Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function

The City recognizes that Indigenous, Black, African diaspora, and other racialized people experience significant inequities in Vancouver, and is taking an anti-racist approach to this scope of work. The City of Vancouver is undertaking the development of a colonial audit and a city-wide anti-racism strategy to address anti-Black racism affecting the well-being of Black and African diaspora communities along with all Vancouver residents.



The Social Planner II works with an inter-departmental team to lead the response on anti-Black racism, convening individual, community, and government stakeholders; advising City departments as they coordinate and enhance programs and policies related to anti-racism; and, working collaboratively with all partners to further develop and implement recommendations.



Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

The position reports to Assistant Director of Social Policy and Projects, and is directly supervised by the Anti-Racism and Cultural Redress Social Planner III. The position works closely with internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis.



This role is supported by a Social Planner III in Anti-Racism and Cultural Redress, a temporary Social Planner II for South Asian Cultural Redress and other staff within Social Policy with expertise working on Equity, Intersectionality, Reconciliation, Culture, and other key strategies.



Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Supports the City’s advocacy and public engagement role with other levels of government to take a stance against racism and anti-Black racism in particular
Supports the honouring and advancement of recommendations provided by Black and people of African descent to the City of Vancouver through actions and work programs
Works with community, inter-departmentally, and with City Advisories to engage Black and African diaspora communities and community organizations
Contributes to the development of a comprehensive, holistic and long-term plan to address the various dimensions through which anti-Black racism plays out
Conducts analysis, research, literature review, focus groups, and interviews to deepen actions against anti-Black racism internally and externally in policies, procedures, practices, services, and programs
Contributes to addressing anti-Black racism in all city systems including, but not limited to community support services, housing and homelessness; arts and culture; and work with public partners and communities to highlight and address racism in other systems including criminal justice systems; employment; and education
Contributes to reconciliatory and cultural redress efforts specific to Black and African Diaspora communities including, but not limited to Hogan’s Alley
Promotes the rights and freedoms of Black and African Diaspora community members and provide information and support regarding redress when rights and freedoms are violated.
Develops, delivers and evaluates public dialogue on anti-Black racism
Contributes to Public Partner and Community Working Group on Anti-racism’s efforts including disaggregated data collection, safe reporting, and mental health supports
Mobilizes and coordinates City’s anti-Black racism efforts in collaboration with community and other governmental partners
Convenes internal and external stakeholders; and, collaboratively makes recommendations and implement action plans with partners;
Supports the development and implementation of recommendations, reports and presentations to City Council, and Council Committees;
Leads planning, researching, implementing, facilitating, coordinating and executing initiatives and supervises a Planning Assistant as required;
Consult with and advise other City departments on matters related to project assignments
Liaises with other City departments to advise on other priority projects as well as alignment of policies, actions, granting, etc.;
Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

University graduate degree in Social Sciences in a related field with extensive and progressive experience at a professional level or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required.
Demonstrated experience in applying an anti-racism, equity, intersectional lens in an institutional context is essential.
Strong relationships and experience working with Black Canadians, Black, and African Diaspora communities is needed to do this work.
Experience working with Indigenous communities, including local First Nations xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), urban Indigenous peoples and other racialized communities and marginalized groups is also preferred. Relevant lived experience combined with proven ability in applying an anti-racism, equity, an intersectional lens in an institutional context is preferred.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable understanding and knowledge of anti-Black racism and its connection to systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, trauma from incidents, cumulative impacts of racism, and systemic inequalities and injustice;
Considerable understanding and knowledge of racism and specifics of anti-Black racism as it relates to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, sexism, transphobia, misogyny, homophobia, classism, xenophobia, and ableism;
Considerable understanding and knowledge of compounding impacts of systemic discrimination and inequities experienced by Black, Black Canadian, and African diaspora community members with varied abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status in Canada, and others;
Considerable experience in research, analysis, literature review, focus groups, and interviews
Experience engaging people with lived experience, children, youth, and elderly community members
Demonstrated experience in public engagement and planning processes and report writing;
Demonstrated experience in training and facilitation with racialized and non-racialized communities
Demonstrated experience in public engagement, education, planning processes, report-writing, and oral presentation
Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, contractors, and managing budgets
Knowledge of groups and organizations including social agencies and services led by and in service of Black, Black Canadian and African Diaspora communities Current knowledge of community-based and culturally sensitive mental health supports;
Ability to navigate complex and sensitive conversations with tact, and excellent facilitation skills;
Ability to co-create with others, both internal City and external partners, towards common goals;
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives, projects, report on outcomes, and meet deadlines; and,
Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and work independently as well as part of a team.

Additional Information

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: April, 2021

Position End Date: October, 2022

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $48.78 to $57.70 per hour



Application Close: March 14, 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.

To be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity with a generous benefits package, please apply on our careers site.

Salary: Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $48.78 to $57.70 per hour

Contact Information

https://jobs.vancouver.ca/

Employer Profile

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.