Description:

Posting Date: May 26, 2023, 2:07:35 AM

Primary Location: Central-42 West Madison Street (Law Office)

Position Type: Non-Union Position

Job Description

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.

CPS is seeking an Investigative Law Clerk to work with two units of the CPS Law Department; the Law Investigations Unit (LIU) and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). The LIU investigates cases of alleged misconduct under the LIU’s jurisdiction, including cases involving ethics violations, falsification of attendance records, and test cheating. The OAH’s main duties include presiding over discipline and grievance appeal hearings and issuing decision memoranda. This position is a collaboration between the Units and it will offer an opportunity to see the administrative investigative and adjudication processes for employee discipline matters at a large, complex public entity from beginning to end

Job Summary:

The Clerk will primarily be assigned to LIU but will also work with staff in OAH, including the staff Administrative Hearing Officers. The Investigative Law Clerk will assist the Units in interpreting/applying collective bargaining agreements to complex employment matters in a collaborative and deadline-driven environment.

This is a part-time/seasonal position that is temporary in nature. For Summer 2023, the Investigative Law Clerk will work for up to 35 hours per week from June through late August/early September.

Through collaboration with and oversight by both the LIU staff and OAH, the Investigative Law Clerk 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 and in coordination with LIU Investigators;
Examine and analyze a variety of work records and related documents;
Assist with preparing well-written reports of investigation activities conducted;
Collaborate with and assist other LIU staff in conducting large-scale, and complex investigations;
Observe grievance and discharge hearings and draft decisions based on evidence and testimony.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Investigative Law Clerk must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, required
Current enrollment in Law School required
Prior experience or demonstrated interest in the performance of fact-finding analysis and investigative research and reporting work

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Refined judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive, detailed, and confidential information
A willingness to learn about the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation in a team-centered environment
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 constituents, including parents, faculty, 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:

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. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.