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Public Safety Social Work Counselor (General)

City of Philadelphia
Email

Exam Title

Public Safety Social Work Counselor (General)

Exam Number

5A47-20240916-OC-01

Salary

$55,893 to $71,841 - New employees may be appointed at a step in the pay range above the minimum salary depending on qualifications.

Certification Rule

Rule of List

Competition

Open-Competitive

Department

Announcement Date

09/16/2024

Close Date

10/04/2024

General Definition

“Be the difference.”

The Police Department is hiring experienced candidates with at least two years of social work or counseling experience for crime victims or incarcerated individuals to join their team. Please be sure to include copies of transcripts or certifications with your application by October 4, 2024.

AMENDMENT TO ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSING DATE
Please be advised that the closing date for this announcement is now October 4, 2024.

Candidates who have applied when this examination was announced on September 16, 2024 should not re-apply.


Announced in Anticipation of Approval by the Administrative Board

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ABOUT THE POSITION
This is advocacy and counseling work in the Philadelphia Prisons System or Philadelphia Police Department interviewing, referring and aiding individuals or providing re-entry services for individuals in need of social services. Employees in the Inmate Services Assignment are responsible for interviewing and screening inmates for possible drug or alcohol abuse problems and recommending and developing treatment plans. Employees in the Re-Entry Services Assignment are responsible for assessing the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals to provide educational and vocational resources to assist in successful reintegration into society. Work includes scheduling and conducting individual and/or group counseling sessions and identifying short/long-term goals and objectives. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, law enforcement, social service providers; eliciting detailed personal history information and recommending appropriate courses of action are important aspects of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior and involves conditions which can only be partially controlled.

Union Code

J. AFSCME D.C.47 Local 2187

FLSA Code

Exempt

Application Procedures

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.

2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:

David Ross
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2359
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: david.f.ross@phila.gov

3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.

Minimum Requirements

 

Minimum Training, Education & Experience

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

1. EDUCATION:
BOTH SPECIALITES: Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university.

NOTE: Additional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

AND
2. EXPERIENCE: Two years of counseling experience in a program to rehabilitate drug addicts or alcoholics, one year of which has been in a correctional institution.

OR
Two years of experience performing counseling and training services for formerly incarcerated individuals in a re-integration services program.

OR
Two years of experience performing social service or counseling for crime victim services.


NOTE: Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and one year of the above experience satisfies all requirements.

NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 – Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specific experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified experience.

Physical & Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Required Licenses & Certifications

Other Requirements

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college transcript.

It is an absolute requirement that you provide this documentation by October 28, 2024. It is optional whether you provide this documentation by attaching it to this application or submitting via email, postal mail, or fax. Your options are further explained below:

Option 1 – Upload an official copy of your documentation and attach to this application
You may upload the documentation into your account and attach to this application. Once uploaded to your account, the documentation may be attached to all future applications. This will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future. This also ensures that your documentation will not be misplaced. Your documentation should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. It cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.

Option 2 – Submit an official copy of your documentation via email, mail or fax
If you submit the required documentation via email, mail or fax, it will be used for this application only. You will have to submit the documentation again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Copies of the documentation will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:

Email: david.f.ross@phila.gov

Fax: 215-686-2347 with ATTN: David Ross

Mailing address:
City of Philadelphia
Office of Human Resources
1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: David Ross

Equivalency Statement(s)

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included one year of the experience described above.

Application Details

 

Notes to Applicants

AMENDMENT TO ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSING DATE
Please be advised that the closing date for this announcement is now October 4, 2024.

Candidates who have applied when this examination was announced on September 16, 2024 should not re-apply.


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.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

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: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

 

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.


As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on October 4, 2024.

Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

  1. Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
  2. Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application.

All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at various social media sites. We can be found as Philadelphia Office of Human Resources. The pages for each are linked below:

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
NextDoor
Linkedin


ELIGIBLE LIST: OPEN-COMPETITIVE
Only an open competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.


Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the city of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment for this civil service opportunity.


PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. For Training and Experience evaluations, in which applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination, the residency preference eligibility date is the planned eligible list date listed on this application, October 28, 2024.

To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.

The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Ten (10) points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. To be eligible, the veteran must be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces by the first date of the examination. Candidates must submit a DD214 Member-4 to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered and will be required to submit additional documentation.

 

LEGACY PREFERENCE

Ten (10) points for legacy preference will be added to the scores of the children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit documented proof of relationship to the deceased parent or grandparent AND the death certificate of the deceased parent or grandparent.

 

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE

Up to five (5) points will be added to the scores of eligible national volunteers who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit a copy of their service letter to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. To be eligible, candidates must have:

 

A. Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA

Such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.

 

B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).

Such candidates will have:

  • 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
  • 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
  • 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
  • 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.

NEW! Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference Points

For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.

  1. Only those competitors who have a passing grade in an all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.
  2. Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
  3. Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced, until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
  4. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
  5. Candidates must submit adequate documentation including a high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.


Candidates must successfully pass all parts of the examination before veteran’s preference, legacy preference, national volunteer service preference or CTE preference points are awarded.

Projected Exam Date

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.

 

Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.


An Eligible List will be established the week of October 28, 2024. Please note that this date may change.

Test Review

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.