Tactical and Community Response 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 Public Safety coordinates the deployment of resources and personnel dedicated to violence prevention for the City of Philadelphia. Within the Office of Public Safety is the Division of Safe Neighborhoods.

Philadelphia’s Division of Safe Neighborhoods (DSN) prioritizes public safety within our communities, with an emphasis on ending gun violence in Philadelphia.

Our objective is to disrupt the detrimental cycle of gun violence by implementing a comprehensive strategy that tackles the root causes and offers rehabilitation and prevention resources. By supporting and expanding upon local innovations that enhance public safety in Philadelphia and building upon evidence and place-based initiatives, DSN aims to create a safe and resilient Philadelphia equipped with the essential resources for achievement.

The Division of Safe Neighborhoods recognizes the significant impact of trauma on perpetuating gun violence. Consequently, as a social support initiative, DSN prioritizes addressing community mental health through community outreach and engagement. We also recognize that the most effective services come from within our communities, and our office demonstrates this understanding through our robust partnerships with community organizations throughout Philadelphia.

Job Description

Position Summary

We seek to hire a highly motivated and talented individual as a program specialist specializing in Philadelphia's Division of Safe Neighborhood’s Tactical and Rapid Response Program to coordinate program services and community outreach initiatives. 

The tactical program is a collaborative effort that provides essential context for gun violence within the designated police districts' pinpoint and GVI areas to the City's environmental and social service providers. Rapid Response Protocol is comprised of key representatives from the City who can mobilize teams and direct needed services and support to assist victims, witnesses, and others in the community impacted by a recent shooting or homicide that requires a unified crisis response. 

As the Tactical and Rapid Response Program Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting various organizational programs' planning, implementation, and evaluation. Your responsibilities will include coordinating activities, managing resources, and ensuring program objectives are met efficiently and effectively. You will be responsible for assuring that the program complies and will report to the Tactical and Community Response Director.

Essential Functions

The Tactical and Rapid Response Program Specialist will be responsible for the oversight, coordination, and quality assurance of the social services provided by the Division of Safe Neighborhoods (DSN), including, among others, the following duties:

• Case management: Ensures compliance and that procedures are developed/ enforced in alignment with the standards of DSN.
• Outreach Coordination: Collaborate with partnering community-based organizations to implement a plan of action regarding community engagement and crisis response
• Program Evaluation: Coordinates process for improving organizational performance by recommending areas or approaches for improvement initiatives or activities, performing new procedures, collecting data, and providing input to Tactical and Rapid Response Program.
• Project Management: Monitor program progress and report on key performance indicators.
• Develop and facilitate relevant relationships between all participating social service agencies to support identifying available resources for crisis workers to deploy to the community.
• Implement and sustain community contacts within the operating districts.
• Proactively identify and create new partnership opportunities with individuals/networks/groups who engage in violence prevention initiatives.
• Support Tactical and Community Response with special event in PPD pinpoint areas.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on programming activities and outcomes.
• Support and train new credible messengers.
• Responsible for assisting with the preparation of written documents, including, but not limited to, blog posts, fact sheets, flyers, policy briefs, news releases, etc.    
• Ability to prepare or supervise the preparation of reports and records.
• Support the outreach of 211 Violence Prevention Helpline.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date program records and databases.
• Collect, analyze, and report data related to program outcomes.
• Conduct program evaluations and assessments to identify areas for improvement.  
• Collaborate on special projects for other DSN program initiatives.
• Other duties assigned by Tactical and Community Response Director.

Work-Life

Our working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week in office full-time.

Qualifications

Preferred Education: 

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, education, criminal justice, communications, or a related field is required, or a student currently enrolled in a college/university with at least 10 years of relevant working experience is required. OR any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable that has included the completion of a graduate’s degree program and the specific experience:  
  • Knowledge of and experience working with Philadelphia communities
  • Experience in working with community organizations/agencies and high-risk populations is a must.
  • Applicant should have excellent leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
  • The applicant should have experience working with and between different systems.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000

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: 6308ee95-ab43-49d2-9b30-16719e7f533f

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-11-17T18:05:20