University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in
Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research,
and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks
among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World
Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide
opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education,
all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to
scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently
ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from
Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of
Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban
campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and
recreational activities. With its historical significance and
landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of
atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for
work and play.
Posted Job Title
Community Care Event Observer (Temporary Non-Exempt)
Job Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Job Description Summary
Event Observers support a safe and respectful campus environment by
patrolling the University of Pennsylvania campus during nighttime
and weekend shifts. Reporting to the Associate Director for
Community Care, Event Observers monitor both registered and
unregistered student events, assess safety conditions, and escalate
concerns when appropriate. This role emphasizes harm reduction,
community care, and collaboration with relevant university
offices.
The Event Observer (EO) team is comprised of part-time, temporary
staff within University Life. Event Observers play an important
role in efforts to manage risk, reduce harm, and foster a sense of
belonging among all members of our community. This is primarily
done through on-the-ground support of student social events, which
includes communicating with event hosts, helping to ensure guests'
safety, troubleshooting any issues, and documenting observations or
concerns. EOs address and shut down social events that are
escalating in risk and/or events that were not registered with
University Life. EOs work closely with Penn Police while on shift
and may collaborate with other offices, such as the Office of
Fraternity & Sorority Life and the Center for Community
Standards & Accountability, to provide more details following
an event.
EO shifts are typically from 9:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. and may be
scheduled on Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday nights as well as
other times when events are planned (e.g., during the day on
Saturday). Shifts begin during the week of New Student Orientation
and end around Commencement. EOs work in pairs and are required to
complete training before attending their first shift.
This is a temporary, non-exempt, nine-month term position.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Patrol designated areas of campus during assigned shifts,
focusing on locations where student events may be occurring.
Monitor both registered and unregistered student gatherings to
help ensure safety and adherence to university expectations.
Identify and assess potential safety risks, including crowding,
visibly intoxicated individuals, disruptive conduct, or other
concerning behaviors.
Use discretion to escalate issues to university staff or
emergency services when necessary.
Coordinate with relevant offices including the Office of
Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL),Office of Student Affairs
(OSA), and Community Standards and Accountability (CSA), as
directed.
Serve as a neutral and professional presence to help deter
unsafe behaviors and support a safe campus experience.
Submit shift summaries or incident reports following each
assignment.
Attend required training and orientation sessions.
Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must not be currently enrolled as a student at the University
of Pennsylvania.
- Must not hold other employment at the University of
Pennsylvania.
- Strong observational and communication skills.
- Ability to remain composed, objective, and professional in
high-energy social environments.
- Prior experience in public safety, event staffing, student
affairs, or community outreach is a plus.
- Commitment to reliability, discretion, and upholding university
standards.
Work Environment & Requirements:
- Work is conducted outdoors and on foot, often in crowded or
noisy conditions.
- Exposure to student social environments including parties, with
potential presence of alcohol.
- Shifts are primarily scheduled for late nights
(Thursday-Sunday) and weekend days.
Compensation:
Hourly wage: $35/hr
Includes paid training
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Student Services
Pay Range
$7.25 - $35.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications,
experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the
requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges
based on external market data for the job's level. Internal
organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer.
Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race,
color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin
(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship
status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected
under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is
made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the
requirements of the job.
University Benefits
- Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical,
prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance
benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
- Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to
help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and
Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a
pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment
options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA
guidelines.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer.
Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race,
color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin
(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship
status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected
under applicable federal, state, or local law.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/3935-Walnut-Street/Community-Care-Event-Observer--Temporary-Non-Exempt-_JR00126745
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