Workforce Development Coordinator

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 Workforce Development Coordinator position is an integral part of the Workforce Development team and performs a variety of assignments to support the successful implementation of workforce programming and related support services. This role primarily supports the Work Ready program, which provides comprehensive services for Philadelphians receiving Extended TANF. Duties include assisting program staff in carrying out tasks relating to successful programmatic outcomes; monitoring various components of program compliance; providing recommendations on how to increase organizational capacity and impact; and performing outreach duties to engage with the local community.

Key responsibilities include completing tasks and supporting larger projects that are meant to benefit clients that have complex needs and/or who are experiencing difficulties. Demonstrating professionalism, confidentiality, and compassion to those clients is a must.  The coordinator will also use various computer applications to complete extensive reporting and program oversight; compose minutes for all meetings and routine correspondence; interact with departmental directors, managers and subcontractor staff to support program implementation and outcomes; address direct inquiries from clients and subcontractor staff, and provide assistance to troubleshoot and resolve their  requests; and participate in activities designed to enhance engagement and build subcontractor capacity.

Essential Functions

General

• Act as essential point of contact for inquiries from clients and subcontractor staff related to the Work Ready program serving ETANF recipients.
• Collaborate on initiatives to enhance support of Work Ready participants and families.
• Support subcontractor staff in prioritizing, executing, and troubleshooting issues related to program implementation and compliance.
• Disseminate contractual information, such as monitoring, technical assistance, and database management to CEO management and subcontractor staff.
• Maintain FAQ regarding technical assistance.
• Create reports and provide data to support trend analysis and performance metrics in collaboration with Program and Data Teams.
• Develop strong, communicative relationships with subcontractors, the Philadelphia County Assistance Office, CEO staff, and City of Philadelphia offices.
• Prepare presentation materials and assist with training workshops.
• Conduct internet research and gather information related to special projects or requests, as needed.
• Support program communication and reporting, including participant storytelling.
• Maintain strict code of conduct as it relates to professional ethics, confidentiality, and privacy.
• Support cross departmental coordination.
• Attend onsite activities and events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Program Monitoring

• Examine of program records to ensure compliance and effective/quality of service. 
• Conduct review of client program records to ensure compliance and effective delivery of services.
• Identify challenges within compliance and/or program(s) and present recommendations to appropriate parties and monitor to ensure continuous improvement. 
• Prepare and provide written reports to contractors and subcontractors on program findings, recommendations, and other appropriate information as required and/or needed.
• Review progress reports, work plans, and service documentation submitted to ensure contract compliance.
• Review consistency of program implementation with contract terms and deliverables achieved. 
• Participate in annual monitoring process with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
• Maintain records of Program Standard Performance Reports.

Administrative

• Provide administrative support to agency by maintaining an organized shared file system for all reports, monitoring results and subcontractor correspondence.
• Prepare for meetings by creating agendas, setting up technology and arranging rooms, taking notes, and tracking action items.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and use various software programs and platforms required for program oversight.
• Ability to analyze information to identify strengths and opportunities and make program recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team with a solutions-focused approach.
• Working understanding of contract practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Passion for strengthening supports and services for Philadelphia’s families.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• At least two years’ related experience required
• Bachelor's degree in human relations or related field and/or equivalent experience preferred
• Prior experience with public benefits preferred

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $55,000 to $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