Background Check RFP

Reconnect Community Health Services (Reconnect) is a large multi-site non-profit community organization in Toronto providing an array of supportive services to over 7000 seniors, caregivers, and individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges annually. Reconnect employs around 450 staff who work out of multiple office sites, in client homes, and in the community.

The clients served by Reconnect may experience vulnerabilities due to chronic and/or multiple illnesses or conditions, mental illness, addictions, and age. Reconnect is committed to providing the highest quality care and support to clients with dignity, equity, and compassion. Reconnect typically onboards 20-25 staff monthly and as an industry leader values competence, integrity and dedication.

Reconnect is seeking a Proponent to conduct background checks on potential employment candidates, providing the following services:
• An enhanced police check (local, regional, RCMP) for new candidates
• Employment verification
• Reference check and follow-up as needed – typically 3 as follows:
o General staff: 1 Supervisory and 2 Professional
o Manager/Director Roles: 3 Supervisory
Reconnect expects that if anything concerning should come up such as ‘red flags’ during a reference check that the Proponent would proactively probe for further information or investigate further as needed. Reconnect is willing to work with the successful Proponent to develop standard questions for a reference check and to highlight some instances when the service provider would be expected to probe beyond the standard questions.
• Social Media Check for new employment candidates
• Ongoing compliance check in the form of annual Social Media audits for all employees (indicate whether these processes are automated)

Reconnect appreciates that there may be additional services that Proponents may offer and invite respondents to include these offerings separate from the above basic requirements.