Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose & Function

This Social Planner I position is within the Housing and Homelessness Services (HHS) division in Arts Culture and Community Services. The role is part of the Homelessness Services team, and works from the City of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside office located at 392 Powell St.

The City’s response to individuals experiencing and at risk of experiencing homelessness is through the development and implementation of projects, research, and community-based initiatives. This position will primarily be responsible for leading and implementing Better Together, a neighbourhood based pilot that will work to collectively problem-solve issues related to poverty, unsheltered homelessness and mental health.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Coordinate the Better Together: Neighbourhood Collective Action Pilot, including supporting and liaising with internal and external stakeholders in the three pilot neighbourhoods: Downtown South, Mount Pleasant and Olympic Village;
Lead the development of increased collaboration, information sharing and collective problem-solving related to key issues of the Neighbourhood Collective Action Tables in each neighbourhood;
Provide support and guidance for the lead agencies responsible for administering the (i) peer stewardship and (ii) education and training programs;
Provide research, analysis, and feedback on the development of various city plan documents as they relate to Homelessness Services, and other team projects as required;
Ensure the collection and reporting of metrics related to the five components of the pilot program. Support the development and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation led by an external consultant.
Liaise and collaborate with a wide range of internal departments (Engineering, Planning and Development Services, License and Inspections, Law, Finance, Social Policy) and external partners and stakeholders;
Liaise with the public, community groups, and representatives of social services agencies, non-profit housing groups, and senior government representatives and agencies;
Prepare and present Homelessness Services reports and recommendations to senior staff and City Council;
Support the team in continuously improving our approach to data collection, management and analysis, utilizing a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques - including survey development, economic analysis, review of housing and land-use policies – to develop effective housing policies and provide robust assessments of options and outcomes in the goal to end homelessness and support vulnerable populations; and
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 a minimum of five years’ experience in, and commitment to, addressing homelessness. Knowledge of current housing and homelessness policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government is expected.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the homelessness service system and current housing policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government is an advantage
Knowledge of social and affordable housing policy context
Knowledge of 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 homelessness including social safety net policies, income distribution, and the influence of individual characteristics (e.g. physical disabilities, mental illness, alcohol/drug dependencies, gender, family status, ethnicity, etc.)
Ability to build consensus with internal departments and with external parties including community stakeholders in potentially contentious environments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public.
Strong situational awareness and judgement, and public service ethic;
Strong interpersonal and communications skills along with the ability to translate complex concepts into accurate, easily understandable formats.


Driver’s License and Record Checks:

A current and valid driver’s license is an asset
A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.



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.

Additional Information

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: August, 2022

Position End Date: December, 2023

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

Application Close: July 17, 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, 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.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

Contact Information

You can apply through the City of Vancouver website - https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Social-Planner-I-Homelessness-Services-Brit-V6A-4K6/907339600/

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.