Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center at the University of Chicago that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to deliver actionable information, practical tools, and positive change for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall's partnership mindset is demonstrated in a collaborative and innovative work environment committed to diversity and inclusion in our culture, projects, and workforce. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's main impact areas include child welfare systems, community capacity building, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.org or @Chapin_Hall. Take a moment to view a video clip of staff on why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.

Chapin Hall's unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in its commitment to employees by always fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. We embrace diverse backgrounds, diverse perspectives, and diverse experiences in everything we do, in every partnership, and in our workplace. Our inclusive approach to people, partnerships, and communities makes us a better and stronger organization by bringing in innovative, highly motivated, multidisciplinary staff committed to fostering a truly collaborative work environment. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive work environment, work life flexibility, and partnerships that support both the diversity amongst our staff and within the communities we serve.

We are committed to maintaining a flexible, family-friendly work culture that meets the needs of our staff and external partners. We embrace a work from anywhere mindset that allows our staff to be empowered regarding their work and personal commitments while working remotely.

JOB DESCRIPTION

T h e Policy Analyst will work with a collaborative and integrated research and policy team to bring a unique blend of scientific research, real world experience, CQI, and policy expertise to partnering jurisdictions. The team's work is designed to strengthen public and private agency capacity by leveraging critical opportunities like the Family First Prevention Services Act to re-conceptualize existing practice, operationalize, and evaluate outcomes, harness research to support clinical skills and competencies, as well as restructure processes to be fully attuned to achieving safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes. The Policy Analyst will cultivate relationships, critically examine, and apply research evidence, and provide concrete, strategic, and nuanced at-the-elbow policy analysis and implementation support to policymakers and practitioners as they build capacity to effectively manage toward their own goals.

The Policy Analyst will work with state and local child welfare jurisdictions across the country to successfully build their capacity to implement and monitor evidence-based improvement strategies designed to improve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for vulnerable children and families. The successful candidate will work with public and private child welfare leaders integrating the best available knowledge, scientific research and policy expertise into the design and implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies and infrastructure. The candidate will have experience designing and implementing CQI frameworks and processes, data collection, analysis, and reporting platforms and mechanisms, and feedback loops across the organization to help inform leaderships ability to track and monitor outcomes. The candidate will also have experience implementing, monitoring, and recommending course corrections for evidence-based programs or services.

The successful applicant will assume responsibility for the completion of discrete tasks and deliverables from start to finish, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders, engaging the expertise of senior staff as needed.

This position will report directly to a Chapin Hall Policy Fellow or Senior Policy Analyst and allows for remote work and periodic in-person attendance at meetings in Chicago, IL. Additionally, this position will require participation in daily virtual meetings and occasional travel to the east and/or west coast for in-person meetings depending on assigned projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

With an integrated, collaborative team of research and policy staff, the Policy Analyst shall execute the following responsibilities:

• Conducts policy and evidence review and analysis to develop innovative approaches to system reform efforts.
• Plays a lead role in developing and implementing strategies for the effective implementation of continuous quality improvement processes, systems change initiatives, and evidence-based practices.
• Assists in the translation of data and research findings into practical decisions and ultimately, policy change.
• Manages competing priorities and requests from multiple team members and client partners and prioritizes appropriately.
• Synthesizes research findings and implementation best practices to inform the development of plans for effective, tailored implementation.
• Conceptualizes and supports application of practical strategies for implementing and sustaining policy and practice improvements.
• Provides organizational development coaching and at-the-elbow support to mid-level child welfare and other human services leaders.
• Provides analytical support to guide the effective implementation of plans and strategies.
• Manages the implementation of components of policy projects, including coordinating project activities and communicating with project team members and external stakeholders.
• Leads the development and timely submission of project deliverables, including reports, issue briefs, materials, and other communications related to team efforts.
• Identifies opportunities and initiates ideas for communications to external stakeholders.
• Actively participates and leads meetings with external stakeholders.
• Represents Chapin Hall, engaging stakeholders in project-related discussions, accurately assessing each situation to determine the appropriate approach and discussion topics.
• Establishes relationships with appropriate individuals at external organizations.
• Performs additional duties as assigned