Student Protections Specialist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Student Protections Specialist reports to the Coordination Manager and responds to the most critical reports of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, bias-based harm, and abuse reported to the Office of Student Protections (OSP). The specialist works closely with schools, families, and partner offices on response and next steps, advising school administrators throughout cases on reporting protocols, coordination with OSP investigators, appropriate clinical or advocacy resources, compliance, and documentation. This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. It is field-based and requires access to reliable transportation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
At least five years of experience working in a clinical setting, including areas such as crisis response, sexual violence, domestic violence, or child welfare.
Experience navigating the Title IX grievance process.
Familiarity working with youth and schools around child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or problematic sexual behavior.
Ability to work with youth, staff, and families in crisis.
Familiarity with school environments and systems of response to crises and behavioral incidents.
Strong organization and documentation skills.
Familiarity with compliance.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Ability to work diplomatically and tactfully with a wide range of constituencies.
Access to reliable transportation.
Employees must establish and maintain residency within Chicago city limits within six months of their CPS hire date and throughout district employment. All CPS employees must be Illinois residents.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant area, such as Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology.
Experience working within an urban school district.
Previous experience working with LGBTQ+-youth advocacy.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Respond to the highest-level incidents of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, bias-based harm, and abuse reported to OSP, working closely with schools, families, and partner offices.
Ensure all parties involved in an OSP-reported case are treated fairly and appropriately and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Title IX, and CPS policies.
Guide schools in addressing incidents, including advising on best practices, clinical supports and partnerships, community resources, safety planning, and investigation processes.
Closely document cases to support Title IX compliance and help schools with related processes.
Build relationships and partnerships with assigned school communities, administrators, and support staff to address incidents.
Perform other duties as assigned.