Senior Investigator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
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 (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:
Investigators in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) fill a central role in executing the mission of the OIG.
Under direction of the Inspector General and supervision of the Chief Investigator, Investigators 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 in the Sexual Allegations Unit will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Prepares and coordinates investigative plans; functions as lead investigator on large scale investigations
• Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students
• Conducts site visits to inspect and collect physical evidence. Obtains documentary and other evidence through written requests and subpoenas
• Examines and analyzes a variety of work records and related documents
• Prepares well-written reports of investigation activities conducted.
• Testifies in court and hearings.
• Updates, manages, and maintains caseload and case files
• Collaborate with and assist other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex 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
• Helps train and assists entry level investigators on standard and specialized investigative techniques. Serves as a mentor to less experienced investigators
• Performs additional ad hoc duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Investigator must possess the following qualifications:
Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Type of Education Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience conducting investigations
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, provided that the minimum degree requirement is met
• 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, preferred
• A valid State of Illinois driver's license
• Availability to work outside of regular business hours.

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
• 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
• 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

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.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.