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Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function
Working within the Arts, Culture and Community Services (ACCS) department, the Social Planner III is responsible for the strategic planning and supervision of a team that is responsible for developing, managing and evaluating urban health related policy and projects including drug policy, mental health responses and sex worker safety. The role will use Reconciliation and equity based approaches to recommend policy and programmatic responses related to these highly complex areas of work at neighbourhood and citywide levels. The role will initiate community engagement with people with lived/living experience from equity denied communities, advisory groups, and ad hoc committees, facilitate partnership development with communities, senior government and other institutions, and provide oversight of strategic initiatives including those funded through federal, provincial and other partners.

The Social Planner III reports to the Managing Director, Social Policy and Projects and supervises staff, consultants and contractors.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
This position will exercise considerable independent judgement while coordinating a team in the development of strategic priorities, plans and actions. The Planner III is responsible for a variety of tasks including:
- Overseeing and coordinating strategic urban health initiatives in conjunction with City, senior government and stakeholder groups;
- Providing strategic oversite of methods and processes used to build relationships and implement actions of a highly sensitive and complex nature;
- Providing expertise and guidance on how to assess and apply the information received through engagement to guide strategic planning and policy development;
- Advising and recommending actions and policies for new and emerging issues as they arise;
- Developing, managing and evaluating urban health related policy and projects including but not limited to drug policy, mental health responses and sex worker safety. Scope of work may be subject to change based on operational needs.
- Manage a staff team and consultants executing a variety of activities, such as the flow of work, strategy design of policies, projects and programs and their implementation
- Procurement and management of consultancies and project budgets;
- Report writing, including complex Council reports;
- Presenting complex materials to staff, management, the public and at City Council;
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- University graduation in the social sciences, administration/policy, with considerable administrative experience at a responsible level, or an equivalent combination of learned and lived education and experience.
- Considerable experience in policy and program development that includes engagement with people with lived/living experience of drug use, mental health and/or sex worker.
- A minimum of five years of experience in staff supervision and management is preferred.
- Experience with equity and inclusion in a workplace environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge of current realities and the diversity of people who come from equity denied groups who use drugs, people who have mental health illness and individuals who are engaged in sex work;
- Knowledge of social and economic issues and trends in Vancouver as well as the non-profit sector, public and private sector related resources and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the City’s policies and practices related to equity, drug policy and sex worker safety;
- Ability to represent the City and the integration of the priorities identified by people who use drugs, with mental illness and sex worker communities;
- Ability to lead a team of professionals in conducting research and analysis and developing policies and strategies;
- Considerable knowledge and skills in project management;
- Demonstrated experience in developing and leading complex initiatives, and creating collaborative partnerships;
- Demonstrated supervisory, planning and leadership skills;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues to stakeholders and the public;
- Excellent ability to work within a team environment and within defined timelines;
- Ability to communicate effectively with elected representatives, appointed officials, and the general public, orally and in writing;
- Skills in conflict resolution, ability to demonstrate a high degree of versatility and adaptability to changing circumstances, sound judgement and independent action.
- Ability to meet transportation requirements

Additional Information

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.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: October 2022
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-034: $58.74 to $69.48 per hour

Application Close: September 11, 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, 2SLGBTQ+ 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.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-034: $58.74 to $69.48 per hour

Contact Information

Please submit your application at: https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/36778/

Employer Profile

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.