Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function
Reporting to the Director of Homelessness Services, with direct supervision from the Senior Planner, Homelessness Services, the Social Planner I supports the City’s response to individuals experiencing homelessness through the development and implementation of projects, research, and community education initiatives.

This position contributes and provides support to the City of Vancouver’s Homelessness Response Strategy including the delivery of temporary shelters, warming centres, the annual homeless count, coordination of Homelessness Services grants, participation in relevant internal and external committees and other community liaison activities to increase understanding of and response to the causes and solutions to homelessness and to reduce the stigmatization of homelessness.

The Social Planner I liaises with community and non-profit organizations including homelessness service providers, community advocates, Homeless Outreach teams, Community Policing teams and other stakeholders responding and addressing issues related to the causes of and solutions to homelessness. The position also works with Provincial and Federal representatives to collaborate on regional and province wide homeless counts and other initiatives, and participates in relevant committees and homelessness planning and coordinating bodies.

This position will be based in the Downtown Eastside. The work location is subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Employ a continuous improvement approach to the delivery of data collection, management and analysis, utilizing a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques – to develop effective homelessness policies and provide robust assessments of options and outcomes.
Coordinates the creation of services, including temporary shelters and warming centres, to improve conditions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Provides leadership to community and neighbourhood groups to develop and implement responses to homelessness and to address the needs of those at risk of homelessness.
Recommends services and practices that impact solutions to emergent issues related to homelessness.
Oversees research initiatives and advises on relevant policies including policies implemented in collaboration with other jurisdictions.
Develop, review and implement homelessness policies and strategies aimed at ensuring access to affordable housing for low income and marginalized individuals and families.
Provide coordination, planning, research and analysis related to the goal of ending homelessness. Liaise with key external stakeholders, including BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, community and non-profit housing and homelessness service providers, academic institutions, and other private and non-profit partners to influence, affect and deliver broad system and policy changes that improve the lives of Vancouver citizens.
Provide input, implement and update City policies related to addressing homelessness in upcoming/ongoing community and city-wide planning work.
Collaborate with a wide range of internal departments (e.g. Planning and Development Services, Real Estate Services, Law, Finance, Social Policy, Parks, License and Inspections and Engineering) and external stakeholders, such as community organizations, businesses, residents, property owners, non-profit housing and homelessness service providers, senior government representatives, and developers on issues and responses related to homelessness.
Report writing, including complex Council reports; presenting complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
Develop and lead collaborative and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners and the public in a sometimes contentious environment.
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.
Relevant lived experience combined with 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 and homelessness policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government.
Knowledge of current social, economic, political, technological, demographic and
Considerable knowledge of key system, structural and individual factors affecting homelessness
Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities.
Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public.
Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial and social policy analysis.
Able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to clearly articulate complex planning information to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizing and project management skills.
Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills
Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact.
Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:
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.

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: September 2023

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

Application Close: August 20, 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

Once 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-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

Contact Information

Please submit your resume and cover letter via https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job-invite/39073/

If you have any questions, please reach our team at recruitment@vancouver.ca

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.