Job Description

WORK-LIFE

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Following an initial three (3) month probationary period of full time in-office work, employees work in a hybrid schedule. Over a two-week period, you will be scheduled to be in office half of the time and work from home the other half. This amounts to two days in office one week, and three the next. Your schedule is set with your supervisor. Working from home is a privilege; work violations may result in amendments to the hybrid schedule.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Outreach and Constituent Services Specialist for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission plays a key role in the Commission by performing regular outreach to communities to spread awareness of CPOC and increase engagement, among other objectives. This role is responsible for ensuring constituents are served in a coordinated, person-centered approach, particularly as their needs can involve various city departments. The Community Outreach and Constituent Services Specialist will report to the Director of Community Engagement to help fulfill the Commission’s mission of providing oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate closely with staff to plan strategic approaches for community outreach and engagement on behalf of the Commission.
• Assist with intake of Complaints Against Police, providing courteous, compassionate, and professional service to complainants.
• Ensure that constituents are served in a respectful and coordinated manner when their needs involve various city departments.
• Assist residents in communicating with Philadelphia Police Department personnel to problem-solve when their concerns do not rise to the level of a complaint.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Philadelphia Police Department’s community relations liaisons and other city departments.
• Maintain productive relationships with stakeholders and community leaders
• Develop recommendations for programmatic and operational modifications for the Commission and/or Philadelphia Police Department, as they arise.
• Assist with all community outreach initiatives and programing for the Commission.
• Assist with the coordination of the Commission’s monthly community meetings, establishing potential speakers and community partners.
• Engage the community through outreach to facilitate communication and understanding between the public and the police. 
• Help to maintain transparency between the Commission, the Police Department, elected officials, and the public.
• Work with Public Relations and Communications Manager on various community engagement initiatives.
• Receive training on PPD procedures, policies, and discipline code; adjudicate discipline cases and make disciplinary recommendations as a rotating member of the PPD Police Board of Inquiry
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Director of Community Engagement and Executive Director.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES. 

• Strong organization skills, including the ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines.
• Experience working with the public, or other comparable experience.
• Good communication and listening skills, capable of influencing others and keeping others informed.
• Ability to creatively problem solve with persistence.
• Ability to perform regular street outreach and comfort in working within all neighborhoods of the City of Philadelphia.
• Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Experience and fluency in MS Office software programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Dependable, reliable, and punctual.
• Ability to be outside in various conditions for extended periods (i.e. summer, winter, snow emergencies).
• Helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented; committed to building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Comfort, patience, and ability to diffuse challenging situations.
• Receptive to feedback.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant combined education and/or experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in community outreach, community engagement, constituent services, or a related field.
• Experience leading programs and project management is a plus.
• Bilingual required; Spanish speaking preferred.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities of Philadelphia a plus.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 

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