Quality Improvement Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Come join our JCFS (Non-Profit) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team! Are you a people person and a data person? This Quality Improvement Associate position includes providing guidance and support to staff to drive process improvement through data analysis, report writing, and evaluation. The role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.  New graduates and early career professionals are encouraged to apply!

*Please note that we require all applicants to attach both a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this role. *

Each of the following responsibilities are within the scope of the position, however, not all staff in the position do all the items listed here. Responsibilities may be assigned based on rotational assignments, agency need, growth opportunities, and bench strength. This position is hybrid with two to three days a week in the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook, IL and occasional days at other JCFS locations. 

Responsibilities:

• Support and monitor effectiveness of CQI program committees: provide individualized attention and support to assigned program CQI committees, improvement plans, and program leadership.
• Participate in CQI Team efforts to determine efficient and accurate methods for extracting data from multiple client databases. This includes developing models, as assigned, and providing detailed reviews of models written by colleagues.
• Aggregate and analyze data and write accurate, detailed reports for identified CQI committees, creating evaluation tools as needed.
• Conduct program specification with agency programs and services with the support of department leadership.
• Actively participate in CQI committees.
• Apply CQI principles in daily work and actively promote understanding of these principles in interactions with program staff. Prior experience with CQI principles is preferred, but not required.
• Support agency-wide CQI activities that may include, but are not limited to, annual client and stakeholder satisfaction surveys, utilization review, agency statistics, program performance summaries, grant reporting, program evaluation, and provision of data to the development team. 
• Model options and develop reports 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 information for regulatory audits and accreditation reviews, as needed.
• Provide training to agency staff on outcome measurement tools and evaluation processes.
• Represent JCFS and its programs in a positive manner to both internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrate a structured, evidence-based approach to questioning and problem-solving. Actively ask questions, test assumptions, and seek clarification to confirm understanding.
• Provide transparent communication, sharing progress, challenges, and insights at all stages of work to promote collaboration, alignment, and accountability.
• Maintain availability, responsiveness, and productivity during standard working hours, including when working remotely.

Traits/Competencies 

• Effective meeting facilitation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manipulate large amounts of data accurately.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, including the ability to identify inconsistencies in quantitative data.
• Ability to accurately follow and execute multi-step instructions in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and articulately to program staff and team members in a manner that is understandable to individuals who may have limited exposure to CQI concepts.
• Ability to navigate varying stakeholder needs, including resistance or differing levels of engagement, while maintaining accountability and collaborative relationships.
• Takes ownership of assigned projects, proactively identifying issues and driving solutions while regularly communicating progress and risks without prompting.
• Ability to engage in systematic inquiry.
• Adept at situational analysis.
• Maintains professionalism and strives for integrity.
• Customer service orientation.
• Maintains composure and effectiveness during higher-pressure periods, such as reporting cycles or deadlines, while sustaining consistent performance during routine operations.
• Feedback oriented mindset: Openly receives constructive feedback and uses it to improve performance while providing thoughtful, respectful feedback to team members.
• Effective prioritization, time management, and follow-through.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning; actively seeks opportunities to expand knowledge and skills.
• Approaches the unfamiliar with a sense of 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.
• Must have at least intermediate Microsoft Excel and Word skills.
• Experience working with report writing tools such as Power BI, Power Query, SQL, and Survey Monkey preferred.
• This position requires all work to be completed in Illinois with occasional site visits to locations other than Northbrook, IL.  Not all site locations are accessible by public transportation and a reliable method of travel within the Chicago metropolitan area is required.

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT US:

• Mission-driven work: Be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside supportive colleagues who value respect, inclusivity, and shared success.
• Ongoing growth and development: We invest in QIAs through continuous training, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. You’ll be supported to strengthen your skills, explore new areas of expertise, and grow as a professional.

• Paid time off: Includes vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with base contribution and match. Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and much more.

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

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship*. 

EEO Statement: 

Jewish Child and Family Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. JCFS prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance. 

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this exciting opportunity.