Investigator
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
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 : Investigators in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) fill a central role in executing the mission of the OIG.
Reporting to the Inspector General and supervision of the Chief Investigator, Investigators in the Sexual Allegations Unit conduct in-depth investigations of a sensitive and difficult nature involving the sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
Responsibilities :
- Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged misconduct and violations of CPS policy and / or the law by Chicago Board of Education employees, vendors, etc
- Obtain evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments
- Prepare well-written reports of investigation activities conducted
- Examine and analyze a variety of work records and related documents
- Prepare and coordinate investigative plans
- Collaborate with and assist other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex investigations
- Update, manage, and maintain caseload and case files
- Testify in court and hearings
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications :
Education Required : Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Experience Required :
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in positions requiring the performance of fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and / or reporting work, preferably in an investigative or compliance environmentExperience investigating sexual misconduct, particularly child sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and performing field work, such as interviews of children and / or victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or traumaOther requirements :
Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigationsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and the relationship of sexual assault or sexual harassment on victimsAbility to exercise considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; operate with minimal guidance and directionRefined judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential informationStrong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem solving techniques, interviewing, and investigationExceptional analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information and facilitate resolution of difficult challengesAbility to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issuesAbility to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently while maintaining high levels of organizationStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcementAbility to work with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy and tactConditions 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.