JPD - Policy Analyst

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Policy Analyst supports the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department's policy and procedure framework. The position is responsible for researching, analyzing, drafting, revising, and coordinating Department policies and procedures to ensure they are clear, current, operationally sound, and aligned with applicable laws, standards, evidence-informed practices, and organizational priorities. The Policy Analyst independently manages assigned policy projects through the policy development lifecycle, including identifying policy gaps, conducting research, engaging subject matter experts, drafting and revising policy, coordinating stakeholder review, supporting implementation, and monitoring policies for required updates. The position works collaboratively with Department leadership, operational staff, Legal, Labor Relations, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC), and other internal and external subject matter experts. The Policy Analyst also supports effective policy implementation by ensuring new and revised policies are communicated and introduced to staff in a thoughtful and organized manner. This includes developing implementation and communication plans, coordinating with Training and other organizational partners, and developing practical resources that help translate written policy into consistent practice. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, organization, research and writing ability, while maintaining appropriate collaboration and communication with Department leadership throughout the policy development process.

Requirements

Knowledge of policy research, analysis, development, implementation, and policy management principles.
Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources and develop practical recommendations.
Exceptional professional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, accessible, and operationally useful policy.
Ability to independently manage multiple policy projects from research through implementation while meeting established deadlines.
Ability to interpret laws, regulations, standards, research, and organizational requirements and assess their implications for Department policy and practice.
Strong collaboration and facilitation skills with the ability to work effectively with leadership, legal counsel, labor relations professionals, operational staff, and subject matter experts.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, navigate differing perspectives, and identify when matters require additional legal, labor, operational, or leadership review.
Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate policy records and review schedules.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of professional experience involving research, analysis, professional writing, program administration, policy development, or other work requiring comparable analytical and communication skills.
An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
Primary residence in the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of hire.
Pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and background check (LEADs and CANTS).
A negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services child abuse registry.

Nice To Haves

Experience researching, developing, reviewing, or implementing organizational policies and procedures.
Experience interpreting laws, regulations, standards, or other complex requirements and translating them into clear written guidance.
Experience developing policy or procedures within government, courts, juvenile justice, human services, or another complex organization.
Experience working collaboratively with legal counsel, subject matter experts, organizational leadership, or labor relations.
Knowledge of juvenile justice or public-sector organizational improvement.

Responsibilities

Researches, analyzes, drafts, reviews, and revises Department policies, procedures, protocols, and related organizational guidance.
Independently manages assigned policy projects from initial research and development through review, approval, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.
Conducts research regarding applicable laws, regulations, AOIC standards, court requirements, evidence-informed practices, professional standards, and policies and practices of comparable jurisdictions.
Translates complex legal, regulatory, operational, and practice information into clear, accessible, and actionable Department policies and procedures.
Evaluates existing policies to identify gaps, inconsistencies, duplication, outdated requirements, conflicting provisions, and opportunities for improvement.
Proactively identifies areas in which new or revised policies may be necessary based on organizational changes, emerging practices, audit or quality findings, changes in law or standards, and Department priorities.
Develops recommendations regarding policy changes and presents findings and options to Department leadership.
Collaborates with Department leadership, operational managers, subject matter experts, Legal, Human Resources, Labor Relations, AOIC, and other stakeholders to develop accurate and operationally sound policies.
Facilitates policy development meetings and workgroups to gather information, resolve questions, and build consensus around proposed policies and procedures.
Coordinates review and feedback processes and incorporates appropriate revisions while maintaining the purpose, consistency, and integrity of the policy.
Identifies policies and proposed changes that may have labor relations implications and ensures appropriate review and consultation occur prior to implementation.
Maintains clear documentation of policy research, stakeholder input, revisions, approvals, and implementation decisions.
Works collaboratively with the other Policy Analyst to promote consistency in policy development, writing standards, terminology, and organizational approach.
Maintains assigned policies throughout the policy lifecycle and ensures policies are reviewed and updated according to established schedules.
Utilizes Department-approved policy management software to track policy review dates, revisions, approvals, related policies, and other required information.
Conducts routine reviews of the Department's policy inventory to identify outdated, conflicting, duplicative, or missing policies and procedures.
Monitors changes in applicable laws, regulations, AOIC standards, court requirements, and organizational practices that may require policy review or revision.
Supports development and maintenance of consistent policy templates, writing standards, review processes, and policy governance practices.
Assists with preparation for audits, reviews, accreditation activities, or other assessments involving Department policies and procedures.
Develops implementation and communication plans for new and significantly revised policies in collaboration with Department leadership and affected operational areas.
Assesses the potential impact of policy changes on staff, operations, workflows, forms, technology, training, and other organizational systems.
Coordinates with Training, Evidence-Based Practice, Human Resources, operational leadership, and other appropriate partners to identify implementation and learning needs.
Develops policy summaries, frequently asked questions, implementation guides, job aids, presentations, and other resources to support staff understanding and application of Department policies.
Conducts or participates in policy briefings, informational sessions, and other activities designed to introduce and explain new or revised policies.
Supports follow-up activities to identify implementation questions, unintended consequences, or areas requiring clarification or further policy development.
Provides policy research, analysis, and consultation to Department leadership regarding emerging organizational issues.
Participates in cross-functional workgroups, strategic initiatives, and organizational improvement projects requiring policy expertise.
Builds collaborative relationships across operational divisions and promotes consistency in the interpretation and application of Department policies.
Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion when working with sensitive organizational, personnel, legal, youth, or operational information.
Maintains confidentiality and safeguards sensitive youth, employee, court, and organizational information.
Participates in professional development and other organizational learning activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.