Investigator - sexual allegations unit

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.

The Investigator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students
• 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
• Closely coordinate with CPS’ Law, Safety and Security, and Title IX Offices, other departments, and external agencies to ensure student safety and facilitate the delivery of trauma and/or social-emotional services to students, families, and staff
• Testify in court and hearings
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Investigator must possess the following 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 environment. Experience 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 trauma.

Other requirements:

Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and the relationship of sexual assault or sexual harassment on victims
• Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; operate with minimal guidance and direction
• 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 resolution of difficult challenges
• Ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently while maintaining high levels of organization
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcement
• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy and tact
• Language fluency in both English and Spanish, preferred

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

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.