Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator / State Program Administrator Coordinator

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota, Department of Children Youth and Families, seeks a Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator in St. Paul to lead CQI and coordinate federal reviews for child welfare.

Telework up to 50% is available, with standard day shift hours and Monday–Friday work. Responsibilities include coaching teams, aligning CQI with agency goals, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in systems Change & Improvement in public welfare systems.
• Extensive knowledge of public child welfare, child protection and foster care standards.
• Experience implementing change management training and leading change communications.
• Applying continuous improvement concepts, methods, practices and tools to business processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and coordination for federal reviews (CFSR, CFSP, APSR) per federal timelines.
• Provide leadership, coaching to develop CQI processes across Minnesota.
• Align CQI system with priorities of the Child Safety and Permanency Administration.
• Support mission and values of the CQI section and agency.

Skills

Change management

Cross-functional teams

Interpersonal communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

SSIS

Job description

Working Title: Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Coordinator

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID : 97577

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes*, up to 50%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 8/15/2026 date. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.

• Date Posted : 10/08/2026

• Closing Date : 10/15/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : DCYF/ MAPE

• Division/Unit : DCYF / CS&P Research & CTF

• Work Shift : Day Shift

• Work Hours : 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes*, up to 10%

• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

This position provides coordination and operational leadership of Minnesota’s child welfare Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The role supports ongoing implementation of the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) process, submission of the Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP), and Annual Progress and Services report (APSR). The position implements coaching and quality assurance for case review staff, and partners with state court staff, counties and Tribes to support systemic improvements.

Responsibilities include:

• In consultation with the supervisor, lead state planning and coordination for the federal reviews of Minnesota’s child welfare system including Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR), Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP), and Annual Progress and Services Report (APSR) according to the timelines and procedures set out in federal regulations.

• Provide leadership, coordination and coaching of a team of professionals to develop and implement an effective Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) process as well as an effective continuous quality improvement (CQI) system and for child welfare cases across Minnesota.

• Provide leadership to building organizational effectiveness and capacity of the child welfare CQI system and ensure strategic alignment of CQI system with the priorities of the Child Safety and Permanency Administration, consistent with the Minnesota Child Welfare Practice Model and broader Administration and Agency goals and strategies.

• Provide other direction and support, as needed, to further the mission, vision and values of the Continuous Quality Improvement Section, Child Safety and Permanency Administration, and the Department of Children Youth and Families.

Minimum Qualifications

_To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held._

Four (4) years of experience systems Change & Improvement in public welfare systems

Experience must demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of public child welfare, child protection and foster care programs and standards.

• Experience implementing change management training and methodologies and leading the development of change communications.

• Applying continuous improvement concepts, methods, practices and tools to business processes and implementation.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams by fostering collaboration, using diplomatic skills to navigate diverse perspectives, and aligning stakeholders with organizational goals.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; ability to respond openly to requests and concerns; experience translating technical information into plain language for a variety of audiences.

• Experience using technology system tools such as e.g. Microsoft Office, Social Service Information System (SSIS) to conduct case reviews, research, communicate and educate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Project Management, Social Work, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership or other related field determined by the agency.

• Formal training or certification in project management and continuous improvement tools or methodologies.

• Experience in qualitative research methods, including qualitative data collection and analysis and in particular research on Child Welfare Systems.

• Experience in organizing and developing project work plans, managing programs and policies to coordinate social services.

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Reference check

• Criminal Background check

• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

• Driver’s License Check

• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees

• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.