What is “Philly at Work—Looking Out for Each Other”?
At some point in our careers, we all encounter moments when we need extra support at work, whether that means navigating the workplace as a person with disabilities, coping with the loss of a loved one, or managing personal challenges that don’t clock out at the end of the day. These experiences are part of being human, yet they are often accompanied by uncertainty, silence, or stigma in professional settings. Just as often, we find ourselves on the other side of the equation. We notice a colleague who seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, or struggling, and we want to help, but we may not know how to approach the situation in a way that feels respectful, appropriate, and effective.
This is exactly why the Philly at Work—Looking Out for Each Other video series was created. The goal is simple: to increase awareness, empathy, and confidence so we can all show up for one another in meaningful, human ways.
By bringing visibility to topics that can feel complicated or sensitive, this series creates space for honest dialogue and shared learning. Through expert guidance, real examples, and practical tools, we hope to help build a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and seen, especially during the moments when it matters most.
What is DBHIDS?
The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) is a City of Philadelphia agency that directly serves more than 150,000 residents each year as they work toward a city where every individual can achieve health, well‑being, and self‑determination.
As part of the City’s Office of Health and Human Services, they provide behavioral health care, intellectual disability supports, and early intervention services. Guided by their mission to educate, strengthen, and serve individuals and communities, DBHIDS envisions a Philadelphia where all people can thrive.
Their work is carried out across six divisions—Behavioral Health, Intellectual disAbility Services, Community Behavioral Health, Planning Innovation, Administration/Finance/Quality, and Behavioral Health and Justice—which together support a wide range of programs and initiatives. Through a strong network of provider agencies and close collaboration with partners such as the Philadelphia School District, the child welfare and judicial systems, and other community stakeholders, they deliver person‑centered services that help meet the diverse needs of individuals and families across Philadelphia.
Supporting Colleagues with Intellectual Disabilities
For this edition, we explored a topic that many employees are curious about but may be unsure how to approach: how to support coworkers with intellectual disabilities in a way that is respectful and informed.
To guide this conversation, we sat down with Charlotte Wroton, Chief Program Officer for Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS) at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). IDS plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to the services and opportunities they deserve, including job-matching and job coaching.
A key takeaway from our conversation: no two individuals with intellectual disabilities are the same. Strengths, support needs, work preferences, and communication styles vary widely. Just like any other coworker, people with intellectual disabilities bring unique perspectives, talents, and value to their teams.
Wroton stated, “It really is dependent on the individual in terms of what they need, and for us as coworkers, employees, supervisory staff- we have to be considerate of that. It’s no different, really, of what we should be considerate of for our other employees … Everybody has some need in terms of their employment.”
Ready to join a workforce that supports you through life’s challenges?
The City of Philadelphia is committed to supporting its employees with empathy, care, and a people-first approach. Alongside competitive salaries and a wide range of comprehensive benefits, we offer the resources and support you need to thrive, both at work and beyond it.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to explore a career in municipal service, this is it. Discover our employment opportunities at work.phila.gov today!
