JPD - Operations Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Operations Analyst
Grade: 19 Step 355
Non-Union :
Salary: $85,241

Job Summary
The Operations Analyst supports the Juvenile Probation Department's efforts to strengthen the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of services provided to court-involved youth and families. Working within the Organizational Performance Division, the position applies knowledge of evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and implementation fidelity to support effective practice and positive youth outcomes.
Based on Department needs and assigned responsibilities, the Operations Analyst may deliver structured evidence-based interventions directly to youth; conduct quality assurance and fidelity reviews of Department practices and services; provide coaching, consultation, and technical assistance to staff and supervisors; and/or support continuous quality improvement activities across operational divisions.
When assigned to evidence-based programming, the Operations Analyst facilitates individual and group-based cognitive-behavioral interventions designed to strengthen problem-solving, decision-making, emotional regulation, social skills, cognitive restructuring, and other skills associated with positive behavior change and reduced justice-system involvement. The position engages youth using developmentally appropriate, strengths-based approaches while maintaining fidelity to established evidence-based curricula and practice standards.
When assigned to quality assurance and fidelity functions, the Operations Analyst conducts structured reviews and analyses to assess practice quality, adherence to Department standards and evidence-based practices, implementation fidelity, and the effectiveness and consistency of service delivery. The position identifies strengths and areas for improvement and works collaboratively with supervisors, Deputy Chief Probation Officers, and Department leadership to strengthen practice, accountability, and organizational learning.
The Operations Analyst works across organizational divisions and collaborates with probation officers, supervisors, Department leadership, families, community partners, and service providers as appropriate to the assigned function. The position may serve as a subject matter resource, practitioner, reviewer, coach, or internal consultant and is expected to perform assigned responsibilities with a high degree of professional judgment, objectivity, and independence.
The position does not carry a probation caseload or exercise probation supervision or enforcement authority. Rather, the Operations Analyst supplements and strengthens probation practice through direct evidence-based intervention, quality assurance, fidelity assessment, coaching, consultation, and continuous improvement activities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities

1. Supports the Department's efforts to strengthen the quality, consistency, effectiveness, and sustainability of services and practices for youth and families.
2. Applies evidence-based practices, quality improvement principles, research, and organizational standards to evaluate and strengthen Department practice.
3. Collaborates with Deputy Chief Probation Officers, supervisors, probation officers, coaches, Training, Data and Performance staff, and other Department personnel to identify practice strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
4. Provides consultation, technical assistance, coaching, and other practice supports within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
5. Assists in developing tools, practice standards, implementation guides, review instruments, and other resources that promote consistent and effective service delivery.
6. Uses qualitative and quantitative information, practice observations, quality findings, and other relevant information to identify trends and inform improvement strategies.
7. Participates in multidisciplinary workgroups and organizational initiatives supporting evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and Department priorities.
8. Maintains current knowledge of research, emerging practices, and developments in juvenile justice, evidence-based practice, implementation, fidelity, and quality improvement.

Evidence-Based Practice & Practice Improvement Assignment
Operations Analysts assigned to evidence-based practice and practice improvement functions may:

1. Serve as a Department subject matter resource regarding evidence-based practices, implementation science, and juvenile justice best practices.
2. Promote the implementation, fidelity, and sustainability of evidence-based and evidence-informed practices throughout the Department.
3. Provide consultation and coaching to supervisors, professional coaches, probation officers, and other staff to strengthen competency in evidence-based practice.
4. Observe practice and provide structured feedback, coaching, and reflective consultation designed to strengthen staff competency and effective interactions with youth and families.
5. Develop coaching resources, practice tools, implementation strategies, and other supports that assist staff and supervisors in applying evidence-based practices.
6. Partner with Training staff to identify learning needs and develop curriculum, training, and professional development opportunities that strengthen staff competency.
7. Monitor emerging research and national best practices and recommend strategies for strengthening Department practice.
8. Develop and maintain relationships with research organizations, universities, training partners, and juvenile justice organizations and participate in relevant professional learning communities and evidence-based practice initiatives.

Evidence-Based Youth Programming

1. Facilitates structured individual and group-based cognitive-behavioral interventions for court-involved youth in accordance with established curricula and practice standards.
2. Engages youth using developmentally appropriate, strengths-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches.
3. Maintains fidelity to established intervention models while appropriately responding to individual youth needs and responsivity factors.
4. Coordinates with probation officers and other members of the youth's team to ensure interventions are aligned with identified risk, needs, strengths, and case plan goals.
5. Documents youth participation, progress, skill development, and other required information in accordance with Department procedures.
6. Provides programming during hours that support youth participation, including after-school and evening hours as required.

Quality Assurance & Fidelity Assignment
Operations Analysts assigned to quality assurance and fidelity functions may:

1. Conduct quality assurance reviews, case reviews, practice observations, and program assessments to evaluate adherence to Department policies, standards, practice expectations, and evidence-based practices.
2. Assess implementation fidelity of evidence-based practices, Core Correctional Practices, Motivational Interviewing, case planning, and other Department initiatives.
3. Identify trends, strengths, practice gaps, systemic barriers, and opportunities for organizational improvement.
4. Prepare clear written reports summarizing review findings, patterns, recommendations, and improvement opportunities.
5. Monitor adherence to Department policies, procedures, standards, and established performance expectations within the scope of assigned reviews.
6. Develop and refine quality assurance tools, review instruments, fidelity measures, assessment protocols, and related processes.
7. Partner with supervisors and Department leadership to review findings, identify contributing factors, and develop appropriate improvement strategies.
8. Collaborate with Data and Performance staff to analyze trends, interpret findings, and support data-informed organizational decision-making.
9. Support continuous quality improvement initiatives and follow-up activities designed to determine whether identified areas of concern have improved.

Other Duties

1. Participate in training, professional development, and continuous learning opportunities.
2. Remain current on research, emerging trends, and best practices in juvenile justice, evidence-based practices, and quality improvement.
3. Maintains confidentiality and appropriately safeguards sensitive youth, employee, court, and organizational information.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.

Operations Analysts may be assigned responsibilities within one or more functional areas based on Department needs, organizational priorities, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the incumbent. Assignments may include evidence-based practice and practice improvement, quality assurance and fidelity, or a combination of functions. Assignment to a particular functional area is not permanent and may be modified by Department leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of evidence-based juvenile justice practices, quality assurance, continuous quality improvement, implementation principles, and practice fidelity.
2. Knowledge of juvenile justice principles, Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR), adolescent development, trauma-informed practice, family engagement, and behavioral-change approaches.
3. Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in one or more evidence-based or evidence-informed practices relevant to juvenile justice, such as Core Correctional Practices, Motivational Interviewing, cognitive-behavioral interventions, coaching, or fidelity assessment.
4. Skill in assessing practice through methods such as case review, observation, fidelity assessment, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and other structured evaluation approaches.
5. Skill in analyzing and synthesizing information, identifying trends and practice gaps, and translating findings, research, and evidence into practical recommendations and improvement strategies.
6. Skill in coaching, facilitation, consultation, and providing clear, constructive feedback that supports professional growth and improved practice.
7. Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence practice and organizational improvement without direct supervisory authority while maintaining objectivity and professional boundaries.
8. Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively through written reports, presentations, facilitated discussions, training, and consultation with diverse audiences.
9. Ability to work independently and across organizational divisions, manage multiple priorities, exercise sound professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Two (2) years of professional experience involving juvenile justice, behavioral health, child welfare, human services, evidence-based programming, quality improvement, program evaluation, organizational performance, implementation, or other related work.
3. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
4. Primary residence in the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of hire.
5. Pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and background check (LEADs and CANTS).
6. A negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services child abuse registry.

Preferred Qualifications