I, hereby give permission for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock to investigate and obtain information related to my criminal history record, employment history, educational background and character references for the position for which I am applying.  The criminal history record, as received from various reporting outlets, may include arrest and conviction data, plea bargains, deferred adjudications and delinquent conduct committed as a juvenile.  I understand that this information will be used, in part to determine eligibility for all volunteer/employment positions within this organization. 

I further understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock may utilize a professional agent or agencies to assist in the gathering of this information, and I specifically authorize such an investigation by the outside entities of the agency’s choice.  I also understand that as long as I remain a volunteer or employee, the criminal history records check may be repeated at any time during my participation/employment with the agency. However, I may revoke my authorization in writing at any time.

It is also understood that if I am a suspect in a criminal investigation, participate in a criminal activity, or have been arrested, convicted and/or charged with a crime, I must inform Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock immediately. Failure to provide this information within 10 business days from the incident may result in immediate dismissal from my position additionally, information obtained from any background investigation may result in immediate dismissal from any position. 

I, The undersigned, do, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, hereby remise, release and forever discharge and agree to indemnify Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock and each of their officers, directors, employees and agent and hold them harmless from and against any and all causes of actions, suits, liabilities, costs, debt and sums of money, claims and demands whatsoever (including claims for the negligence, gross negligence and or strict liability of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock), and any and all related attorneys’ fees, court costs and other expenses resulting from the investigation of my background in connection with my application to become a volunteer and/or employee. 

Disclosure Regarding Employment and/or Volunteer/Non-Employee Background Report

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock may obtain from Sterling  Volunteers, 4511 Rockside Road, 4th Floor, Independence, OH 44131, 855-326-1820 Option 3, www.sterlingvolunteers.com, a consumer report (“REPORT”) that contains background information about you in connection with your employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position. If you are hired or on boarded in a volunteer/non-employee position, to the extent permitted by law, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock may obtain from Sterling Volunteers further reports throughout your employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position without providing further disclosure or obtaining additional consent. 

The REPORT may contain information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of living. The REPORT may include, but is not limited to, credit reports and credit history information; criminal and other public records and history; public court records (e.g., bankruptcies, tax liens and judgments); motor vehicle and driving records; educational and employment history, including professional disciplinary actions; drug/alcohol test results; and Social Security verification and address history, subject to any limitations imposed by applicable federal and state law. This information may be obtained from public record and private sources, including credit bureaus, government agencies and judicial records, former employers and educational institutions, and other sources.  

Disclosure for Investigative Consumer Report

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock may request an investigative consumer report about you from a third-party consumer reporting agency, in connection with your employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position  and throughout your employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position if you are hired or onboarded  as allowed by law. 

A consumer report is a background report which may include but is not limited to, credit report, criminal background, driving records, character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of living.

An “investigative consumer report” is a background report that includes information from personal interviews (except in California, where that term includes background reports with or without information obtained from personal interviews).  The most common form of an investigative consumer report in connection with your employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position is a reference check through personal interviews with sources such as your former employers and associates, and other information sources.  The investigative consumer report may contain information concerning your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living. 

You have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time, to request from the  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock (1) whether an investigative consumer report has been obtained about you, (2) disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report and (3) a copy of your report.  These reports will be prepared by Sterling  Volunteers 4511 Rockside Road, 4th Floor, Independence, OH 44131, 855-326-1820 Option 3, www.sterlingvolunteers.com.

Authorization to Obtain Employment and/or Volunteer/Non-Employee Background Report

I have read the Disclosure Regarding Employment and/or Volunteer/Non-Employee Background Report provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock ("the ORGANIZATION") and this Authorization to Obtain Employment and/or Volunteer/Non-Employee Background Report. By my signature below, I hereby consent to the preparation by Sterling Volunteers,  a consumer reporting agency located at 4511 Rockside Road, 4th Floor, Independence, OH 44131, 855-326-1820 Option 3, www.sterlingvolunteers.com, of background reports regarding me and the release of such reports to the ORGANIZATION and its designated representatives, to assist the ORGANIZATION in making an employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position decision involving me at any time after receipt of this authorization and throughout my employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position, to the extent permitted by law. To this end, I hereby authorize, without reservation, any state or federal law enforcement agency or court, educational institution, motor vehicle record agency, credit bureau or other information service bureau or data repository, or employer to furnish any and all information regarding me to Sterling Volunteers and/or the ORGANIZATION itself, and authorize Sterling Volunteers to provide such information to the ORGANIZATION. I agree that a facsimile (“fax”), electronic or photographic copy of this Authorization shall be as valid as the original.

I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s “A SUMMARY OF YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT.”

Select the link to view: A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The clients and volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters have the right to privacy and confidentiality.  I understand that as a condition of my participation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock, I am responsible for maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the clients and volunteers involved with the agency.    

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock prioritizes child safety and child privacy. This policy is designed to help ensure a respectful and appropriate relationship between BBBS staff, interns, volunteers, and the BBBS clients. You should be respectful of this position and mindful of your use of social media, as it may be an example to our clients, and you represent this agency. At the agency’s discretion, social media sites will be monitored and/or evaluated for compliance purposes only.  If you have any questions or need further guidance about this issue, please contact the agency for assistance (806-763-6131). 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock provides children (Mentees) with safe, quality mentoring relationships with a volunteer Mentor. Serving as role models, Mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers, and community. As a Mentor, you share with your Mentee, the school, and BBBS a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship.   Mentors must agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their position as a positive role model and as a representative of BBBS, and they must follow all BBBS policies and guidelines outlined in the materials provided during the enrollment process. 

I, the undersigned participant, irrevocably consent to any and all uses and displays of my name, image, likeness, appearance, basic biographical information, audio/video recordings, writings, artwork, and the like, in original form or in modified form, in whole or in part, in, on, or in connection with merchandise, advertising, publicity, marketing, fundraising, and the like, in printed or electronic media, of any type, throughout the world at any time by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and [BBBSA affiliate] in their sole discretion, and by any of their affiliates, successors, partners, sponsors, donors, any entities or persons with whom they conduct any public relations, marketing, or fund raising of any type, and any other authorized third parties, without further consent from me, without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me, and with the release and waiver of any claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liability of any kind arising from any such use (the “Released Material”).