Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Company

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), 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.



Main Purpose & Function
Reporting to the Director of Homelessness Services, the Manager, Homelessness Response Coordination is responsible for oversight, coordination and liaison of inter-departmental and external agency responses to address the impact of unsheltered homelessness in Vancouver, with the goal of addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, organizing the City’s on-going and emergency response to unsheltered homelessness and encampments and creating healthier communities.



The position plays an important role in managing the coordination of responses to encampments, while working alongside the other members of the Homelessness Services team in the planning and implementation of a variety of projects, initiatives, and policies to address street homelessness, and associated issues. The position builds on existing collaborative partnerships to drive new programs and initiatives, measure outcomes, carefully monitor progress toward those efforts and build upon our successes. The position is focused on continuing to bring internal and external partners together to make a significant contribution to the most vulnerable persons living on the streets in Vancouver and continuing to expand the City’s capacity to address the barriers to ending homelessness.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Supports Senior Leadership and Council to respond effectively to the issues arising from street homelessness and encampments; maintains and improves services for those living outside or in vehicles.
Provides operational leadership of an ACCS and City-wide team to co-ordinate and facilitate the City’s response to unsheltered homelessness, including those people living in vehicles and encampments, both in terms of on-going and emergency responses.
Monitors human resource impacts and budgets in relation to the City’s response to unsheltered homelessness and encampments.
Maintains and cultivates strong alliances with key internal and external partners including, but not limited to, Engineering, Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, and the Vancouver Police Department, BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction; non-profit service providers and business and community organizations.
Identifies gaps in services and strategic opportunities for addressing those gaps based on partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders and understanding of the homeless services delivery system.
Collaborates with key departments and internal and external agencies to develop strategies to better assist people experiencing unsheltered homelessness using a trauma informed and intersectional lens; and a proactive approach to respond to any associated impacts to the pubic realm.
Monitors and evaluates programs and strategies and strives for continuous improvement in our response to homelessness.
Prepares and manages work programs, including supervising other professional and technical staff and external consultants as required.
Prepares and presents reports and presentations on complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
Develops and leads collaborative and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners and the public that includes designing, attending and facilitating community engagement and consultation processes in a sometimes contentious environments
Exercises strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Graduate degree in Social Work, Planning or related studies, combined with a minimum of 5 years in strategic leadership roles providing direct management and program oversight, or an equivalent combination of related experience and training
Relevant experience working within homelessness services and/or housing


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the homelessness service system and current housing policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government is an advantage
Knowledge of social and affordable housing policy context
Knowledge of social, economic, political, technological, demographic and environmental trends, factors and issues related to housing needs of different groups in Vancouver and Metro area
Knowledge of the many factors affecting those at risk of or experiencing homelessness
Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities
Demonstrated commitment to removing barriers to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness
Strong organizing and project management skills
Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to prepare and present complex information to staff, the public, and City Council; ability to write clear, concise Council reports and presentations and make sound recommendations.
Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public
Ability to supervise staff assigned to various projects and direct the work of consultants engaged on social planning projects
Proven strategic thinker, problem solver, and able to manage multiple priorities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment
Organized leader with excellent verbal and written communications skills providing the ability to persuade others in a positive way
Expert at conceptualizing and creating processes and procedures for prioritizing and evaluating options in services and budgets
Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact
Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software including Microsoft Office


Record Checks:

A Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.


All City of Vancouver employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and ongoing employment. Candidates who are not able to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine for a reason related to a Human Rights Code ground (such as disability) can request an accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.



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

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: November, 2021



Application Close: November 10, 2021

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.



Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx.. 5-10mins. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a tailored summary of skills and experience related to the position.

Contact Information

Please apply online at https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Urban-Issues-Manager-Brit/635516700/