What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Relations Specialist Trainee 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:
This is public information and promotional work of a training nature. Employees in this class learn to prepare promotional and informational materials in a variety of formats and participate in planning promotional programs. Assignments expand in complexity and scope as the employee gains experience in the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Ashanay Graham
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone:215-685-8011
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email:Ashanay.Graham@phila.gov
For all other inquiries, please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
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
Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application; however, Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the City of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.
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 people receiving an identical test score.
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.
INDEBTEDNESS NOTICE
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.
PREFERENCE POINTS FOR CANDIDATES FOR OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.
U.S. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Ten points for veteran's preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for Open-Competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
LEGACY PREFERENCE
The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in Open-Competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass Open-Competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE
Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open-Competitive Examination And Who Has
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. 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.
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 5/4/2026. 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
Level of Education Required
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 9 months of the application deadline (January 12, 2027 ) will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
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
This is public information and promotional work of a training nature. Employees in this class learn to prepare promotional and informational materials in a variety of formats and participate in planning promotional programs. Assignments expand in complexity and scope as the employee gains experience in the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Ashanay Graham
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone:215-685-8011
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email:Ashanay.Graham@phila.gov
For all other inquiries, please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
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
Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application; however, Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the City of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.
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 people receiving an identical test score.
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.
INDEBTEDNESS NOTICE
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.
PREFERENCE POINTS FOR CANDIDATES FOR OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.
U.S. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Ten points for veteran's preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for Open-Competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
LEGACY PREFERENCE
The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in Open-Competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass Open-Competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE
Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open-Competitive Examination And Who Has
- Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA are eligible for additional points.
- Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
- 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.
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. 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.
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 5/4/2026. 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
Level of Education Required
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 9 months of the application deadline (January 12, 2027 ) will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
- Education: Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, marketing, media studies, public relations or a related area.
- Medical
- Dental
- Prescription
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Hybrid Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Plan
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
- Employee Assistant Program
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation leave
- Paid personal days
- 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
- Backup Child and Adult care
- Wellbeing platform and programs
- Retiree Health Benefits
- Qualified Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
- Tuition Discounts for City Employees