Chicago 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 Office of Inspector General for the Chicago Board of Education is the independent oversight body for Chicago’s public, contract, and charter schools.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Deputy Inspector General, the Investigations Specialist is the initial point of contact for complaints to the Office of the Inspector General. The Investigation Specialist, in the General Investigations Unit, is responsible for the intake, assessment and coordination of allegations regarding waste, fraud and financial mismanagement in public education within the jurisdiction of the Chicago Board of Education. The Investigation Specialist is expected to act with exceptional judgement and minimal direction. This is a full-time exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Investigation Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Identify and classify incoming complaints for appropriate next steps

• Monitor and ensure emergency allegations are handled with expediency and coordinate with internal departments and/or external agencies as needed

• Complete and compile research from various databases of all related parties and/or location(s) in an allegation to detect any relevant histories or patterns

• Identify and gather relevant information and carry out preliminary investigative steps to help determine if a complaint requires further investigation or referral; follow up with school administration for additional information as needed

• Prepare detailed summaries of complaints and actions taken, with recommendations, for review

• Update and maintain case files and case management records and data for reports on case status and other performance metrics

• Assist Investigative staff as needed 

• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Investigation Specialist  must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• High School Diploma, required

• Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in positions requiring strong organization, documentation, and communication skills, preferably in an investigative, research, or other fast-paced environment that requires professionally handling inquiries and resolving concerns

• Experience working with confidential and sensitive materials is preferred

Other Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation 

• Occasional travel to off-site CPS locations to pick up evidence or other materials required

• Flexible availability during non-operating hours, required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and remain highly organized while multitasking; prioritize accurately to manage multiple deadlines

• High level of attention to detail

• Proven ability to distill information and concisely report on it to supervisors in both written and verbal communication

• 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, including the ability to handle issues of complex and extreme sensitivity

• Ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people

• Ability to maintain flexibility of schedule in order to support departmental and project-based needs during non-traditional business hours, as needed

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.
   

Benefits:

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.