Job Description

The Special Assistant to the Health Commissioner is responsible for supporting the work of the Health Commissioner through scheduling, responding to calls from the public, and preparing briefing memos and other preparatory materials to ensure that the Commissioner is fully prepared for meetings and events. This position requires excellent organizational skills, strong writing ability, a willingness to deal with a calendar that changes constantly and to anticipate the information and preparation the Commissioner will need to respond to a fast changing public health environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Managing the health commissioner’s complex and ever-changing schedule, including coordination of multi-stakeholder meetings both within PDPH and with other city departments and outside agencies.
• Responding to calls from members of the public. These are a mix of informational requests and calls from people who want to express their opinions. Patience, kindness, openness to other points of view, and an ability to keep track of a large volume of information about the department and its services are needed for this role.
• Organizational tasks for the commissioner: review the schedule with the health commissioner weekly, anticipating preparation needs including transportation time and document preparation to ensure that meetings go smoothly.
• Information searches: the person in this role will be able to do preliminary literature and google searches as part of initial fact finding for new projects and meeting preparation and to prepare briefing memos summarizing these findings.
• Miscellaneous projects on behalf of the commissioner or in support of advancing public health in the city.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to:
  • Interact effectively with others across a broad spectrum of educational levels and backgrounds
  • Write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences.

WORK-LIFE

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week during normal business hours. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience in working with the public
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Additional Information

TO APPLY: INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, WRITING SAMPLE, REFERENCES AND RESUME.

Salary Range: $55,000-$60,000 

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

_PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IS REQUIRING ALL NEW EMPLOYEES TO PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19. _

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: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx