Background Check and Eligibility Screening Acknowledgment:

Home Delivered Meals service is considered by the State of Texas as in-home health care. Meals on Wheels of Odessa maintains contracts with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and we are required to preform a background screening on all staff and volunteers prior to their first day of service.

I understand that in order to protect the safety and well-being of its vulnerable clients, Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) requires all prospective volunteers to undergo the following verification and background checks as part of the registration and screening process:

• Valid Driver’s License Verification (for volunteer drivers)
• Criminal Background History Check
• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services – Nurse Aide Registry
• Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services – Employee Misconduct Registry
• National Sex Offender Registry Check

I acknowledge that each background check produces a separate result, recorded as either “passed” or “not passed.” I understand that an applicant must pass all required checks before being approved to proceed with volunteer onboarding.

I further understand that while the existence of a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant, the following convictions are deemed disqualifying for any volunteer role with MOWO:

• Any crimes involving violence toward a person or animal, including but not limited to:
  • assault
  • domestic violence
  • rape
  • cruelty, or similar offenses
• Weapons-related offenses
• Any form of theft, including but not limited to:
  • identity theft
  • monetary theft
• Senior/elder abuse, exploitation, or fraud

Examples of offenses that may not result in disqualification, subject to review, include:

• Non-felony drug possession charges
• Driving infractions not involving DUI/DWI
• Vehicle accidents not resulting in criminal charges
• Charges that have been dropped, dismissed, or reversed

I understand that, in some cases, MOWO may request additional information related to my background check. If I choose not to provide the requested information, my application may be rejected.

I also acknowledge that a complete list of disqualifying criminal convictions is available for review under Texas Health and Safety Code § 250.006.

Consent to Background Screening and Right to Dispute:

I hereby authorize Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) to conduct a comprehensive background screening as part of the volunteer application and approval process. This screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Background Search
• A review of the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)
• A review of the LEIE maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Inspector General
• National Sex Offender Registry

I understand that the purpose of this screening is to ensure the safety and well-being of MOWO’s clients and to comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

If I dispute the accuracy of any information obtained through this background screening, I will be given the opportunity to request a review and provide additional documentation or clarification. I understand that failure to provide requested information may result in my application being denied.

All of the information gathered in this process comes from State of Texas resources and is handled in accordance to our Privacy Policy.

Volunteer Eligibility and Organizational Discretion:

Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) reserves the right to deny or discontinue volunteer service at its sole discretion if any publicly available information, background check results, or conduct by the volunteer is determined to negatively impact the organization’s programs, clients, operations, or reputation.

Privacy of Volunteer Information:

Meals on Wheels of Odessa (MOWO) respects and protects the privacy of its volunteers. All personal information provided by volunteers will be kept confidential and used solely for internal organizational purposes. MOWO will not sell, distribute, publish, or share volunteer information with any third parties, except as required by law or with the volunteer’s express written consent.