Legal Investigator (Office of Inspector General)

Chicago Park District•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) includes investigating allegations of fraud, waste and misconduct by Chicago Park District employees, Board members, contractors, agents, or volunteers and monitoring the Park District’s compliance with the Employment Plan’s rules governing hiring and other employment actions. Under the general supervision of the Deputy Inspector General, this position: (1) conducts confidential investigations; (2) collects evidence and makes recommendations based on findings; and (3) performs related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or 10 years of investigatory experience.
Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analysis and investigative research and reporting work, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience (e.g. graduation from accredited law school) provided that the minimum Bachelor's degree requirement is met.
Aptitude and ability to handle cases of moderate complexity (e.g. multiple subjects and/or multiple allegations).
Must possess a valid State of Illinois Class D or equivalent driver’s license.
Ability to be flexible and adjust availability during non-operating hours based on investigative needs.
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
Demonstrated superior 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 children, staff, and law enforcement
Ability to research and analyze data
Skill in gathering statements and other evidence in an impartial manner
Ability to testify in court, at arbitrations or hearings in a clear and concise manner

Responsibilities

Interviews complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of employee misconduct and fraud
Conducts site visits to collect documents and physical evidence and performs analysis of documents and evidence collected
Uses photographic and video equipment in the course of surveillance work to observe acts of employee misconduct
Prepares comprehensive written reports on activities performed in the course of each investigation
Attends case review meetings
Updates and maintains case files and case management system in order to report on the status of assigned investigations
Maintains highest level of confidentiality of OIG-related files, information, and records
Performs complaint intake duties: documents initial complaints; reviews complaint information; and develops investigative strategies
Coordinates investigative activities with other agencies
Makes recommendations based on investigative findings
Testifies in court, at arbitrations or hearings on investigation findings
Performs related duties as assigned or required

Benefits

Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment).
12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
4 paid personal days per year.
13 paid holidays per year.
12 weeks of paid parental leave (contingent upon FMLA eligibility)
Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs – Transit
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
Free Admission to most Chicago museums.