Performance and Quality Improvement Associate

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

Our Child & Family Treatment Center (CFTC) is a 24-hour residential treatment program serving youth ages 8-18 who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Through individualized treatment plans, family engagement, and trauma-informed care, we help young people heal from abuse, neglect, and trauma while building the skills and resilience needed to thrive.

About the Role

The Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Associate plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of quality improvement initiatives within the organization. Reporting directly to the Director of Performance and Quality Improvement, this position involves working closely with all quality improvement committees to provide technical assistance, facilitation, and direction of quality improvement activities. The PQI Associate is responsible for ensuring that these activities adhere to the standards and regulations set forth by licensing and accrediting bodies as well as funders. This position is a hybrid of in-office and WFH with regular onsite presence and a requirement to travel between the different agency locations. Additionally, the PQI Associate must possess a basic understanding of the young people/customers served by LH and participate in basic trauma training to effectively interact with them.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

What You'll Do

Performance and Quality Improvement:

• Develop, implement, measure, evaluate, and report program outcomes in collaboration with the Director of Performance and Quality Improvement.
• Co-leads assigned PQI teams and committees, providing technical expertise, encouraging engagement in data discussions and feedback, and planning quality improvement initiatives.
• Supports PQI teams throughout the data lifecycle, from selecting metrics to measure desired outcomes to efficiently collecting and analyzing the data.
• Assist in determining data collection methods and strategies to measure desired outcomes efficiently.
• Aggregate and analyze data for PQI teams and committees.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring quality improvement plans, goals, and strategies.
• Reinforces a team approach throughout the quality improvement process and communicates expectations to team members.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of PQI activities, documentation, and reports to meet internal deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations set by licensing and accrediting bodies.
• Support the Director of Performance and Quality Improvement in other related tasks and projects as needed.

Data Aggregation and Analysis

• Collaborate with PQI teams to develop and maintain Logic Models and PQI Dashboards.
• Create data collection tools for data analysis and aggregation and generate data reports for assigned PQI teams.
• Coordinate surveys for internal and external stakeholder experience and satisfaction.
• Compile data and demographics for the PQI Annual Outcomes Report.
• Has shared responsibility for maintenance and accessibility of quality improvement files, records, and reports including the PQI SharePoint site.

Accreditation

• Assist the Director of Performance and Quality Improvement in coordinating the Council on Accreditation (COA) re-accreditation process.
• Coordinate COA consumer surveys.
• Collect documentation for the COA self-study and on-site milestones.

Professional Development:

• Maintains expertise in PQI by staying current with best practices to optimize agency PQI programs, procedures, technology, and reporting.
• Provide capacity building to organization staff in data reading, usage, and communication.
• Represents the agency in public meetings and conferences as assigned.
• Takes responsibility for tasks and professionally holds others accountable.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the position.
• Takes on other duties as assigned.

Trauma Informed/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/REST

• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed and two trainings related to DEI informed in a twelve-month period.
• Uses active listening, affirmations, and avoids negativity to show respect and empathy.
• Recognizes behaviors as potential coping mechanisms for past experiences.
• Maintains confidentiality to foster trust.
• Works effectively with diverse populations to promote healing.
• Maintains a professional demeanor with everyone.
• Creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere through kindness, consideration, and active listening.
• Provide direct line-of-sight supervision to youth and maintain a safe residential environment.

General Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality to ensure a safe environment for all.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel).
• Collegiality required; employees must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a respectful team environment.
• Understand child and adolescent development, recognize trauma symptoms, and utilize healing-centered, trauma-informed practices.
• Use active listening, empathy, and affirming communication techniques when interacting with youth, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to agency-wide quality improvement efforts and program initiatives.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Previous experience in quality improvement, performance improvement, or a related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality improvement methodologies and practices preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience navigating nonprofit Client Information Systems (CIS) to extract, review, or analyze data for program data and quality improvement preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report generation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to travel between agency locations as required.
• Basic understanding of the young people/customers served by the organization.
• Valid driver's license issued in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin, personal vehicle or access to vehicle, proof of personal auto insurance, and ability to meet all organizational driving requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to pass all required background checks and drug screening requirements.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: Office-first hybrid work environment based at our Francisco campus in Albany Park, Chicago.
• Schedule: Standard business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility required based on business needs.
• Travel/Driving: Valid driver's license required, with occasional travel to other Lawrence Hall locations throughout the city as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $46,000-$51,000 per year. Compensation is based on a set rate and may vary based on education and experience.
• Overtime opportunities available.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidays.
• Medical insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Dental insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit.
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary Life Insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources.
• Wellness Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

How to Apply

Submit your resume to the link at the top

We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.