Investigator (Office of Prevention and Accountability)

Chicago Park District•Chicago, IL

About The Position

TITLE: Investigator - Office of Prevention and Accountability (OPA) CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: The Chicago Park District (CPD) is committed to providing an equitable, inclusive, safe, and respectful recreation and work environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, workplace violence, abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults, and retaliation. The Office of Prevention and Accountability (OPA) is responsible for investigating all reports relating to the aforementioned prohibited misconduct. The primary responsibility of the Investigator of the Office of Prevention is to investigate claims. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct investigations undertaken by OPA (Office of Prevention and Accountability). Review initial complaints and develop investigative strategies; recommend interim plans for involved employees pending completion of investigation; conduct interviews of complainants, accused, and witnesses; collect, review, and analyze documents and evidence; prepare comprehensive written reports. Refer appropriate matters to and help monitor cases being handled by outside agencies (including the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Adult Protective Services). Ensure all investigations of misconduct are undertaken and completed in a timely manner and receive complete and appropriate responses and resolutions. Testify at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings related to investigations, as required. Help identify significant structural or ongoing issues, which should be addressed proactively or holistically by the Chicago Park District. Continuously identify and integrate best practices with regard to investigations and reporting and stay informed as to developments in conducting investigations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Training and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three years of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analysis and investigative research and reporting work. Expertise and skill in exercising independent judgment in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of reports of unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse and neglect of children or vulnerable adults, and retaliation. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and methodologies for conducting investigations, fact-finding, and investigative interviewing. License Requirement: Valid State of Illinois Class D or equivalent driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws regarding unlawful discrimination and Illinois criminal statutes. Aptitude and ability to handle cases of high-level complexity (e.g. multiple subjects and/or multiple allegations). Ability to maintain impartiality and confidentiality in investigations. Demonstrated superior ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues. Ability to be flexible and adjust availability during non-operating hours based on investigative needs. Strong skills in the areas of investigations, interviewing, conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques. 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. Demonstrated 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, staff and law enforcement. Ability to testify at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings in a clear and concise manner. Preferred Qualifications: Legal background (Juris Doctor) in corporate or governmental internal investigations or employment litigation; law enforcement background; Title IX investigative experience; background in trauma-informed investigations; and/or related or equivalent experience. BENEFITS: As a full-time Chicago Park District employee, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including: Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans. 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days in first year of employment). 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 4 paid personal days per year. 13 paid holidays per year. 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility). Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act. Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan. Optional pre-tax programs – Transit Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility. Free Admission to most Chicago museums. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job requires the employee to frequently sit and talk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is generally performed primarily in an office setting, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and lighting. Travel to citywide Park District facilities, events, and meetings may be required. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three years of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analysis and investigative research and reporting work.
Expertise and skill in exercising independent judgment in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of reports of unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse and neglect of children or vulnerable adults, and retaliation.
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and methodologies for conducting investigations, fact-finding, and investigative interviewing.
Valid State of Illinois Class D or equivalent driver’s license.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws regarding unlawful discrimination and Illinois criminal statutes.
Aptitude and ability to handle cases of high-level complexity (e.g. multiple subjects and/or multiple allegations).
Ability to maintain impartiality and confidentiality in investigations.
Demonstrated superior ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues.
Ability to be flexible and adjust availability during non-operating hours based on investigative needs.
Strong skills in the areas of investigations, interviewing, conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques.
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.
Demonstrated 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, staff and law enforcement.
Ability to testify at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings in a clear and concise manner.

Nice To Haves

Legal background (Juris Doctor) in corporate or governmental internal investigations or employment litigation
law enforcement background
Title IX investigative experience
background in trauma-informed investigations
and/or related or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct investigations undertaken by OPA (Office of Prevention and Accountability).
Review initial complaints and develop investigative strategies
recommend interim plans for involved employees pending completion of investigation
conduct interviews of complainants, accused, and witnesses
collect, review, and analyze documents and evidence
prepare comprehensive written reports.
Refer appropriate matters to and help monitor cases being handled by outside agencies (including the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Adult Protective Services).
Ensure all investigations of misconduct are undertaken and completed in a timely manner and receive complete and appropriate responses and resolutions.
Testify at arbitrations, administrative hearings, and court proceedings related to investigations, as required.
Help identify significant structural or ongoing issues, which should be addressed proactively or holistically by the Chicago Park District.
Continuously identify and integrate best practices with regard to investigations and reporting and stay informed as to developments in conducting investigations.

Benefits

Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days in first year of employment).
12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
4 paid personal days per year.
13 paid holidays per year.
12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility).
Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs – Transit Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
Free Admission to most Chicago museums.