Performance and Quality Improvement Intern

Under the direction of the Executive Director of IT-PQI and the PQI Senior Data Analyst, the PQI Intern assists the Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) department with operational functions, projects, and various agency-wide initiatives. This role will provide support and expertise to program staff regarding evidence based practices; performance outcomes; assessing and implementing continuous quality improvement initiatives; and licensing, legal, funding, and accreditation standards to ensure quality services to clients in accordance with the agency mission. This individual will work collaboratively with PQI Analysts and program staff to develop practice efficiencies, metrics, and outcomes that will continuously improve service delivery and will guide decision making. This individual will spend time analyzing data, entering data into databases or excel spreadsheets, working with program staff on maintaining accurate data in systems, and preparing reports. The PQI Intern collaborates closely with PQI Data Analysts, IT Project Managers, and Business Unit leadership.

Intern has the opportunity to engage in the following activities:

This list is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other opportunities, as management may deem appropriate from time to time.

• Support business units to provide expertise in the area of quality practice and in the areas of client and program outcomes and metrics. Research and provide support and expertise to business units regarding evidence-based practices and models for successful programming. May develop/recommend appropriate policies and procedures to staff.
• Participate in internal Program Reviews;
• Assist PQI Analysts with expertise to program staff in the development and implementation of program evaluation tools such as case record reviews, client experience surveys, assessment and treatment tools, etc.

• Understand the various programs and services provided within LSS and actively look for opportunities to improve services.
• Included in the continual assessment of department and agency needs as it relates to continuously improving processes and procedures and as it relates to ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;
• Assist with analyzing data, inputs data into an excel spreadsheets and electronic databases to includes metrics, outcomes, client demographics, client and program incidents, and various other information tracked by the PQI department; and assists with the preparations for all internal and external PQI reports;
• Research and interpret all forms of state and federal regulations in order to inform practice and assist in responding to inquiries from operations and to ensure departmental policies and procedures remain in compliance;
• Assist department and agency in preparing for Council on Accreditation (COA) reaccreditation through providing expertise about standards through developing tools and guidelines to assist with compliance with COA standards;
• Assist PQI projects regarding updating agency policies, procedures, and manuals;
• Runs reports in electronic case management system and validates data with programs;
• Assist PQI Analysts in leading programs for enhanced programming and organizational capacity;
• Support programs with gathering data for grant proposals;
• Collaborates in other PQI projects and other duties, as assigned and needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This is a Master's level internship opportunity. Experience and knowledge in human services is preferred.

In addition the following is required:

• Has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines;
• Has ability to independently seek out opportunities and strive for continuous quality improvement;
• Has the ability and interest to grow and learn to take on more advanced tasks and projects;
• Has strong initiative, organizational skills and a high attention to detail;
• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Possesses ability to work independently and as a team; and
• Possesses ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

TRAVEL: There may be opportunities to visit programs throughout the state. If the intern is able, there may be predominately day trips and some overnights if feasible.

Lutheran Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.