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.

CPS is seeking a Part-Time Investigator to work with the Law Investigations Unit (LIU). LIU investigates cases of alleged misconduct under the LIU’s jurisdiction, including cases involving LSC election challenges, background checks, and employee misconduct.  

Job Summary:

The investigator will be assigned to LIU and report to the Investigations Manager. Part-Time Investigator will assist the Unit in investigating a variety of allegations, gather evidence, and submit a written report of their findings. 

This part-time/temporary position will be compensated for time worked on an hourly basis. The work schedule for this role will consist of an estimated 20 hours per week for an anticipated period of 6 months beginning March 15, 2026 and ending September 15, 2026, subject to change. Due to the part-time/temporary nature of this work, this is not a benefit-eligible position. This role will report to the Investigations Manager.

This is a part-time position. The Part-Time Investigator will work for up to 20 hours per week.

The Part-Time Investigator 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;

• Obtain evidence through written requests, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments or external agencies;

• Examine and analyze a variety of work records and related documents;

• Assist with preparing well-written reports of investigation activities conducted and findings of fact;

• Testify at grievance and discharge hearings when necessary;

• Other duties as assigned by the Investigations Manager.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the part-time/temporary Investigator must possess the following qualifications: 

Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required 

Experience Required: 

• Experience or demonstrated interest in the performance of fact-finding analysis, investigative research, and reporting work

• Experience testifying in court or administrative hearings, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Refined judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive, detailed, and confidential information

• 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

• Demonstrated 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 stakeholders, including parents, staff, and law enforcement, with diplomacy and tact

• Ability to build collaborative relationships to support coworkers, schools, and principals

Residency Requirement:

Must reside in the State of Illinois.

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.