Investigation Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people, most of them teachers.

CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.

Six core values are embedded within these commitments student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Inspector General is the independent oversight body for Chicago’s approximately 650 public, contract and charter schools.

The Office of Inspector General is charged with the responsibility of investigating allegations of waste, fraud and financial mismanagement in public education within the jurisdiction of the Chicago Board of Education.

The Office's Sexual Allegations Unit investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by a CPS-affiliated adult, including employees, contractors, vendors and charter schools, where the victim is a CPS student and / or a minor.

Job Summary :

Reporting to the Investigation Support Team Lead, the Investigation Support Team Lead in the Sexual Allegation Unit, the Investigation Specialist will take complaints regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students.

The Investigation Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Review materials provided by the SAU’s Intake Team for cases fitting the triage criteria and identify the next investigative steps needed to obtain material information on the complaint.
• Acting with minimal supervision and exercising discretion and judgment, carry out identified investigative steps to help determine if the complaint involves possible sexual misconduct allegations needing further investigation by SAU investigators.
• Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees. Collect and review documents, videos, phone records, and other evidence and conduct research as appropriate.
• Prepare detailed and accurate reports of activities conducted in each investigation.
• Update and maintain case files and case management records in order to report on the status of assigned investigations.
• Assist investigative staff in the conduct of criminal, large-scale and complex Investigations.
• Closely coordinate with CPS’ Law, Safety and Security, and Title IX Offices, other departments, and external agencies, as necessary, to ensure student safety and facilitate the delivery of trauma and / or social-emotional services to students, families and staff.
• Occasional need to visit off-site CPS locations to conduct interviews or pick up evidence or other materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Investigation Specialist must possess the following qualifications :

Education & Experience Required :

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and a minimum of four (4) years of professional work experience including a minimum of two (2) years in positions requiring strong organization and documentation skills, preferably in an investigative or compliance environment
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of one (1) years of experience in positions requiring strong organization and documentation skills, preferably in an investigative or compliance environment

Other Requirements :

• Access to reliable transportation to travel to other sites is required
• Valid Driver’s License and vehicle access preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Capable of success in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment; ability to efficiently manage duties of multiple projects or work tasks concurrently while driving them to completion;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening capabilities and the ability to distill information and concisely report on it to supervisors;
• Superior writing skills, including the ability to create concise, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues;
• Ability to maintain flexibility of schedule in order to support departmental and project-based needs during non-traditional business hours, as needed;
• Refined judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information;
• Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation;
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information and facilitate the resolution of difficult challenges, including the ability to handle issues of complex and extreme sensitivity;
• Proficiency in Word, Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google applications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and attention to detail
• Ability to keep matters confidential and understand what can be and cannot be disclosed
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people, including children, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement; and
• Language fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :

Establish / Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.

The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary / part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire.

Up-to-date on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.