Investigator I

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) with the authority to conduct investigations regarding waste, fraud and misconduct by any officer, employee, member of the Board; any contractor, subcontractor, consultant or agent providing or seeking to provide goods or services to CCC; and any program administered or funded by the District or colleges. 

Recommendations made by the OIG as a result of its independent investigations and audits serve to promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the administration of the District’s programs and operations.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to a Supervising Investigator, an Investigator I conducts investigations of a less complex nature involving allegations of waste, fraud and misconduct by the District’s officers, employees, members of the Board, agents and contractors, as well as audits/ reviews of CCC programs and operations.

Investigator I position's are entry level, with limited or no experience in conducting investigations and audit/reviews.  Investigators I receive training and instruction on the OIG’s established procedures and standards and are expected to progress in their level of proficiency and skill.  Perform related duties as required.       

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

·       Conducts investigations regarding allegations of waste, fraud, and misconduct.

·       Participates in the conduct of audits/reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls in protecting CCC’s resources, and assessing the compliance and performance of programs, operations and processes.  

·       Interviews complainants, witnesses and subjects to gather and verify facts.

·       Gathers evidence through site visits and surveillance. 

·       Reviews and analyzes data and records to determine whether evidence of waste, fraud, misconduct or mismanagement exists. 

·       Prepares detailed reports to document all investigative or audit/review activities taken (i.e. document review, fact finding analysis, interviews, surveillance).  

·       Uses photographic and video equipment in the conduct of surveillance work to observe criminal activities or acts of misconduct (e.g., fraud, residency violations).

·       Assists more senior Investigators in conducting investigations and audit/reviews. 

·       Testifies in criminal and civil court, at arbitrations, and administrative hearings regarding investigative findings.   

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

   Report to:   Supervising Investigator

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

·       A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration or Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Finance,  or a related field

·       Some work experience in performing fact finding analysis and investigative research and reporting is desirable

·       A combination of education and experience will be taken into consideration based on the applicant’s credentials providing the degree requirement is met

·       A valid State of Illinois driver’s license

·       Must be computer proficient with knowledge of a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The following generally describes the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

·       Knowledge of District’s policies, procedures, rules and agreements

·       Knowledge of applicable federal, state and municipal laws and regulations regarding fraud and criminal and civil violations 

·       Knowledge of investigative practices, procedures, and reporting standards.

·       Knowledge of investigative research and interviewing techniques  

·       Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills

·       Excellent writing, research and presentation skills

·       Excellent organizational skills

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills   

·       Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment

·       Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations 

·       Ability to work with a high degree of professionalism

Working Conditions

·       General office environment  

·       Travel to various colleges across the District as well as other relevant locations

Equipment

·       Standard office equipment including computers and peripheral equipment

·       Surveillance and related investigative equipment    

Physical Requirements

·       Physical ability to operate a personal computer and related office equipment

·       Occasional lifting of 10 to 20 lbs. (e.g. documents, case files, physical evidence)

Worker  Characteristics

·       Initiative – Demonstrate willingness to take on responsibilities and job challenges

·       Innovation – Requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related  problems

·       Adaptability/Flexibility – Be open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace

·       Judgment and Decision Making – Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one