A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

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.

Agency Description

The Office of Children and Families is responsible for directing the operations of the City of Philadelphia’s PHLprek program, Out of School Time Programs, Community Schools and the Department of Human Services.  The Office of Children and Families aligns policy, resources, programs and services for the City of Philadelphia, prioritizing: safe children, strong families and supported schools.  With a budget of over 700 million dollars, the Office’s goal is to improve outcomes for children and families.

The Community School Coordinator (CSC) is an employee of the Office of Children and Families (OCF) who works closely with the Community Schools Manager to implement, integrate, align and coordinate the community school strategy at the site level. The CSC, while employed by OCF, is also accountable to the school principal and is therefore expected to plan and align all programs, services and opportunities collaboratively.

This position will be assigned to one of five High School Community Schools (South Philadelphia, George Washington, Murrell Dobbins, Kensington Health Science and Frankford).  The Coordinator will work in close partnership with the already assigned coordinator in each of these schools.  In your cover letter, please indicate what schools you would like to prioritize for your application and why you would be best suited for this school.

Essential Functions

General Duties & Responsibilities

• Works with school staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders such as local businesses, nonprofit partners, and public agencies to build knowledge about, connections with, and support for community school model.
• Works closely with Community Schools Manager and existing Coordinator to perform school community asset mapping, find service providers, and troubleshoot challenges.
• Engages families and school staff to better understand student needs and reporting process.
• Leads asset mapping process and conducts ongoing assessment, including resource inventory and gap analysis.
• Assists with needs assessment process by collecting data for community asset map.
• Develops and manages partnerships with local service providers.
• Serves as an integral part of school-based leadership to support connecting students with appropriate service providers.
• Tracks services and submits weekly plans and reports to be shared with School, Community, and City leaders for feedback and support.
• Meets with Community Schools Manager and current Coordinator on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to review weekly reports and create support systems to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Convenes and staffs Community School Committee (or as appropriate supports the SAC), a coordinating body that is co-led by the principal and includes representatives from key stakeholder groups to provide monthly feedback and support based on student and community needs.
• Works closely with Community Schools Manager and current Coordinator to develop and implement the shared Community School Work plan based on community needs and Community Schools logic model.
• Builds positive relationships and trust with principals, teaching staff, students, service providers, community leaders, and other resource coordinators.

Primary Coordination and Support

• Coordinates student needs assessment and provider selection.
• Supports school administration in making data-driven program decisions.
• Creates and develops a Community School Committee (e.g. parents, teachers, students, school administrators, local business leaders, and community members, etc.) with the purpose of collaborating, assessing needs and mapping the assets of the school community, and gathering input from community leaders during decision-making process.
• Engages families and school staff to better understand student needs.
• Collects and uses needs and service provider data throughout implementation process and shares outcomes with community leaders.
• Supports school administration in making data-driven program decisions based on student data.
• Engages neighborhood associations, residents and community leaders in community school planning and implementation process.
• Facilitates regular partner meetings, including all groups and organizations who serve students and families.

• Recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers based on Community Schools guidelines.

Training

• Participates in Community Schools and Office of Children and Families staff meetings.
• Attend capacity-building activities, including initiative-wide and site-based trainings, peer network meetings and study visits.
• Participates in learning communities with other coordinators.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Leadership

• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Proven understanding and ability to foster positive organizational health.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and to maintain relationships with community-based organizations, families and children, teachers, and volunteers.

Communication and Community Engagement

• High-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage meaningfully with youth, parents, staff and the community-at-large.
• Applies effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills when responding to partners.

Management

• Strong program management skills and the ability to prioritize work and to successfully facilitate multiple projects.
• Ability to organize and to facilitate meetings.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis/Decision-making

• Expertise with using data in an education, community, or social services setting.
• Identifies and analyzes problems weighing the relevance and accuracy of available information.
• Generates and evaluates alternative solutions and makes effective and timely decisions.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure

Other

• Knows personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and limits.
• Ability to work and collaborate with peers and colleagues
• Reflective and seeks feedback.
• Exceptional cultural competency and proficiency
• Deep knowledge and understanding of parental involvement and engagement

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently reporting on-site 5 days a week. During school closures, staff report to the office or to an approved work location.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a total of 10+ years working in the community in a social service setting (Preferably in education, or social work related)
• 3+ years of experience in fields such as community organizing, education, health or social work, or researching the Community Schools model highly recommended (working in schools, city government, research institutions or service organizations).
• Deep knowledge, understanding, and interest in school and community.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of the public education system in Pennsylvania as well as the operation of community-based organizations and institutions of higher education is an asset.
• Must be comfortable with the use of data to drive decisions.
• Ability to help people process difficult situations.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. This position will be assigned to one of five High School Community Schools (South Philadelphia, George Washington, Murrell Dobbins, Kensington Health Science and Frankford).  The Coordinator will work in close partnership with the already assigned coordinator in each of these schools.  In your cover letter, please indicate what schools you would like to prioritize for your application and why you would be best suited for this school.

Salary Range: $65,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, 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!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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