Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function

Reporting to the Senior Housing Planner, the Housing Planner plays a key role in the development and implementation of the City’s non-market housing portfolio (Vancouver Affordable Housing Endowment Fund – VAHEF) to best deliver on the City’s Housing Vancouver Strategy and targets.

The Housing Planner contributes to the development of the VAHEF portfolio plans and targets through planning, research and analysis work, facilitation and engagement related to portfolio activities, and is responsible for deployment of turn-key social housing assets, providing housing subject matter expertise on housing development projects and leases associated with the City’s non-market housing portfolio, and administration of housing capital grants.

The Housing Project Planner will work collaboratively with staff in other functional areas within the Non-Market Housing Development and Operations (NMHDO) Business Unit and other City departments. This position will bring substantive expertise and creativity to a range of complex issues, with strong project management skills to support critical decisions, projects and strategies.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Portfolio Planning; Project Development
- Conducts planning, research and analysis and leads initiatives related to VAHEF strategic objectives, portfolio plans and targets in alignment with the City’s Housing Vancouver Strategy
- Conducts advanced research and analysis on a range of issues and policies related to the delivery of housing under a portfolio-wide approach
- Manages selection of non-profit partners, procurement arrangements, and affordability objectives for the City’s turn-key social housing assets, including advising on operating models
- Works collaboratively with NMHDO Development Managers on all VAHEF projects under development, including early evaluation of housing needs, advising on planning requirements, and funding opportunities, providing input into the design submissions, and recommended programming and non-profit operational considerations
- Works collaboratively across the NMHDO team to provide input into the evaluation of end of lease scenarios, and makes recommendations on the best path forward
- Advises on relocation planning with housing partners to facilitate redevelopment of existing VAHEF sites as required

Facilitation & Engagement; Grant administration
- Collaborates with a wide range of internal departments and external stakeholders to develop partnerships that will effectively implement portfolio plans, and housing projects that assist in meeting VAHEF strategic objectives and targets.
- Coordinates and leads formal engagement with non-profit and co-op housing providers, and senior government representatives on NMHDO led initiatives
- Participates in engagement on other City-led housing initiatives as needed
- Reviews and responds to enquiries related to the VAHEF portfolio from external stakeholders, partners, community groups, government agencies, tenants, media and residents
- Administers housing capital grant programs (e.g. Community Housing Incentive Program) including monitoring and updating as required
- 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 considerable experience in developing affordable housing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Vancouver’s current housing policies and those of other levels of government, as well as the municipal development approval processes and regulations; land use planning, land and development economics and housing supply and demand.
- Current knowledge of social, economic, political, technological, demographic and environmental trends, factors and issues related to housing needs of different groups in the Vancouver and Metro Vancouver area
- Strong organizational 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 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
- Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial analysis
- Able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills
- Proven strategic thinker, problem solver, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact

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: July 2023
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour

Application Close: June 25, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders 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 resume and cover letter at https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/38820/

Employer Profile

Organization

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.