Research Data Analyst
University of Illinois

Research Data Analyst

Foster Care Utilization Review Program (FCURP)

Children and Family Research Center

Located in Chicago, IL

Job Summary
The primary responsibility will be research conducted for the Foster Care Utilization Review Program (FCURP). This includes comprehensive performance reviews of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and private child welfare agencies throughout the state using a continuous quality improvement framework.
Duties & Responsibilities

• With DCFS DQA, manage DCFS' Outcome Enhancement Review (OER)/ CFSR PIP Measurement Review process.

o Develop instruments; train DCFS and private agency staff on review processes; act as reviewer and eventually team leader/Coach/2nd Level QA for onsite reviews; support sampling and selection of cases for review; ensure review logistics; conduct data entry, cleaning, analysis, and reporting to DCFS and private agencies following each review.

• With DCFS DQA, prepare and coordinate the Federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) in the state; more as ramping up for a new CFSR FY25.

o Be or become an expert on the entire Illinois CFSR process; manage project activities to support the onsite review, the development of the state PIP, produce reports of progress toward achievement of the state PIP goals to the Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF); report, analyze, and interpret findings; prepare and author documents requested by DCFS to support progress.

• Other, as requested.

o Conduct targeted utilization reviews of DCFS teams and private agencies throughout the state of Illinois, or Special Projects (such as the ACR Pilot or the ACR Validation project), as requested by DCFS. Maintain extensive working knowledge of Illinois' child welfare system and apply knowledge to both micro-level and systemic foster care issues like DCFS rules and procedures, performance standards, court processes, etc. Study and report on additional issues in child welfare. Other duties as assigned

• Provide additional technical assistance, as requested by DCFS.

o Lead or co-lead CQI-related activities, such as assessments of private agency internal CQI systems and capacity and developing an integrated DCFS and private agency CQI process for the state. In this capacity: provide advice, analyze and interpret data and processes, author reports, and provide recommendations, help identify root causes, help design, implement, and monitor improvement efforts to assess effectiveness and need for adjustment. Lead trainings for large groups of child welfare professionals (direct staff and quality improvement staff). Provide advice on CQI and review processes and instruments; facilitating collaboration between divisions; procuring resources; and researching best evidence-based practices.

Travel Requirements
Travel throughout the state as needed; occasional extended stays will be required
Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in social work or a related field. At least five years of work experience in the child welfare field, at least one of which being in a CQI role. Experience with training large groups. Experience with CQI Cycles of Improvement (for example, the Plan-Do-Study-Act model).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding of program monitoring and quality improvement processes. Strong oral communication skills (able to present complicated data and information to audiences of all sizes and all types of staff, from caseworkers to the DCFS director). Strong written communication skills (able to author professional reports that synthesize large amounts of information from a variety of sources into short, concise, accurate narratives). Comfortable with conducting in-person interviews with all levels of client stakeholders and child welfare staff. Ability to work productively both in teams and independently. Ability to understand research concepts, data analysis, and reporting. Expertise with Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel)

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. Hybrid work may be considered for this position. The minimum of the salary range for this position is $63,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May, 3rd 2024 (extended). Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and contact information (email and phone numbers) for three professional references. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1023295
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu