Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose & Function
As an integral part of the Renter Office, and taking project direction from a Social Planner II and Senior Planner under the Managing Director, Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Programs in Arts, Culture and Community Services (ACCS), the Social Planner I supports the work of the City of Vancouver’s Renter Office, which is focused on improving equitable housing outcomes for renters. The Renter Office has a mandate to coordinate internal efforts to support Vancouver renters to understand and pursue their rights and to work with renters, building owners, landlords, community partners and other levels of government to protect renters and improve rental housing stability. The Renter Office is part of the implementation of the Housing Vancouver Strategy (2018-2027) which, highlights the critical need to improve housing affordability, security and options for renters.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities
• Collaborates with partners to support renters impacted by renovation, redevelopment, standards of maintenance issues, and unlawful eviction.
• Collaborates with a wide range of internal departments (Planning and Development Services, Development, Building and Licensing, Legal Services, Real Estate Services, Finance, Social Policy) and external stakeholders to improve internal alignment and identify City service, plan and policy improvements to better support renters and rental tenure.
• Supports the service delivery of external renter serving and advocacy groups through non-profit grants, project collaboration, and/or training.
• Liaises and supports engagement with key external stakeholders including TRAC, VTU, First United Advocacy and other non-profits, BC Housing, the Residential Tenancy Branch, and Landlord BC to influence, affect and deliver system and policy changes that improve the lives of Vancouver’s renters.
• Prepares and presents Affordable Housing & Renter Office reports and recommendations to senior staff and City Council.
• Conducts research and the collection, analysis and presentation of data on renters and issues related to renting
• Employs a continuous improvement approach to the delivery of data collection, management and analysis, utilizing a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and provide robust assessments of options and outcomes.
• Supervises the work of Planning Assistants, Planning Analysts, and/or consultants as required.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Education and Experience:
• University graduation, preferably at the Masters level, in Housing, Public Policy, Economics, Urban & Social Planning, or related discipline and 2 years of related experience at a responsible level, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Direct experience working with renters, low-income, marginalized and affordable housing communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of social and affordable rental housing legislative and policy context, including the Residential Tenancy Act and City of Vancouver Tenant Relocation and Protection Policies.
• An in-depth knowledge of the factors affecting housing supply and demand, including land use planning, land and development economics, social safety net policies, and income distribution.
• Current knowledge of equity, social, economic, political, technological, demographic, and environmental trends, factors and issues related to renters and rental housing needs of different groups in Vancouver and Metro area.
• An in-depth knowledge of the barriers (economic, social, health, etc.) that can influence a renter’s ability to maintain their housing.
• Experience embedding equity into projects, programs and processes.
• Demonstrated teamwork, facilitation, project management and communications skills.
• Advanced data-driven research and analysis abilities.
• Skill at collaborative decision making, interest-based problem solving, and demonstrated ability to achieve multiple program objectives within defined timelines.
• Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues.
• 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 and the public.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial and social policy analysis.
• Considerable skill with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project or use of project management planning and tracking approaches will be considered an asset.
• A current and valid BC Driver's license; transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of the Department.

Additional Information

Please apply online at https://jobs.vancouver.ca

Contact Information

https://jobs.vancouver.ca