Chief Investigator

Summary

Chief InvestigatorChicago 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 Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General is the independent oversight body for Chicago's approximately 650 public, contract and charter schools. The Office's Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU) investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by CPS-affiliated adults, including employees, contractors, vendors and charter schools, where the victim is a CPS student and/or a minor. Reporting to the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of the SAU, the Chief Investigator will be responsible for planning and directing the work of investigators and aiding investigations of a sensitive and difficult nature involving the sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis. The Chief Investigator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:Direct, develop, and manage the performance of a team engaged in conducting investigations and interviewing victims and witnesses regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS studentsParticipate in the development of strategies in order to direct the investigation processIn conjunction with the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General, determine work priorities and prepare work schedules and staff assignmentsMonitor case assignments to ensure investigations are conducted in a timely mannerAdvise investigative staff on interviewing problem witnesses, effective investigative methods and testifying as a witnessAssess complaints to identify sexual misconduct allegations and determine whether matters should be assigned for investigationClosely coordinate with CPS' Law, Safety and Security, and Office of Student Protections 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 staffOversee the internal data collection and reporting with regard to the unit's caseloadOther duties as assignedIn order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Chief Investigator must possess the following qualifications:Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, requiredExperience Required: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience conducting sexual misconduct investigations, 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, including the following, is required:Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading large, complex or high stakes investigationsMinimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position responsible for hiring, evaluating, counseling, and leading a team of direct reports, including experience overseeing the work investigators, requiredOther Requirements: Flexible hours of availability (including during non-traditional business hours) are required as necessary to meet the needs of the department and active investigations Access to reliable transportation required; A valid driver's license is preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and the relationship of sexual assault or sexual harassment on victimsKnowledge of Title IX complianceExcellent use of judgment; capable of managing highly sensitive and confidential informationSkilled in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and conducting thorough investigationsStrong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze information and effectively facilitate the resolution of challenging issues of complex and extremely sensitive natureAbility to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issuesAbility to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines and work independently while maintaining high levels of organizationStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop collaborative relationships with diverse groups of constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcementStrong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear visionExcellent technology skillsBenefits: 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.

Job Description

Chief InvestigatorChicago 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 Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General is the independent oversight body for Chicago's approximately 650 public, contract and charter schools. The Office's Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU) investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by CPS-affiliated adults, including employees, contractors, vendors and charter schools, where the victim is a CPS student and/or a minor. Reporting to the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of the SAU, the Chief Investigator will be responsible for planning and directing the work of investigators and aiding investigations of a sensitive and difficult nature involving the sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis. The Chief Investigator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:Direct, develop, and manage the performance of a team engaged in conducting investigations and interviewing victims and witnesses regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS studentsParticipate in the development of strategies in order to direct the investigation processIn conjunction with the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General, determine work priorities and prepare work schedules and staff assignmentsMonitor case assignments to ensure investigations are conducted in a timely mannerAdvise investigative staff on interviewing problem witnesses, effective investigative methods and testifying as a witnessAssess complaints to identify sexual misconduct allegations and determine whether matters should be assigned for investigationClosely coordinate with CPS' Law, Safety and Security, and Office of Student Protections 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 staffOversee the internal data collection and reporting with regard to the unit's caseloadOther duties as assignedIn order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Chief Investigator must possess the following qualifications:Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, requiredExperience Required: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience conducting sexual misconduct investigations, 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, including the following, is required:Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading large, complex or high stakes investigationsMinimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position responsible for hiring, evaluating, counseling, and leading a team of direct reports, including experience overseeing the work investigators, requiredOther Requirements: Flexible hours of availability (including during non-traditional business hours) are required as necessary to meet the needs of the department and active investigations Access to reliable transportation required; A valid driver's license is preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and the relationship of sexual assault or sexual harassment on victimsKnowledge of Title IX complianceExcellent use of judgment; capable of managing highly sensitive and confidential informationSkilled in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and conducting thorough investigationsStrong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze information and effectively facilitate the resolution of challenging issues of complex and extremely sensitive natureAbility to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issuesAbility to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines and work independently while maintaining high levels of organizationStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop collaborative relationships with diverse groups of constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcementStrong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear visionExcellent technology skillsBenefits: 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.