Government OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania

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 Youth Engagement (OYE) knows that young people have important ideas about how to make the City a better place to live. As part of our work, we support the efforts of the Philadelphia Youth Commission and the Millennial Advisory Committee.

By participating in these groups, young people can:

• Develop leadership skills.
• Bridge gaps between generations.
• Suggest ways for City government to better serve its residents.

OYE is part of the larger Office of Public Engagement.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Youth Engagement leads efforts to bridge generational divides, enhance communication between the youth and city government, and empower young residents to become active leaders in their communities. This role is pivotal in fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within city governance while equipping youth with the skills and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute to the well-being of the city.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic initiatives to engage youth in city governance, including identifying barriers to participation, setting goals, and establishing measurable outcomes to gauge success.

Community Outreach: Build relationships with youth-serving organizations, local school districts, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote youth engagement opportunities and gather input on issues affecting young residents.

Program Development: Design and oversee programs, events, and initiatives aimed at empowering youth, fostering leadership skills, and providing opportunities for civic involvement, volunteerism, and community service.

Advocacy and Policy Development: Advocate for policies and programs that address the needs and concerns of youth, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes at the local level. Collaborate with city officials, elected leaders, and advocacy groups to prioritize youth-friendly policies and initiatives.

Education and Training: Develop educational resources, workshops, and training sessions to equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in civic activities, understand government processes, and advocate for change.

Youth Council Support: Provide guidance and support to youth advisory boards, councils, and committees, facilitating meaningful participation, promoting diversity and inclusion, and amplifying youth perspectives in city governance.

Research and Evaluation: Conduct research, surveys, and assessments to better understand the needs, interests, and priorities of youth in the community. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve the effectiveness of youth engagement efforts.

Partnership Development: Cultivate partnerships with City departments, local businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions, local school districts, and government agencies to leverage resources, expand programming, and create opportunities for collaboration on youth-related initiatives.

Required

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Youth Development: Understanding of developmental stages, needs, and challenges faced by youth, including issues related to identity, education, employment, mental health, and civic engagement.

• Community Engagement: Knowledge of community organizing principles, participatory approaches, and strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders, including youth, families, schools, nonprofits, and local businesses.

• Government and Public Policy: Familiarity with local government structures, functions, and decision-making processes, as well as relevant policies, laws, and regulations impacting youth services, programs, and initiatives.

• Leadership Development: Understanding of leadership theories, practices, and competencies, including communication skills, problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making.

• Social Justice and Equity: Awareness of social justice issues, systemic inequities, and disparities affecting youth, with a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of youth engagement work.

Data Analysis and Evaluation: Proficiency in data collection methods, survey design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and program evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness and impact of youth engagement initiatives.

Skills:

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt communication styles to engage diverse audiences, including youth, parents, educators, and policymakers.

• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, establish rapport, and foster positive relationships with youth, community partners, city officials, and other stakeholders through collaborative and inclusive approaches.

• Program Development: Skill in designing, implementing, and evaluating youth-centered programs, events, and activities that promote leadership development, civic participation, community service, and social-emotional learning.

• Facilitation and Training: Ability to facilitate group discussions, workshops, and training sessions for youth and adults, creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, learning, and skill-building around civic engagement and social change.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and objectives for youth engagement initiatives, aligning activities with organizational priorities, community needs, and desired outcomes.

• Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions in collaboration with youth and community stakeholders.

• Project Management: Proficiency in project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management to ensure the successful execution of youth engagement initiatives within established deadlines and budget constraints.

Abilities:

• Empathy and Cultural Competence: Ability to empathize with the experiences, perspectives, and aspirations of youth from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds, demonstrating cultural humility and sensitivity in all interactions.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, priorities, and stakeholder needs with resilience and creativity, adjusting strategies and approaches as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

• Innovation and Creativity: Aptitude for generating new ideas, approaches, and solutions to address complex challenges and opportunities facing youth and the community, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Skill in building and sustaining effective partnerships, coalitions, and networks with internal and external stakeholders, leveraging collective expertise, resources, and influence to advance shared goals and objectives.

• Influence and Advocacy: Ability to advocate for the needs and interests of youth, using persuasive communication, evidence-based arguments, and storytelling to mobilize support, build consensus, and effect positive change at the policy and systemic levels.

• Resilience and Self-Care: Capacity to maintain personal well-being, manage stress, and cope with challenges inherent in youth engagement work, practicing self-care, seeking support, and prioritizing health and balance in work and life.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public administration, education, youth development, social work, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in youth development, community engagement, or related fields, with demonstrated leadership and project management skills.

Any additional education and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

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

Salary: $90,000

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.