Background Investigation Adjudicator

Location: Onsite at Nashville, TN 37203 Contract length: 3.5 months Work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8AM-5PM (can be flexible with start/stop times) Job Overview We are seeking an objective, detail-oriented Background Investigation Adjudicator to evaluate background screening reports, review derogatory information, and render fair employment decisions. In this role, you will act as a neutral decision-maker to determine whether discrepancies between candidate disclosures and verified records pose a risk to the organization or justify disqualification. Operating independently in a complex regulatory environment, you will collaborate with Legal, Ethics & Compliance, and HR Business Partners to maintain adjudication standards, manage reporting metrics, and ensure full compliance with employment laws and company policies. Key Responsibilities Review background investigation results to identify credentials or record discrepancies not explicitly covered by the standard adjudication matrix. Conduct objective risk assessments, balancing legal requirements, internal policies, precedent, and business impact before issuing approval or denial determinations. Interview background screening vendors or candidates as needed to clarify report findings, dispute details, or mitigating circumstances. Maintain complete, audit-ready records of all adjudication decisions, documenting detailed justifications for every course of action. Review, update, and maintain the talent acquisition adjudication matrix to align with evolving state, federal, and local hiring regulations. Partner regularly with Operations Management, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, and HR Business Partners to handle complex cases and mitigate organizational risk. Track decision analytics and generate compliance reports to monitor background screening trends and operational performance. Safeguard all candidate background materials and personally identifiable information (PII) with strict confidentiality. Recommend process and workflow improvements to enhance the speed, fairness, and compliance of the background screening program. Qualifications & Required Skills Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Criminal Justice, Business, Risk Management, or a related field. Experience: 1+ years of direct experience in background check adjudication, HR compliance, risk management, or talent acquisition operations. Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Practical understanding of FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act), EEOC background check guidelines, ban-the-box laws, and relevant employment privacy regulations. Analytical & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex, ambiguous facts impartially and make defensible, sound risk-based decisions. Communication & Collaboration: Strong oral and written communication skills to articulate decision justifications clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Technical Skills: Proficiency in background screening vendor portals, HRIS systems, and data analytics tools (e.g., Excel) for documentation and reporting.