ODP Announces COVID-19 Provisional Hiring Process for Staff Serving Older Adults

In response to COVID-19 and its potential impact on obtaining FBI clearances and the delivery of services to individuals with an intellectual disability or autism, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Announcement 20-034 was released to allow a Provisional Hiring Process that includes guidance for FBI clearances.

ODP recognizes that many FBI clearance sites, operated by IdentiGO™ by Idemia in Pennsylvania, are closed in response to COVID-19. ODP will suspend the FBI fingerprinting check for employers hiring staff serving adults and will accept the provisional hiring template for staff serving adults if an FBI clearance is unable to be obtained.

This provisional hiring process can only be used when the IdentiGO™ by Idemia service locations are closed in your area due to the COVID-19 emergency. If a provider hires someone provisionally, it must be done in compliance with the Older Adults Protective Services Act (35 P.S. §§ 10225.101—10225.5102) and applicable regulations.

This template, labeled “COVID-19 Provisional Employment,” contains a provisional employment disclosure statement for staff serving adults. Providers should use this template as a resource if there is a need to hire someone on a provisional basis during the COVID-19 emergency.

The template must be submitted as part of the provider’s qualification documentation to demonstrate that the provider is following the provisional hiring policy. This provisional hiring process is only applicable during the COVID-19 emergency and the lack of availability of the IdentiGO™ by Idemia locations.

If you have any questions regarding the Provisional Hiring process, please contact the ODP Provider Qualification Mailbox.