Same Day Work and Pay Program Specialist

Company Description

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 Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

Guiding Principles (We believe…)

• The people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, full lives. 
• City Government should both recognize its culpability in creating and sustaining inequity and aspire to its responsibility to provide opportunities, represent the best interests, and promote the well-being of all residents. 
• People can offer meaningful insights into both personal experiences and how systems around them function. 
• Poverty is a deliberately created systemic issue and city government can lead in calling for justice and dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities. 

Values (How we work)

• Dignity: We actively respect our individual colleagues and people in the community.
• Inclusivity: Our work is more beneficial, valuable, and valid when our full range of experiences, knowledge, and skills can contribute.
• Persistence: We recognize the challenges inherent in this work, and when we get discouraged, we find ways to be resilient, lift each other up, and push forward.
• Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.
• Honesty: We create a space to have healthy, honest dialogues about systems, people, and misconceptions and then communicate truthfully.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Same Day Work and Pay Program Specialist (SDWP) position serves an integral role on the Workforce Strategies team and executes various tasks to support implementation and outcomes for the SDWP program participants and employee partners. The Same Day Work Pay Program assists unemployed and underemployed Philadelphia residents, particularly those that must overcome extreme barriers to secure and maintain employment. CEO funds several SDWP programs and convenes a Community of Practice to advance SDWP goals.

The ideal candidate will have experience in customer service, program coordination, workforce development, human services, or related fields and a passion for working in public service to advance economic justice. To successfully conduct their duties, they will have excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, problem solving skills, attention to detail, data management, case management, resource coordination, and an ability to interact professionally with individuals from racially and economically diverse backgrounds. They will be comfortable making new connections to organizational leaders and building a network of partners that support the success of SDWP participants. They will have the ability to work effectively with the SDWP Program Manager and team to develop resource and retention strategies and collaborate with SDWP providers to implement solutions and track program data.

Key responsibilities include working independently on difficult tasks associated with program operations or complex projects while demonstrating professionalism and confidentiality when handling all matters; interacting with departmental directors, managers and subcontractor staff; addressing direct inquiries and providing assistance to troubleshooting and resolve requests; and participating in activities designed to enhance engagement and build subcontractor capacity.

Essential Functions

Program Coordination:

• Monitor SDWP phone and email communication to ensure timely receipt and response to program inquiries and messages.
• Coordinate and provide support for monthly convenings of the SDWP Community of Practice and related program events.
• Collaborate with CEO teams and provider partners to collect and/or enter program data.
• Prepare program reports and presentations and respond quickly to requests for program data or information.
• Organize and manage data, documentation, and file storage in alignment with CEO practices.

Program Implementation:

• In collaboration with SDWP Program Manager, provide technical assistance to partners and escalate needs to SDWP team, or other relevant CEO staff, when appropriate.
• Participate in monthly provider check-ins and Community of Practice meetings.
• Support providers in managing and tracking participant waitlists.
• Work with SDWP Engagement Manager to identify and develop a database of resources and supports that will assist in removing barriers to employment and training and making referral connections as appropriate.
• Participate in team and individual activities to stay aware of local employment needs, training programs, and opportunities for pathways towards longer-term employment and communicate with relevant worksite providers.
• Establish contacts with local community-based organizations, employers, and prospect partners to support referral connections and pathways.
• Attend and participate in events and site visits for program monitoring, building relationships with partners, and supporting participants.
• Collaborate with other CEO staff and workforce system partners to increase program awareness and success.

Program Development:

• Research best practices, gather information, and support special initiatives that advance SDWP goals.
• Collaborate with relevant CEO teams and provider partners to collect and analyze program data and reports, including participant satisfaction surveys.
• Use data and analysis to help understand and report program impact, ensure quality service delivery, inform workforce solutions, and advocate for SDWP participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong listening, empathy, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Willingness to learn and incorporate diverse perspectives into work.
• Ability to think critically and use information to contribute to program advocacy and impact.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within teams and with external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with common computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.) and comfort learning new systems and technology.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities and complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work with diverse range of individuals, often people experiencing significant barriers.
• Knowledge of structural challenges that make it difficult for unemployed residents and low-wage workers to obtain, retain and advance in career pathways.
• Knowledge of employment and training practices and supportive services and resources that help low-wage residents advance to higher wage jobs
• Experience collecting, entering, and using data to manage performance.
• Ability to develop reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred
• At least two years of relevant experience
• Or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary: $60,000 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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.
• 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

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 15225c92-14a1-493b-9401-196f617aab2c

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-09-26T13:30:36