Public Child Welfare CQI & Data Specialist (Foster Care, CPS, AFCARS, NCANDS)

The child welfare data expert (Research Associate II) functions in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team that shares a continued commitment to excellence. The child welfare data expert conducts and/or leads data analysis that supports complex data-driven and continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects, conducts data analytics tasks, and develops reports and presentations.
This role serves as the primary point of contact for data-related tasks and information for jurisdictions as well as assists with the development and implementation of quality assurance and CQI protocols and activities, including, but not limited to, the following:
Supporting and advising jurisdictions on root-cause analysis and data-driven strategies to support performance improvement plans
Linking quality findings to data collection and learning opportunities Supporting the implementation of improved data collection processes based on performance improvement plans and Federal review findings
**** This position requires direct experience working with public child welfare agencies, child protective services (CPS), foster care, prevention programs, or child welfare administrative data systems.****
PROJECT-SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS
Distills complex information into key ideas and concepts and makes information easily accessible to child welfare professionals for the purpose of program improvement and systems change
Designs data analytic tools, data visualization reports, presentations, dashboards, and data-driven assistance workplans
Leads and or/supports the internal project team in exploring jurisdictional data to understand challenges, assesses and addresses data quality concerns, and makes data-driven decisions
Leads and or/supports the project team in responding to jurisdictional needs regarding CQI frameworks (e.g., plan, do, study, act [PDSA]; results-based accountability [RBA]; define, assess, plan, implement, monitor [DAPIM]; and define measure, analyze, improve, control [DMAIC])
Provides consultation and support to public child welfare agencies (jurisdictions) in understanding, analyzing, visualizing, using, and sharing their child welfare data with a range of partners to inform decision-making and strategy selection
Contributes to tracking key performance metrics relevant to child welfare (i.e., safety, permanency, and well-being)
Identifies trends, patterns, and correlations in child welfare data to inform technical assistance development and delivery
Develops and provides training and coaching to child welfare staff on data literacy, interpretation, root-cause analysis, and application to daily workflows
Provides consultation and support to public child welfare agencies to more deeply explore performance using available quantitative and qualitative data and identifying areas for additional data collection (i.e., using data to test theories/hypotheses, training and coaching and review of the completeness of problem exploration)
Supports connecting CQI activities with data collection processes and findings
Supports the development of jurisdictional improvement plans and implementation of improved processes based upon Federal review findings
Manages tasks and deliverables for contract compliance with minimal supervision
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Education:
A master’s degree and 6 years of experience, including 3 years of focused experience, are required
Experience:
Experience in child welfare and/or highly related field
Experience analyzing and visualizing child welfare administrative datasets, including State administrative data and/or Federal child welfare reporting such as the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS)
Experience with child welfare Federal reporting processes and initiatives such as Child and Family Services Plans (CFSP) and Annual Progress and Services Reports (APSRs), Child and Family Services Review (CFSR)-related documents and reports including the statewide data indicators (SWDI), Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) prevention plans, materials related to other Federal reviews (e.g., National Youth in Transition Database), formula grant plans (e.g., Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and Children’s Justice Act), demonstration grants reports, discretionary grant work plans and reports, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) applications, Court Improvement Program (CIP) plans, and other sources to systematically assess the needs of State and Territorial public child welfare agencies
Familiarity with Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS) requirements
Experience working in and/or providing consultation and support to public child welfare agencies to select, implement, and monitor the use of risk and safety assessment tools and protocols (i.e., assessment selection or protocol development, implementation, training, coaching, and examination of assessment reliability/validity)
Experience interpreting and communicating jurisdictions’ needs and strengths through the use of data
Software proficiency:
Expert knowledge in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Proficient in using PowerBi independently
Proficient in project management/CRM software (e.g., Monday.com, Smartsheet, Salesforce)
Experience with one or more statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, R, or other statistical packages
(Preferred) Proficient in Python, SQL, and cloud-based data management platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks)
Competencies:
Ability to work with jurisdictions, including agency leadership and program manager staff
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with the project team and jurisdiction, specifically the ability to communicate data results effectively to any audience and confidently make data-informed decisions
Strong knowledge of child welfare Federal reviews and child welfare data systems
Self-motivated and proactive to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision and guidance; adaptable and flexible to cope with changing requirements and technologies
Creative and innovative thinking to design and deliver data-driven solutions that increase efficiencies and reduce burden for jurisdictions and within the project team
Analytical skills to extract data insights, trends, and outcomes
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to conduct advanced statistical analyses with minimal supervision preferred
Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
Ability to write clear and concise copy with attention to detail and target audience focus with minimal supervision
Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
Leadership and management skills to initiate, plan, execute, and deliver data-driven projects with a growth mindset
Language:
English fluency (oral and written)
(Preferred) Spanish fluency (oral and written)
Location:
This position is remote eligible. Candidates who live within 50 miles of our North Bethesda, MD or San Mateo, CA offices will be expected to work in a hybrid capacity.
Security clearance:
· Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Public Trust is required as a condition of employment.
Physical requirements:
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation
Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse
Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy
Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone
Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents
Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues
Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks
Ability to travel 10–20 percent, on average, based on the project needs
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.
Salary Range: $80,000 - $108,500 annually.
Compensation is determined by years of directly relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, contract labor category requirements, and internal equity considerations. Final salary offers may vary within the posted range.
Benefits:
JBS International provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, and other employee programs.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet

Skills
Python, SQL, Snowflake, Databricks, Data Analysis, Power BI, Excel

Experience
6+ yrs

Work arrangement
Yes