, including open and closed convictions. An Enhanced with Barred List Checks involves checking against lists of people barred from working with vulnerable groups such as children or adults at risk.
The type of DBS background check you choose to perform often depends on the candidate and the position they’re applying for in the social worker industry. For new hires, an Enhanced with Barred List Checks is often recommended. The Standard and Enhanced checks are often better suited for social workers already established in the industry who are switching agencies or moving to a new position.
Understanding the Importance of DBS Checks for Social Workers
Being a social worker comes with responsibilities that affect the lives of the people they’re working to help. DBS checks are essential in helping to ensure social workers are suitable for the job. Conducting comprehensive DBS checks gives potential employers insight into the applicant’s history. The backcheck assesses their qualifications and suitability for their role as a social worker. Legal guidance also dictates the qualifications necessary for becoming a social worker, and DBS checks help ensure applicants meet the strict requirements. The primary goal of a DBS check is to protect the vulnerable population that depends on social workers from any harm. The check ensures all social workers meet all industry standards.
What are the Benefits of DBS Checks for Social Workers
The benefits of DBS checks for social workers extend beyond ensuring the applicant is suitable for the position. The checks help protect the reputation of the social work industry, and this often leads to increased trust from the public. If vulnerable populations don’t have trust in social workers, it’s difficult to provide the help these individuals often need.
DBS checks serve to identify potential issues and risks before they become problems.
How to Perform a DBS Check for Social Workers
Performing a DBS check for social workers is relatively straightforward. There aren’t any lengthy forms to fill out or an extended waiting period for results.
The DBS check process starts when a potential social worker submits their application online or in person. The form can be filled out online, often the most convenient method, or by hand. Writing out the form can make the process take a little longer but it’s perfectly acceptable. However, if you need the DBS check results faster, it’s usually best to stick to the online process.
Depending on the level of check, applicants must submit their documents and provide details of two forms of identification. They must complete an application form with relevant personal information, which will be checked against various databases. These databases can vary, depending on the type of background ground and even the position the individual is applying for in the social work field.
Once all necessary checks are complete, the processing time can range from a few hours to several weeks. The online system usually processes online applications and issues results within 48 hours. The DBS certificate follows in the post around two weeks later. The certificate from the DBS check is important, so don’t lose it or toss it away. You’ll often include the DBS check certificate with your application for a position in social work. While most positions are fine with a Standard DBS check, it’s always a good idea to inquire if the position you’re applying for requires a more robust background check. If so, go with either an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List Check.
Let VVerify Background Check Help with Your DBS Check
Going through a background check can be a daunting experience, even if you have a clean criminal record. If you’re looking for an easy solution to perform a DBS check, VVerify Background Check can help. VVerify Background Check simplifies the process while also performing an extensive background check using multiple databases. You’ll get your results within two weeks so you can start your career as a social worker. Get verified with help from VVerify Background Check.
