Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Main Purpose and Function

The Urban Issues Manager is responsible for oversight, coordination and liaison of inter-departmental and external agency responses to address the impact of street homelessness in Vancouver, with the goal of addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, organizing the City’s on-going and emergency response to street homelessness and encampments and creating healthier communities.



The position plays an important role in managing the coordination, planning and implementation of a variety of projects, initiatives, and policies to address street homelessness, and associated issues. The position builds on existing collaborative partnerships to drive new programs and initiatives, measure outcomes, carefully monitor progress toward those efforts and build upon our successes. The position is focused on continuing to bring internal and external partners together to make a significant contribution to the most vulnerable persons living on the streets in Vancouver and continuing to expand the City’s capacity to address the barriers to ending homelessness.



Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

The position reports to the Managing Director of Homelessness Services & Affordable Housing Programs, and works in collaboration with key departments including Engineering, Parks, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, and the Vancouver Police Department and others to develop and implement recommendations to respond to individuals experiencing homelessness and sleeping outside.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Supports Senior Leadership and Council to respond effectively to the issues arising from street homelessness and encampments, and maintains and improves services for those living outside or in vehicles.
Provides operational leadership of an ACCS and City-wide team to co-ordinate the City’s response to street homelessness, people living in vehicles and encampments, both in terms of on-going and emergency responses.
Responsible for staffing and human resources and budgets in relation to the City’s response to street homelessness and encampments.
Maintains and cultivates strong alliances with key stakeholders.
Identifies gaps in services and strategic opportunities for addressing those gaps based on partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders and understanding of the homeless services delivery system.
Undertakes research and develops policy recommendations.
Collaborates with key departments and agencies (including, but not limited to Engineering, Parks, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, and the Vancouver Police Department, BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction) to develop strategies to better assist people experiencing homelessness and respond to urban issues related to street homelessness.
Monitors programs and strategies and strive for continuous improvement in our response to homelessness.
Prepares and manages work programs, including supervising other professional and technical staff and external consultants.
Prepares and presents reports and presentations on complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
Develops and leads collaborative and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners and the public that includes designing, attending and facilitating community engagement and consultation processes in a sometimes contentious environments
Exercises strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

A Graduate degree in Social Work, Planning or related studies, combined with a minimum of 5 years in leadership roles providing direct management and program oversight.



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.)
Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities
Demonstrated commitment to removing barriers to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness.
Strong organizing and project management skills.
Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to prepare and present complex information to staff, the public, and City Council; ability to write clear, concise Council reports and presentations and make sound recommendations.
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 supervise staff assigned to various projects and direct the work of consultants engage on social planning projects
Proven strategic thinker, problem solver, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
Organized leader with excellent verbal and written communications skills providing the ability to persuade others in a positive way
Expert at conceptualizing and creating processes and procedures for prioritizing and evaluating options in services and budgets
Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact
Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software including Microsoft Office
A Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector is required for this position.

Additional Information

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

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: March 2020



Application Close: March 12, 2020

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous applicants, all genders, nationalities and persons with disabilities.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Contact Information

You can apply via following link https://jobs.vancouver.ca/job/Vancouver-Urban-Issues-Manager-Brit/635516700/

Employer Profile

Company

The City of Vancouver is striving to become the greenest city in the world, and a city powered entirely by renewable energy before 2050. We are proud to be one of BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers. With employees that have helped Vancouver consistently rank as one of the world's most livable cities, the City values a diverse workforce which represents the vibrant community we so proudly serve.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.