Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function
In 2021 the City of Vancouver finalized the development of an Equity Framework. The City recognizes that Indigenous, Black and people of color experience significant inequities in Vancouver, and is taking an Indigenous rights, racial justice, intersectionality, and systems orientation approach to this scope of work. The Social Planner II is responsible for implementing the Equity Framework and supporting equity related initiatives within the Social Policy and Projects division and across the Arts, Culture and Community Services department as they coordinate and enhance programs and policies related to equity; and work collaboratively with partners to make recommendations. The incumbent may also be assigned to participate in City wide equity initiatives.

The Social Planner II will be responsible for coordinating major social planning projects often involving complex and sensitive issues. The work requires considerable liaison with government representatives and officials and members of Boards, Commissions, private agencies and community organizations. This role also includes supervisory responsibility over Social Planners I and Social Planning Analysts and consultants engaged for specific projects as required. In future this position may be reassigned to focus on other Social Planner II related work within the division based on operational need.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Leads planning, researching, implementing, facilitating, coordinating and executing initiatives and supervises staff and consultants as required.
- Convenes internal and external stakeholders; and, collaboratively makes recommendations with partners.
- Formulates and presents recommendations, reports and presentations to City Council, and Council Committees.
- Chairs meetings, attends meetings to represent the department and make presentations and answer questions.
- Convenes and facilitates equity related training/workshops.
- Liaises with other ACCS divisions and City departments to advise on priority projects as well as alignment of policies, actions, granting, etc.
- Conducts correspondence with the public and other departments on matters related to assignments.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
- University graduate degree (Master’s level preferred) in a related field with considerable and progressive experience at a professional level preferably supplemented by supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Considerable current and related experience in racial equity and decolonization within an institutional context is preferred.
- Lived experience with diversity, inclusion and equity considerations in a workplace environment combined with a broad perspective lens on equity is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience in applying an intersectional lens to equity.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and delivering equity related training initiatives.
- Strong relationships and experience working with Indigenous communities, including local First Nations xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and urban Indigenous peoples.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge and/or experience of histories, goals, policies, rights and issues that shape current relationships between equity-denied communities and the organizations that support them, with local government in Vancouver.
- Considerable knowledge of equity and its intrinsic connection to colonization.
- Considerable knowledge of equity and connection to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, transphobia, misogyny, homophobia, classism, xenophobia, moralism, and ableism.
- Considerable understanding of legal contexts and frameworks and how it relates to implementing equity-based interventions.
- Considerable knowledge of local organizations, including Indigenous organizations, social agencies, and services operating in Vancouver.
- Working knowledge of public engagement and planning processes and report writing;
- Ability to supervise staff, contractors, and manage budgets.
- Ability to prepare reports and make recommendations to government officials and elected representatives.
- Ability to influence others, both internal City and external partners, towards common goals.
- Ability to work diplomatically with community groups and elected and appointed officials of government at all levels.
- Ability to navigate complex and sensitive conversations with tact, and excellent facilitation skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives, projects, report on outcomes, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and work independently as well as part of a team.

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’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: August 2023
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour

Application Close: June 18, 2023
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

XOnce 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. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour

Contact Information

Please submit your applications at: https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/38623/

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.