Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose & Function
Reporting to the Managing Director of Social Policy, the incumbent will work independently and as part of a team to help improve the social well-being of Vancouver residents, communities, and neighborhoods.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities
This position provides project management and leadership in the delivery of Vancouver’s Food Strategy within the Social Policy & Projects Division of the Arts, Culture and Community Services department. The Vancouver Food Strategy encompasses a wide range of portfolios requiring coordination among multiple City departments and liaising with numerous external stakeholders. This position is responsible for implementing the Food Strategy’s goals and the actions outlined in the 2013 strategy and 2017 updated action plan, while prioritizing the City’s commitments to reconciliation, equity, and anti-racism.

As a project manager, the position works in collaborative leadership with other City departments on initiatives including: urban agriculture (urban farming, community gardens, etc.); food access (retail, farmers and community food markets); food distribution (food infrastructure, resilience); food waste; development application review (implementation of sustainable food systems requirements of the Rezoning Policy for Sustainable Large Developments); grant adjudication; and other food system projects and policies.

The Social Planner I also provides a range of professional and technical services in support of social infrastructure and community-use projects and policies identified as priorities within the Social Policy & Projects Division, and expressed in the Healthy City Strategy (HCS). The incumbent will work toward achieving HCS goals by providing research and analysis and developing and implementing social policy focused on food systems and other City priorities, as well as participate in cross-department work groups focused on creating, preserving and renewing social infrastructure.

The incumbent will be responsible for drafting reports to City Council which outline policies, programs, issues and recommendations. The incumbent in this position will also conduct research, planning, coordination, facilitation and advice between Social Policy and other Civic departments in the area of community service needs, social sustainability, and other social issues, as well as develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs in these areas.

Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
University graduation in the Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Food Systems, or other related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Relevant lived experience combined with a broad perspective lens on supporting best practices in advancing reconciliation, equity, and anti-racism within food systems and social infrastructure, is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience and content knowledge in the areas of municipal social planning, social policy, land-use planning, community development, and social determinants of health.
Experience in food policy, racial justice, and sustainable food systems issues, including knowledge of the Vancouver Food Strategy.
Strong familiarity with, and understanding of the landscape of community-based and non-profit social service organizations in Vancouver.
Familiarity with the Food Strategy, Healthy City Strategy, plus knowledge of City services, programs and processes, including the securing of community benefits from development.
Ability to work effectively in a socially diverse context with communities that face systemic inequities and discrimination due to colonialism, racism, and economic exclusion.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively develop and implement policy, programs and strategies.
Demonstrated ability to engage with, negotiate, and build consensus with internal departments and with external parties including community stakeholders on complex social planning issues.
Experience in project management and project tracking.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex social planning issues and information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated skill in preparing complex written communications such as briefing notes, policy documents, speaking notes, and reports.
Ability to complete complex assignments using sound professional techniques and judgment.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public.
Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team and to cooperate with other employees, officials and the public.

Additional Information

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: July, 2021
Position End Date: December, 2022
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029 : $44.83 to $53.01 per hour

Application Close: June 13, 2021
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. If you would like to be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity, please apply through our careers site.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Salary: Pay Grade GR-29: $44.83 to $53.01 per hour

Contact Information

Please apply via the City of Vancouver career's page: https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Social-Planner-I-Social-Infrastructure-Food-Systems-Brit-V6A-4K6/751581800/

Employer Profile

Requisition ID: 30217
Company
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), 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.