Early Intervention and Home Visiting Policy Analyst

Position Overview

The Division of Early Childhood (DEC) is seeking to hire a dynamic, organized, and detailed-oriented employee to serve as Early Intervention and Home Visiting Policy Analyst.  This position analyzes federal and state Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting proposed and existing legislation to determine alignment of the Division’s short and long-term objectives and goals as well as alignment with state statutes, rules or regulations related to implementation of related policies; utilizes data analysis and stakeholder engagement to develop practical policy solutions, develops, implements, and manages extensive research and data analysis to address key EI and Home Visiting policy issues/gaps and questions, using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method social science research methodologies; prepares a variety and range (i.e., from detailed to high-level) of EI and Home Visiting policy informational materials targeted to specific audiences; and collaborates with the Division’s Programs and Operations to support the development and approvement of EI and Home Visiting policy related  executive agreements (e.g., Intergovernmental Agreements and Data Sharing Agreements). DEC serves to strengthen and centralize Child Care, Early Intervention, and Home Visiting within IDHS.  The DEC vision is for Illinois’ young children and families to have the supports they need to achieve their full potential.  The DEC mission is to enhance access to programs and services that support whole child development.  The DEC is committed to the following guiding values: Whole Child Focus, Quality Service Delivery, Equity, Relentless Pursuit of Mission, Respect and Dignity, and Stability and Sustainability.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting (HV) Policy Analyst for the Division of Early Childhood. 
• Analyzes state and federal Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting (HV) proposed and existing legislation and regulations to determine alignment of the Division’s short- and long-term objectives and goals as well as alignment with state statutes and regulations related to the implementation of related policies.
• Conducts extensive research and data analysis for the purpose of addressing key Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting policy issues/gaps and questions, using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method social science research methodologies.
• Prepares a variety and range (i.e., from detailed to high-level) of EI and Home Visiting informational materials targeted to specific audiences to disseminate related policy and research information.
• Serves as a liaison, collaborating with the Division’s Programs and Operations to support the development and approval of Early Intervention and Home Visiting policy related executive agreements (e.g., Intergovernmental Agreements, Contracts, and Data Sharing Agreements).
• Participates in training as necessary to strengthen both staff and the Division.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of master's degree.
• Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work, or in program planning and development

Specialized Skills

•  Of the two (2) years of required experience, requires two (2) years of professional experience performing data and policy analysis for the development of policy solutions to address key policy issues/gaps, including experience working with federal and state governance of Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting and implementing Early Intervention and Home Visiting policies at the state level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience performing data and policy analysis for the development of policy solutions to address key policy issues/gaps, including experience working with federal and state governance of Early Intervention (EI) and Home Visiting and implementing Early Intervention and Home Visiting policies at the state level.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with a variety of quantitative and qualitative social service policy research methodologies, including but not limited to, designing and conducting analysis of program data and information from various entities.
• Two (2) years of professional experience with advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate policy and research for a lay audience.
• Two (2) years of professional adaptable project management experience within tight timelines.
• Two (2) years of professional experience conceptually and critically thinking to solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing professional and effective working relationships with other internal and external staff, various groups, and external entities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel statewide with overnight stays.
• Requires intermediate proficiency working independently and collaboratively in the creation of policy documents such as memos, data analysis, project and legislation tracking, communication, and file saving utilizing software such as Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams.

* All conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.