Public Safety Officer (Police Officer)

Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Housing Authority

Philadelphia Housing AuthorityQualifications

Annual salary $65,083.20

Eligible, 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

  • Enforces all federal, state and local laws, statutes and ordinances
  • Patrols the 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
  • Investigates all persons, vehicles and situations which are deemed to be suspicious based upon training and experience
  • Constantly monitors and inspects residential 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
  • Liaises with 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

Education

High school diploma or GED, and successful completion of the Municipal Police Officers

Education and Training course of study (Act 120) prior to appointment

Knowledge, 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 Requirements

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment

Physical Job Requirements

Ability 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 Authority

Established in 1937, and 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.