Job Description
Apply NowSenior Child Welfare Researcher—CQI Task Lead
Job ID 2313Position Description:
Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance.
Mathematica seeks a highly experienced and dedicated senior researcher and continuous quality improvement (CQI) expert in child welfare who is passionate about improving the well-being of children, youth, and families for a full-time role with the National Child Welfare Center for Innovation and Advancement (NCWCIA). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work, public administration, or a related field, combined with extensive professional experience in CQI, quality assurance, and technical assistance within child welfare. The new senior researcher will join our interdisciplinary staff of practice and research experts in child and human development, psychology, sociology, economics, and public policy in the Nutrition, Health, and Human Services Division. Duties of the position:
- Guide the design and delivery of tailored, short-cycle CQI strategies that align with child welfare jurisdiction needs
- Monitor CQI tasks and deliverables for contract compliance and proactively mitigate potential issues
- Co-lead a multi-disciplinary project team focused on integrating continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the NCWCIA’s work with child welfare jurisdictions
- Implement and revise (as needed) CQI processes with NCWCIA staff and consultants, ensuring all are prepared to integrate CQI processes in their work
- Use data to support NCWCIA teams in improving NCWCIA services and measuring child welfare jurisdictions’ progress towards high priority outcomes
- Experience in data management, relational databases, data visualization and data storytelling techniques and principles, including use of software such as Tableau, PowerBI, or Excel
- Disseminate learnings and other information to policymakers and child welfare jurisdictions
Position Requirements:
- Ph.D. or Masters degree plus equivalent work experience in social work, psychology, public policy, sociology, education, or related field
- Five+ years’ experience in a public child welfare agency with expertise in continuous improvement and quality assurance; experience with Child and Family Service Reviews (CFSRs) and related documents, reports, and processes; and at least two years of management experience
- Experience working with state and local child welfare agencies on quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Experience distilling complex information into key ideas and concepts and making information easily accessible to child welfare professionals for the purpose of program improvement and systems change
- Experience leading efforts that support organizational and/or program improvement
- Demonstrated ability to lead large expert multi-disciplinary teams with agility
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate evidence for program and policy audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed, to support project activities and engagement with child welfare jurisdictions.
A cover letter, CV and a relevant writing sample must be submitted at the time of application.
This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $125K - $160K. This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.
Available Locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Remote
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
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We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.