Student Protections Coordinator

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 Student Protections (OSP) and Title IX’s mission is to provide an equitable, inclusive, safe, supportive and secure learning and working environment, in every school and neighborhood, in the District that is free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation, ensuring that all students, faculty, staff, vendors and visitors can thrive.
 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Case Coordination Team Lead, Student Protections Coordinators within the Office of Student Protections and Title IX (OSP) will serve a central role advancing the Office’s core function: to ensure that every reported incident of sexual misconduct, bias-based harm, and abuse impacting CPS students is thoroughly and properly handled in the best interests of the involved students. The Student Protections Coordinators are responsible for responding to all incidents and consulting with schools on next steps, and  best practices. They advise school administrators on reporting protocols (e.g. Department of Children & Family Services, law enforcement, CPS’ incident reporting software, etc.), initiate investigations, share resources, and ensure that all incidents are properly resolved and documented.

The Student Protections Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Responding to reports assigned as School-Based Investigations, Office of the Inspector General Investigations or Support Only cases of sexual misconduct, bias-based harm and abuse reported to OSP and work closely with schools, families and partner offices in response

Ensure School-Based Investigations for allegations of Sexual Misconduct, Bias-Based Harm, and abuse are  reviewed for closure to ensure that students are able to engage in their educational experience free from harassment, discrimination, or any additional harm

Ensuring that every student involved in a case reported to OSP is treated fairly, appropriately, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Title IX, and CPS policies;

Guiding schools in next steps to address incidents, including connecting them with supports, sharing guidelines and policies, recommending best practices, and ensuring District Policy compliance.

Ensuring appropriate partners provide all trauma-related and socio-emotional resources and services to students, families, and staff.

Prepare  all cases assigned with supportive/interim measures and documentation in preparation for biannual audits provided to local, state and federal agencies.

Performing additional ad hoc duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned (Do not edit this row)

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Student Protections Coordinator must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 

• Advanced degree in a relevant area is a plus (e.g., MSW, MPH, etc.) 

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience organizing high volumes of cases, tracking timelines, and ensuring required documentation are complete.

• Experience in navigating multi-departmental administrative workflows and case management platforms to track case progress and maintain confidentiality is preferred  

• Experience working within an urban school district is preferred 

• Experience working with LGBTQIA -youth advocacy is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experience working with youth around issues of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or problematic sexual behavior; 

• Strong problem solving skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; 

• Experience in a compliance environment; strong organization and documentation skills; 

• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information; 

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity; and 

• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy and tact. 

• Spanish language skills a plus. 

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.

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.