Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function
The Housing and Homelessness Services team in Arts, Culture and Community Services currently have 2 Social Planner II opportunities. Each Social Planner II will be responsible for supporting the replacement and improvement of SROs and delivery of low-income supportive housing as outlined in the Housing Vancouver Strategy. The positions will play an important role in the delivery of new low-income (shelter rate) social, supportive housing by coordinating, planning and implementing a variety of programs, policies and project specific work.

The Social Planner II engages with City processes including but not limited to: supporting supportive housing and SRA replacement housing applications through Rezoning and Development Permit/Building Permits process, supporting public consultation and engagement, overseeing the administration of the SRA Bylaw and capital grants, and reviewing legal agreements to protect, secure and improve low-income housing. The positions may also support very low-income renters and oversee tenant relocation plans.

The Social Planner II will bring expertise to a range of complex issues and will require experience in Project Management to support senior leaders and ultimately elected officials to make critical decisions on projects, plans, and strategies.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Implement housing strategies and projects aimed at delivering new supportive housing and renewing and improving the SRO housing stock in Vancouver through various City processes and legal tools.
- Collaborate with a wide range of internal departments (e.g. Non-Market Housing Development & Operations, Planning, Development Sustainability, Real Estate & Facilities Management, Law, Finance, Development, Building and Licencing) and key external stakeholders, including BC Housing, CMHC, Vancouver Coastal Health, advocacy groups, people with lived experience and the non-profit/co-op sectors to deliver projects.
- Provide oversight on non-profit operator selection for City-owned supportive housing projects, including supporting lease negotiations with proponents and supporting development of operations management plans.
- Prepare and manage work programs, including supervising other professional and technical staff and external consultants including reviews of economic and financial proforma analysis.
- Write and present complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council, including reports, memos, presentations.
- Develop and lead collaborative and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners and the public that includes designing, attending and facilitating public processes in a sometimes contentious environment.
- Commit to advancing equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and decolonization in projects, programs and policies.
- Employ continuous improvement approach to the delivery of evidence collection & analysis, utilizing a range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques - including survey development, economic analysis, and review of housing and land-use policies – to enable effective implementation of housing projects.
- 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, with progressive experience at a professional level (minimum 5 years preferred) in developing affordable housing and addressing homelessness, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Relevant lived experience and/or working knowledge of people with barriers, including social inequity, racism, colonialism and marginalization related barriers, combined with a broad perspective lens on equity is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of current housing policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government, as well as municipal development approval processes and regulations.
- Knowledge of current 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 factors affecting housing supply and demand, including land use planning, land and development economics, social safety net policies, income distribution, and the influence of individual characteristics (e.g. physical disabilities, mental health issues and substance use dependencies, gender, family status, ethnicity, etc.).
- Knowledge of supportive housing delivery and SRO policy context.
- Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to clearly articulate complex planning information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and the public
- Ability to supervise staff assigned to various projects and direct the work of consultants engaged.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills.
- Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues.
- Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact.
- Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software.
- Ability to analyze and solve problems, assess options feasibility and make recommendations based upon thorough analysis.
- Ability to meet transportation needs.

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: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: June 2023
Position End Date: June 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour
Positions Available: 2

Application Close: June 3, 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.

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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/38636/

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.