What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor (Library Assistant) position at City of Philadelphia?
WHO WE ARE
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
Equal Access to Civil Service Testing
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 Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. 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.
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
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
- work.phila.gov
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
- www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
- www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
- www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
- www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
General Definition
This is instructional work conducting classroom and on-the-job training for labor, plant operation and maintenance trades, for Library Assistants in the Free Library, or clerical personnel or conducting correctional basic education for inmates. Employees in this class instruct employees on the methods, techniques and procedures for performing their duties in labor, plant operations and maintenance trades, Library Assistant, or clerical fields. . Positions in the Library Assistant specialty Culinary Literacy assignment assist in delivering culinary literacy programs to the public. Employees in the Correctional Basic Education specialty conduct an Adult Basic Education course and monitor inmates completing a basic literacy and math curriculum in the Prisons Department. Significant aspects of the work involve effective communication with training program participants and assisting in the development and administration of an in-service training program. Employees in this class report to a technical or administrative superior.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cornell Weaver
Phone: 215-686-2387
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
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.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response 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.
PROJECTED EXAM DATE:
If a Computer-Based Examination is held:
If you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access, or cannot operate computerized software proficiently and independently, please contact the Cornell Weaver at Cornell.Weaver@phila.gov, and alternative arrangements will be made for you to take this examination.
If a Training and Experience evaluation is held:
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 July 27, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW:
If a Computer-Based Examination is held:
If a training and experience evaluation is held:
Level of Education Required
High School/GED
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS: Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Free Library of Philadelphia with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND
2. EDUCATION: Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
3. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Two years of library patron services experience.
AND
4. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience as a Library Assistant 3.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of certification as a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Instructor, if required by work assignment.
Possession of a ServSafe certification issued by the National Restaurant Association within twelve months of appointment as an Instructor for the Library Specialty Culinary Literacy assignment.