Quality Improvement Associate - Northbrook, IL (Hybrid Position)

Come join our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team at JCFS, a non-profit organization! This Quality Improvement Associate position blends people-focused collaboration with data-driven process improvement through analysis, reporting, and evaluation. New graduates and early career professionals are encouraged to apply.

About the role

This hybrid position requires two to three days a week in the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook, IL, with occasional days at other JCFS locations. Responsibilities may vary based on rotational assignments, agency needs, growth opportunities, and bench strength.

Responsibilities

• Support and monitor the effectiveness of CQI program committees by providing individualized attention to assigned committees, improvement plans, and program leadership.
• Participate in CQI Team efforts to determine efficient and accurate methods for extracting data from multiple client databases, including developing models and reviewing colleagues' work.
• Aggregate and analyze data, write detailed reports for CQI committees, and create evaluation tools as needed.
• Conduct program specification with agency programs and services, with support from department leadership.
• Actively participate in CQI committees and apply CQI principles in daily work while promoting understanding among program staff.
• Support agency-wide CQI activities, such as annual client and stakeholder satisfaction surveys, utilization review, agency statistics, program performance summaries, grant reporting, program evaluation, and data provision to the development team.
• Develop reports and model options from data in multiple client information systems related to CQI, program evaluation, and development processes.
• Identify problems, develop and test solutions, evaluate outcomes, and recommend data-informed next steps.
• Support programs, the organization, and compliance staff with reporting for regulatory audits and accreditation reviews.
• Provide training to agency staff on outcome measurement tools and evaluation processes.
• Represent JCFS and its programs positively to internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrate a structured, evidence-based approach to problem-solving, actively questioning, testing assumptions, and seeking clarification.
• Provide transparent communication, sharing progress, challenges, and insights to promote collaboration and accountability.
• Maintain availability, responsiveness, and productivity during standard working hours, including when working remotely.

Skills and Competencies

• Effective meeting facilitation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to manipulate large amounts of data accurately and identify inconsistencies.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in quantitative data analysis.
• Ability to follow and execute multi-step instructions in written and verbal formats.
• Skill in explaining complex CQI concepts clearly to staff with varying levels of exposure.
• Ability to navigate varying stakeholder needs, including resistance or differing engagement levels, while maintaining accountability.
• Takes ownership of projects, proactively identifying issues and driving solutions while communicating progress and risks.
• Engages in systematic inquiry and situational analysis.
• Professionalism, integrity, and customer service orientation.
• Maintains composure and effectiveness during high-pressure periods, such as reporting cycles or deadlines.
• Feedback-oriented mindset: open to receiving and providing constructive feedback.
• Effective prioritization, time management, and follow-through.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and commitment to lifelong learning.
• Approaches unfamiliar tasks with curiosity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
• Strong organization, meeting facilitation, professional written and oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with data collection, data visualization, and data management principles, and familiarity with statistical software.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and Word skills.
• Experience with report writing tools such as Power BI, Power Query, SQL, and Survey Monkey preferred.
• All work must be completed in Illinois with occasional site visits to locations other than Northbrook. A reliable method of travel within the Chicago metropolitan area is required, as not all locations are accessible by public transportation.

Benefits

• Mission-driven work with a positive community impact.
• Collaborative culture valuing respect, inclusivity, and shared success.
• Ongoing growth and development through continuous training, professional development opportunities, and mentorship.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with base contribution and match.
• Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, and 6 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay

The compensation for this role starts at $51,000.