SSS – HIPAA-Compliant Background Screening Platform
We built more than a background check system—we created an enterprise-grade screening platform for staffing agencies, recruiters, and healthcare organizations. This web-based SaaS product streamlines the end-to-end background check and drug testing process, replacing legacy manual workflows with a secure, modern, and role-based interface.
Integrated with Apex (a third-party screening service still running on a legacy FoxPro system), our application handles applicant onboarding, form submission, manual document review, and automatic order generation. With a flexible admin dashboard and layered user roles for Clients, Sub-Clients, Admins, and Recruiters, the platform puts control back in the hands of organizations managing high-volume screening workflows.
Core Features & Innovations
- Multi-Tiered User Management: Roles for Clients, Sub-Clients, Admins, and Recruiters with dynamic permissions and order visibility controls.
- Applicant Onboarding System: Clean, mobile-first flow for applicants to submit personal details, documents, and sign release forms for BGC and drug testing.
- Manual + Automated Order Handling: Custom-built Apex API integration to send background check requests; fallbacks in place for manual submissions when needed.
- Secure Document Upload & Verification: Upload portals for driver’s licenses, paystubs, W-2s, and more—with recruiter-side review and override tools.
- Audit Trail & Status Tracking: Recruiters and Admins can track application progress, trigger next steps, and follow up on pending or incomplete documents.
- Custom Field Validation: Smart address standardization, masked SSNs, required field logic, and custom validation to reduce data errors.
- Real-Time Email Notifications: Built-in alerting system for application submissions, recruiter actions, and applicant status changes.
Challenges & Solutions
🧠 Legacy System Integration (Apex / FoxPro)
We reverse-engineered a fragile legacy system still hosted on a static Windows server, building a custom API communication layer to send and receive background check data reliably. When Apex couldn’t handle live domain redirects, we set up domain-level testing protocols and fallback logic.
🧪 Complex Testing Flow Across Roles
With multiple roles triggering different applicant actions (Admin, Sub-Client, Recruiter), we had to design the flow to prevent overlap or misfired orders. Clear frontend warnings and backend status checks ensure each applicant follows the correct screening path.
🔒 Manual + Auto Hybrid Mode
Because Apex can’t guarantee consistent uptime or behavior, we architected the system to switch seamlessly between manual form submission and automatic API calls, based on recruiter preference and Apex response behavior.
🔁 High Variability in Applicant Data
We accounted for huge variations in user-uploaded content and applicant behavior. Custom validations, inline error feedback, and optional overrides allow recruiters to “clean up” bad data before proceeding.
📧 Email Deliverability & SMTP Configuration
We built email infrastructure that can be customized per client domain (e.g., admin@selectss.net), giving full white-label flexibility without compromising on deliverability or branding.
Ongoing Development & Future Roadmap
Package Customization for Orders
In Phase 2, recruiters will be able to choose from a library of background check and drug testing packages—removing guesswork and ensuring Apex and LabCorp receive correct parameters every time
Client Billing & Pricing Control
A dynamic pricing module will allow SelectSS to charge clients directly based on selected packages and order volume.
Advanced Admin Analytics
Dashboards for tracking recruiter performance, order conversion rates, and applicant drop-off points.
Training, Onboarding, and LMS Integration
A help center and onboarding flow will be added to improve usability and reduce training time for new clients
Development Journey
Phase 1
- MVP launched with full onboarding, manual and auto submission logic, Apex integration, and role-based access system
Phase 2
- In progress—focused on test package selection, dynamic pricing, client self-signup, and LabCorp enhancements
We didn’t just build a background check portal—we replaced a legacy system with a secure, modern SaaS that gives staffing agencies real-time control, faster turnarounds, and audit-proof workflows. And with Phase 2 already underway, we’re laying the foundation for a national-scale platform that works for every recruiter, client, and applicant involved. 🔍
From idea to execution, we delivered a smarter, AI-driven future for Datability.
