Temporary security guards being hired for pope visit

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Philadelphia is hiring help for the pope's visit next month.

A job fair began on Wednesday morning, with up to 100 temporary security jobs up for grabs.

The company, U.S Security Associates, is holding the job fair. Many of those in attendance are hoping a temporary job will lead to something permanent.

"I've been looking for job for long time," said Jazmin Taylor of West Philadelphia

This could be the opportunity she's looking for. With millions of people expected next month at the World Meeting of Families, facilities around the area need security.

"With the pope coming and the millions of people that will be around, it's very, very high in importance, an urgency of having the best out there," said Frank Duggan of U.S. Security Associates.

The non-profit Philadelphia Works hosted the event at the Center City Career Link center on JFK Boulevard, and hundreds applied.

These candidates would mainly help with crowd control. The jobs would be for three weeks with pay between eight and ten dollars per hour.

Candidates would need to be observant, on time, aware of the rules, and have the ability to communicate well with crowds of people, many of whom have never been to the city before.

If they perform well on the job, this could be their foot in the door for a permanent job.

"I'm actually employed part time but I'm looking for a full time position," said Falicia Iseley of North Philadelphia. "I have a child getting ready to go to college so I need more than one job."

From here candidates will be selected for the interviews to be held at the branch in Jenkintown.