Policy Analyst - Clinical

Chapin Hall is seeking a Policy Analyst with clinical expertise and direct practice experience to work with jurisdictions across the country to successfully implement child welfare transformation efforts and embed evidence-based and promising practices as the field moves towards a greater emphasis on prevention and promoting child and family well-being. The Policy Analyst will work with public and private child welfare leaders and administrators integrating the best available knowledge, scientific research and policy expertise, designing and implementing policies, strategies and programs that achieve the agency’s goals, and, ultimately, creating positive change and improving child and family outcomes.

The Policy Analyst will partner with their project teams to cultivate relationships, empower leaders (both internal and external), critically examine and apply research evidence, and provide concrete, strategic, and nuanced at-the-elbow policy analysis and implementation support to policymakers and practitioners as they build capacity to effectively manage toward their own goals.

Further, the successful candidate will bring real world practice and clinical experience in the fields of child welfare, clinical practice, and implementation science to contribute to the iteration, deployment and testing of Chapin Hall’s suite of implementation tools and frameworks, ideally with a foundational understanding of how jurisdictions can improve child outcomes through strategic levers like the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First). In addition, the successful policy analyst will have direct practice and/or training experience implementing Motivational Interviewing (MI) and other evidence-based interventions as well as other empirically-supported practices, programs and policies that promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster care or at risk of entering foster care.

The Policy Analyst will be charged with managing tasks within broader scopes of work while, partnering with project teams to successfully achieve project goals and develop deliverables on time and within budget, and supporting Policy Fellows as they guide and lead site specific projects. The successful candidate will primarily be contributing to up to three projects focused on supporting the statewide implementation of Motivational Interviewing, as well as the implementation of a range of child welfare transformation strategies inclusive of Family First provisions and child welfare practice models.

This position will be based virtually, but assigned projects may cross time zones within the U.S.

Chapin Hall embraces a “Work from Anywhere” approach which offers flexible remote work from anywhere in the United States. Chapin Hall also offers in-person opportunities for staff to build: 1) connections, 2) team cohesion and creativity, and 3) a sense of belonging to the organization. All staff are expected to travel to and engage in a minimum of two annual 2-day “All Hall Convenings” featuring shared learning, teamwork, and fellowship. Reasonable accommodations are made for those who require modifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports jurisdictions in their efforts to leverage policy opportunities like the Family First Prevention Services Act towards child welfare system transformation.
• Conducts policy, practice, and evidence reviews to develop innovative approaches to system transformation efforts.
• Leverages the existing knowledge to its fullest and identifies opportunities to build evidence within jurisdictional contexts
• Develops training curricula and related job aids and resources to support the successful and sustainable implementation of promising and evidence-based practices.
• Supports the identification of targeted opportunities and contributes to strategies and analytical support for the effective implementation of evidence-informed best practices through the development and execution of plans for effective, tailored implementation.
• Partners with the project teams to develop, deploy, test, and refine capacity building and implementation tools frameworks, tools and resources to promote effective engagement towards system change and integration.
• Effectively uses project management tools and strategies to manage the implementation of projects of varying size and complexity, including planning, organizing and managing resources to achieve specific project goals and objectives.
• Supports the translation of data and research findings into practical decisions, continuous quality improvement, and, ultimately, policy and practice change.
• Manages and contributes substantively to teams working to effectively write and present relevant findings and reports, issue briefs, materials, memoranda, and other communications related to team efforts.
• Drafts major sections or full reports, tools, and resources for projects.
• Identifies opportunities and initiates ideas for communications to external stakeholders.
• Edits and reviews the written work of other professionals.
• Facilitates or contributes to meetings with key external stakeholders.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree preferred, or a bachelor degree with experience, in public policy, social work, developmental or clinical psychology or other relevant field required.
• A minimum of three years of experience contributing to the implementation of processes, practices, and policymaking in family-serving systems designed to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families required.
• A minimum of three years of experience in direct practice and clinical experience required. Two years or more practice experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and cross-systems treatment coordination (e.g. substance use, mental health, parent education) is required. MINT and/or LYSSN Training certification preferred.

• Able to bring direct practice and clinical expertise to bear to build evidence in the context of child welfare system transformation.
• Subject matter expertise and direct experience in the training, implementation, and CQI practice of Motivational Interviewing (MI).
• Experience partnering with key public and private sector leaders, community funders, and policy stakeholders in the development and carrying out of changes in public policies and practices required.
• Working knowledge of implementation science principles required.
• Experience with curriculum development and training of child welfare workforce.
• Experience developing tools and resources to support child welfare system transformation.
• Demonstrated facility with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to translate and convey complex concepts and study findings into oral presentations, including the development of PowerPoint decks and other visuals, and written communications required.
• Demonstrated capacity for working in a collaborative policy environment required.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to manage and prioritize the work on multiple projects required.
• Proficiency with project management software strongly preferred.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.

Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to recruiting@chapinhall.org.

Chapin Hall is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, Chapin Hall offers visa sponsorship in limited instances for hard-to-fill specialty occupation roles. If you have questions about visa sponsorship at Chapin Hall, please reach out to humanresources@chapinhall.org

Regarding the salary range

Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.

Benefits
Chapin Hall provides a strong benefits program that addresses the diverse needs of our staff. The Chapin Hall Benefits Program offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options that allow you to design your own plan, to balance individual needs with affordability and support long-term financial stability for staff and their family. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, parental leave and retirement options. For more information on our benefits, visit our Chapin Hall Website.