City of Philadelphia – Community Initiatives Specialist

Website City of Philadelphia

Exam Title Community Initiatives Specialist
Exam Number 2J59-20240916-OC-00
Salary $51,419 – $66,114 New employees will be appointed at the first step in the pay range for this class.
Certification Rule Rule of Eight (8)
Competition Open-Competitive
Department
Announcement Date 09/16/2024
Close Date 09/27/2024
General Definition

Announced in Anticipation of Approval by the Administrative Board

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee!

    • Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA – Eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key Cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
    • Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships – The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
    • Qualify for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program – This program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loan after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for the City of Philadelphia. Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

 

Join the City of Philadelphia today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is community liaison and technical work assisting in the development, coordination, and management of departmental initiatives that utilize volunteer services programs and community groups. Employees in this class participate in recruiting, training and evaluating volunteers for a variety of departmental functions, or city programs and communicate the department’s vision and goals to volunteers. Employees perform work in the Parks and Recreation, Department of Planning and Development, Water Environmental, Free Library or Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities assignments. Employees in the Parks and Recreation assignment perform stewardship capacity-building work with volunteer groups engaged in sustaining and restoring neighborhood parks, Fairmount Park and natural environmental areas within the city. Employees in the Water Environmental assignment perform community liaison work explaining the impact and projections of various environmental initiatives on resident homes and neighborhoods. Employees in the Department of Planning and Development assignment monitor and coordinate housing programs in assigned neighborhood improvement areas, serving as a liaison for community participation in housing and community development programs. Employees in the Department of Planning and Development’s Division of Planning and Zoning Assignment conduct education, outreach, and engagement with communities around issues related to public art, planning, zoning, historic preservation, and development. Employees in the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities assignment coordinate, plan, direct and manage the activities and operations of the Faith and Spiritual Affairs Unit. All positions monitor the operation of volunteer or community programs to assure that volunteers and volunteer organizations or non-profit community groups are in compliance with departmental regulations and operational standards. All positions work closely with community groups, volunteer agencies, and individual volunteers to implement volunteer programs as a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior.
Union Code J. AFSCME D.C.47 Local 2187
FLSA Code Exempt
Application Procedures

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.

2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:

Rashida Ximines

Office of Human Resources
City of Philadelphia
Public Safety Team
1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102

[t] 215-686-2318
[f] 215-686-2347
3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Training, Education & Experience

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

1. EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university.

AND

2. EXPERIENCE:

One-year of paid experience engaging community organizations in implementing a behavioral health program through community outreach initiatives.

OR

One year of paid experience implementing a volunteer services program or engaging community organizations and individuals in public programs and initiatives through community outreach.

OR

One year of volunteer services experience in sustaining and restoring environmental areas within a large municipal park system.

OR

One year of experience performing community liaison work that includes community meetings explaining environmental projects to city residents in affected Philadelphia neighborhoods.

OR

One year of experience for a municipal government housing development agency performing community liaison work to build capacity among community groups and monitor housing development contracts and programs.

Note: Additional experience may substitute for the education requirements on a year for year basis.

NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 – Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified training and/or experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list in accordance with the certification rule prescribed by the Director and who possess the specified qualification.
Physical & Medical Requirements
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Required Licenses & Certifications
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment, if required by work assignment.
Other Requirements

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college transcript.

It is an absolute requirement that you provide this documentation before October 28, 2024. It is optional whether you provide this documentation by attaching it to this application or submitting via email, postal mail, or fax. Your options are further explained below:

Option 1 – Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration, or certification – One time only!

You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.

Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.

Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification – Separate document required for each application

If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.

Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:

Email: Rashida.Ximines@phila.gov

Fax: 215-686-2347 with ATTN: Rashida Ximines

Mailing address:
City of Philadelphia
Office of Human Resources
1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: Rashida Ximines
Equivalency Statement(s)
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

Application Details

Notes to Applicants

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on September 27, 2024.

Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

1) Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
2) Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application.

All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at various social media sites. We can be found as Philadelphia Office of Human Resources. The pages for each are linked below:

Facebook

 

ELIGIBLE LIST: OPENCOMPETITIVE
Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application. Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the city of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment for this civil service opportunity.PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS:
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. For Training and Experience evaluations, in which applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination, the residency preference eligibility date is the planned eligible list date listed on this application, October 28, 2024.To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE – Ten points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.

LEGACY PREFERENCE – The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE – Up to 5 additional points will be added to the examination score of any candidate who has passed the open competitive examination and who has:

Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA.
Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one year term of service.

B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).

Such candidates will have:

• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.

Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education Preference Points
For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.

    1. Only those competitors who have a passing grade in an all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.
    2. Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
    3. Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
    4. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
    5. Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.

 

Candidates must successfully pass all parts of the examination before veteran’s preference, legacy preference, national volunteer service preference or CTE preference points are awarded.
Projected Exam Date
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
An Eligible List will be established the week of October 28, 2024. Please note that this date may change.
Test Review
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

To apply for this job please visit phila.peopleadmin.com.

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