Investigator - General Investigations Unit

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 44,000 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 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 the direction of the Inspector General and supervision of the Chief Investigator, Investigators in the General Investigations Unit will investigate matters involving allegations of misconduct, waste, fraud, and inefficiency within the Chicago Board of Education by employees, contractors, and others seeking to do business with the Board of Education. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

This Job Will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged misconduct and violations of CPS policy and/or the law by Chicago Board of Education employees, vendors, etc
• Obtain evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments
• Examine and analyze a variety of work records and related documents
• Prepare well-written reports of investigation activities conducted
• Prepare and coordinate investigative plans
• Collaborate with and assist other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex investigations
• Update, manage, and maintain caseload and case files
• Testify in court and hearings
• Other duties as assigned

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in positions requiring the performance of fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and/or reporting work, preferably in an investigative or compliance environment

Other Requirements:

• Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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
• Exceptional 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
• 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, 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.