Philadelphia Community Services Office - Philadelphia, PA

Department of Human Services Satellite

The Philadelphia Community Services Office located at 1231 North Broad Street functions as a critical regional outpost for the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS). Often referred to in city directories as ”Area Office F” or the North Central office, this facility is situated within the historic Sullivan Progress Plaza, specifically in the OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center) Building. The primary mission of this office is to bring essential social services closer to the communities that need them most, reducing the barrier of travel to the main headquarters in Center City. It serves as a hub for child welfare operations, family preservation efforts, and community-based support programs designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in North Philadelphia.

Services and Operations

This office primarily handles casework and administrative functions related to the city's child welfare system. Staff located here work on prevention services, which aim to support families in crisis before separation becomes necessary, as well as monitoring cases where children have been placed in foster care. The location allows social workers to maintain closer contact with families in the North Central and North Philadelphia neighborhoods. While this is an operational government office, it is distinct from the state-run County Assistance Offices (CAOs) that handle SNAP and cash assistance; this facility is strictly city-run and focused on human services and child protection. Visitors typically come here for scheduled meetings with caseworkers, family team conferences, or to access specific support resources mandated by the courts or DHS.

Location and Accessibility

The office is housed on the upper floors (often the 5th floor) of the OIC Building, a landmark of community development founded by the Reverend Leon Sullivan. The building is fully accessible, featuring elevators and ADA-compliant facilities. It is strategically located at the busy intersection of Broad and Thompson Streets, making it highly visible and easy to reach. Public transportation is excellent; the Girard Station on the Broad Street Line (BSL) is just one block south, and the Cecil B. Moore Station is a short walk to the north. Additionally, SEPTA bus Routes 4 and 16 stop directly in front of the building on Broad Street, and the Route 15 trolley runs nearby along Girard Avenue. Limited metered street parking is available, and there is a surface lot for the plaza, though it is primarily for retail customers, so public transit is recommended for longer visits.

Security and Visits

As a government tenant within a multi-use building that also houses educational programs and non-profits, security is enforced to protect staff and clients. Visitors to the DHS suite should expect to sign in at a reception desk and may be required to show valid photo identification. Security screening measures, such as bag checks, may be in place depending on the specific floor protocols. Since this is primarily a workspace for caseworkers who spend much of their time in the field, appointments are strongly recommended; walk-in visitors may find that the specific staff member they need to see is unavailable. It is always best to call ahead to confirm the availability of services or personnel.

• Not a Welfare Office: This is City DHS (Child Welfare), NOT a State CAO for food stamps.
• Transit Friendly: Steps away from the Broad Street Line Girard Station.
• Appointments: Highly advised to call 215-685-0793 before visiting.
• Location: Inside the Sullivan Progress Plaza OIC Building.