Investigation Specialist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

About The Position

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 for the Chicago Board of Education is the independent oversight body for Chicago’s public, contract, and charter schools. Job Summary: Reporting to the Deputy Inspector General, the Investigations Specialist is the initial point of contact for complaints to the Office of the Inspector General. The Investigation Specialist, in the General Investigations Unit, is responsible for the intake, assessment and coordination of allegations regarding waste, fraud and financial mismanagement in public education within the jurisdiction of the Chicago Board of Education. The Investigation Specialist is expected to act with exceptional judgement and minimal direction. This is a full-time exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

High School Diploma, required
Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in positions requiring strong organization, documentation, and communication skills, preferably in an investigative, research, or other fast-paced environment that requires professionally handling inquiries and resolving concerns
Access to reliable transportation
Occasional travel to off-site CPS locations to pick up evidence or other materials required
Flexible availability during non-operating hours, required
Ability to work independently and remain highly organized while multitasking; prioritize accurately to manage multiple deadlines
High level of attention to detail
Proven ability to distill information and concisely report on it to supervisors in both written and verbal communication
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, including the ability to handle issues of complex and extreme sensitivity
Ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people
Ability to maintain flexibility of schedule in order to support departmental and project-based needs during non-traditional business hours, as needed
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred
Experience working with confidential and sensitive materials is preferred

Responsibilities

Identify and classify incoming complaints for appropriate next steps
Monitor and ensure emergency allegations are handled with expediency and coordinate with internal departments and/or external agencies as needed
Complete and compile research from various databases of all related parties and/or location(s) in an allegation to detect any relevant histories or patterns
Identify and gather relevant information and carry out preliminary investigative steps to help determine if a complaint requires further investigation or referral; follow up with school administration for additional information as needed
Prepare detailed summaries of complaints and actions taken, with recommendations, for review
Update and maintain case files and case management records and data for reports on case status and other performance metrics
Assist Investigative staff as needed
Other duties as assigned

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.