Senior Investigator, SAU

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 is the independent oversight body for Chicago’s approximately 500 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 (SAU) 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 Chief Investigator, the Senior Investigator in the Sexual Allegations Unit will conduct investigations of a sensitive and difficult nature involving the sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students. The Senior Investigator is responsible for performing the full range of duties related to investigations in the OIG with considerable latitude and independent judgment. Investigators in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) fill a central role in executing the mission of the OIG. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required
Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience conducting investigations (ie: performing fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and reporting work), including the following, is required:
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
Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations
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
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcement, with diplomacy and tact
High levels of integrity, honesty, credibility, and refined judgment; capable of managing highly sensitive, confidential information
Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation
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
Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing multiple deadlines and working independently while maintaining high levels of organization

Responsibilities

Interviews complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students
Obtains evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments
Examines and analyzes a variety of work records and related documents
Prepares well-written reports of investigation activities conducted
Prepares and coordinates investigative plans; serves as lead investigator on large-scale, complex and/or highly sensitive investigations
Closely coordinate with CPS’s 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; Testifies in court and hearings
Collaborates with and assists other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex investigations
Updates, manages, and maintains caseload and case files
Helps train and assist entry level investigators on standard and specialized investigative techniques. Serves as a mentor to less experienced investigators, serves as a subject matter expert in various investigative legal areas and provides guidance and expertise to colleagues 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.
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.