QualificationsHourly rate: $32.07Eligible, newly hired Public Safety Officers will receive a $2,500 sign on bonus.Under the general direction of the Chief, Lieutenants and Sergeants, the Public Safety Officer (PSO) is a principal agent responsible for proactively carrying out the functions of the Philadelphia Housing Authority Public Safety Department. PHA's Public Safety Officer is responsible for:
Protecting life and property, preserving the peace and good order in the community, and furnishing a variety of services to the residents of the Philadelphia Housing Authority
Cultivating relationships within the development community which includes the very youngest, to the most elderly, for the purpose of facilitating a positive experience between the community and the Philadelphia Housing Authority
Liaising with development resident leadership to understand safety and order issues of concern to residents
Engaging in a positive manner with residents and management workers to establish relations of trust with Public Safety and police
Engaging in problem-solving activities that will increase resident and management perceptions of security in the development; recommending specific improvements that will support that objective
In addition, the Public Safety Officer
Enforcesall federal, state and local laws, statutes and ordinances
Patrolsthe community by foot, automobile, bicycle or fixed post in a conspicuous manner as a proactive measure for the deterrence of crime and the protection of life and property in and around Philadelphia Housing Authority sites
Investigatesall persons, vehicles and situations which are deemed to be suspicious based upon training and experience
Constantly monitorsand inspectsresidential sites in order to identify and report any hazardous or suspicious conditions
Apprehends individuals committing unlawful acts; and, appearing in court to give testimony when required in connection with such arrests
Liaiseswith Philadelphia Police who respond to calls for service in developments or at PHA housing locations to determine victims of crime and the nature of the incident that led to the call for service
Follows up on calls from development residents or management to Philadelphia Police or PHA Public Safety to determine the nature of the call and its impact on the resident(s) or development as a whole
Responds to calls for service in their assigned area or nearby to take whatever police action is necessary
Maintains liaison through management and supervisory personnel with Philadelphia Police District personnel to keep them aware of problem areas and how they can assist in addressing problems identified
Performs other duties assigned
EducationHigh school diploma or GED, and successful completion of the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training course of study (Act 120) prior to appointmentKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
Effectively deals with situations and people in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner
Analyzes situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
Exhibits sensitivity and compassion appropriate for each situation
Demonstrated ability to work with and amongst individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
Licenses, Regulations and/or Certification RequirementsPossession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employmentPhysical Job RequirementsAbility to perform frequent physical activities such as stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, crouching, reaching above shoulder level, standing, walking, pushing, pulling and grasping.About the Philadelphia Housing AuthorityEstablished in 1937, an with an employment workforce of over 1,100, the Philadelphia Housing Authority is a municipal agency providing public housing services to over 76,000 residents in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Financial support for Authority operations and capital needs comes primarily from rent payments and subsidies provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PHA is one of a very select group of housing authorities across the nation that has attained Moving to Work (MTW) status. This designation allows housing agencies the opportunity and flexibility, on a local level, to develop and implement innovative housing and self-sufficiency strategies to benefit public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants.PHA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability.
