Research & Quality Improvement Associate

Pine Street Inn

Boston, MA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm

Pays $63,000 - $73,000 Annually (Salary ranges provided are based on relevant experience and skill set)

LOCATION: Hybrid: 3368 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, 2-3 days per week

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Research & Quality Improvement Associate supports the Strategy and Planning Department research, evaluation, and quality improvement agenda.

This position will contribute to the design and implementation of research and evaluation initiatives (such as surveys, focus groups, and research in partnership with universities), analyze internal and external data, and help translate findings into actionable program improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and passionate about translating insights into action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As a contributor to the Strategy and Planning Department’s Research and Evaluation Agenda, the Research & Quality Improvement Associate will be responsible for these areas:

RESEARCH & EVALUATION:

Update and maintain PSI’s library of external research, translating research into digestible insights to support our work.
Conduct literature review to identify useful findings to support the design and delivery of our programs.
Monitor emerging trends and evidence in the field relevant to our work.
Identify possible research questions from PSI’s Data Think Tank, and other key stakeholders, and scope out and manage projects that will increase our knowledge of how and why our programs are working, and how we can enhance them.
Conduct interviews with local and national peer organizations as needed.
Assist as needed with analyzing internal performance metrics, identifying trends and gaps.
Contribute to the development of reports, briefs, and presentations that summarize findings and guide strategic decision-making.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT:

Develop quality improvement plans, track progress and report on improvements.
Design and administer surveys with program participants, using a mixture of digital and paper-based tools.
Analyze and share results of consumer input and develop recommendations to support consumer satisfaction and outcomes in partnership with program stakeholders.
In collaboration with PSI’s Consumer Engagement Coordinator, support the collection and integration of lived experience into our program design and delivery ensuring planning is supported by best-practice evidence and the needs of our program participants.
Assist in translating findings into actionable recommendations, providing planning and implementation support to programs on initiatives to improve service delivery and outcomes.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

The person in this position must:

Have a good understanding of research methods
Be a savvy consumer of data
Have a clear commitment to the populations we serve
Be able to work as part of a team.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:
REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s Degree with two to five (2 – 5) years of database applications and administrative experience, preferably in human services.
Training in basic statistics.
Proficiency in office software and equipment including Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, and Outlook), internet use, telephone systems, and copy/scanner machines.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Excel pivot tables and charts)
Ability to deliver results, work independently, and prioritize tasks, strong attention to detail.

PREFERRED:

Master’s Degree with at least three (3) years of database applications and administrative experience, preferably in human services, and training in program evaluation, research methods, or program management, or equivalent professional experience.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED:
PREFERRED:

Experience with designing and implementing surveys.
Experience conducting and writing literature reviews.
Knowledge of statistical analysis methods.
Knowledge of qualitative analysis methods.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience with project or workflow management.
Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish or Haitian Creole).
Familiarity with housing and homelessness data sources such as the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), the Point in Time count, and the U.S. Census.
Familiarity with HUD standards for data quality and reporting.