Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose & Function
This position supports the provision of services for individuals experiencing homelessness through the development and implementation of projects, research, and community education initiatives. The position:

Provides leadership to community and neighbourhood groups to develop and implement responses to homelessness and to address the needs of those at risk of homelessness.
Recommends services and practices that impact solutions to emergent issues related to homelessness.
Oversees research initiatives and advises on relevant policies including policies implemented in collaboration with other jurisdictions.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities
This position contributes and provides support to the City of Vancouver’s Homelessness Response Strategy including the delivery of temporary winter shelters, warming centres, the annual homeless count, coordination of Homelessness Action Week grants, participation in relevant internal and external committees and other community liaison activities increase understanding of the causes and solutions to homelessness and reduce the stigmatization of homelessness. The position organizes and liaises with community members, prepares contracts with consultants, designs and oversees research and prepares reports to City Council.

This position will:

Develop, review and implement homelessness policies and strategies aimed at ensuring access to affordable housing for low income and equity denied individuals and families.
Provide coordination, planning, research and analysis related to the goal of ending homelessness. Liaise with key external stakeholders, including BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, community and non-profit housing and homelessness service providers, academic institutions, and other private and non-profit partners to influence, affect and deliver broad system and policy changes that improve the lives of Vancouver citizens.
Provide input, implement and update City-wide inclusionary homelessness policies, and collaborate with the other Departments to develop innovative shelter and housing policies in upcoming/ongoing community and city-wide planning work
Collaborate with a wide range of internal departments (e.g. Planning and Development Services, Real Estate Services, Law, Finance, Social Policy, Parks, License and Inspections and Engineering) and external stakeholders, such as community organizations, businesses, residents, property owners, non-profit housing and homelessness service providers, senior government representatives, and developers.
Report writing, including complex Council reports; presenting complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council
Develop and lead collaborative and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners and the public that includes designing, attending and facilitating public policy processes in a sometimes contentious environment
Employ a continuous improvement approach to the delivery of data collection, management and analysis, utilizing a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques– to develop effective homelessness policies and provide robust assessments of options and outcomes
Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

A University degree in Planning or related studies, preferably a post-graduate degree, combined with a minimum of five years’ experience in, and commitment to, addressing homelessness. Knowledge of current housing and homelessness policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government is expected.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong organizing and project management skills.
Up to date knowledge of social, economic, political, technological, demographic and environmental trends, factors and issues related to homelessness as a condition of different groups in Vancouver and Metro area
An in-depth knowledge of the factors affecting homelessness, housing and shelter supply and demand, including land use planning, land and development economics, social safety net policies, income distribution, and the influence of individual characteristics (e.g. physical disabilities, mental illness, alcohol/drug dependencies, gender, family status, ethnicity, etc.)
Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues
Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities
Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to clearly articulate complex planning information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public
Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial and social policy analysis
Able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills
Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact
Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software


Driver’s License and Record Checks:

A current and valid driver’s license is preferred
A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.



Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.



The City of Vancouver has a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy. All external applicants applying to the City of Vancouver are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and subject to this policy as a condition of ongoing employment. Candidates may only be exempted from this requirement if they request and are approved for an accommodation based on a reason related to a Human Rights Code ground (such as disability). Such a request must be made during, not after, the recruitment process.

Additional Information

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: August, 2022

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour



Application Close: July 17, 2022

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

Contact Information

You can apply through The City of Vancouver Website https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Social-Planner-I-Homelessness-Services-Brit-V6A-4K6/907340400/

Employer Profile

Company

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.