Homelessness Services Outreach Team Supervisor (Social Planner II)

Requisition ID: 42650

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 and environmentally sustainable cities. 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, reconciliation, 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.

Main Purpose and Function
This position of Social Planner II in Homelessness Services is responsible for supervising the Homelessness Services Outreach team who provide direct support connecting people experiencing or are at risk of homelessness with income, housing and other supports and services. The position is also responsible for the development and coordination of a variety of projects, programs, plans, and strategies aimed at improving the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness. The position requires a range of professional and technical competencies. Please note that this position is an in-office position that works from our offices in the Downtown Eastside.

The position plays an important role in co-ordinating, planning and implementing a variety of programs and project work related to ending homelessness. This position brings expertise to a range of complex issues, including project management, data management, undertaking rigorous analytical and research activities to support critical decisions, projects, policies, plans, and strategies. The work requires significant collaboration and cooperation across City departments, the non-profit housing and homelessness services sector, the private sector and other external stakeholders, including senior levels of government.

The position reports to the Director of Homelessness Services. The incumbent will work across City departments, as well as external private and non-profit organizations, and senior government ministries such as BC Housing, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Vancouver Coastal Health.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepares and manages the work program of the Homelessness Services team directly and ensures adherence to all City policies & procedures including hiring, financial management, occupational health & safety, performance and attendance management, coaching, training and development. The incumbent motivates, engages, and directs staff; provides coaching on a timely basis; develops goals and expectations, scheduling, and training and development for staff.
• Provides coordination, planning, and analysis related to the goal of ending homelessness. This includes using HIFIS, and other research and data collection and analysis tools.
• Ensures that complex technical matters are presented in a clear, accessible fashion to a variety of audiences, including Council, senior management and the public.
• Establishes collaborative working relationships with a wide range of internal departments (e.g. other Arts, Culture and Community Services divisions, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability, Real Estate Services, Law, Finance, Engineering) and external stakeholders, such as community organizations, non-profit housing and homelessness services organizations, senior government agencies (e.g., BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction) to influence, affect and deliver broad systems change to improve the lives of Vancouver residents experiencing homelessness.
• Writes reports, including complex Council reports; presenting complex material to staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
• Develops and leads collaboration and robust approaches to engagement and communication with internal and external partners on issues related to homelessness.
• Employs a continuous improvement approach to the delivery of data collection and management and analysis, utilizing a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques to develop effective programs and policies to respond to the needs of clients at risk of or experiencing homelessness
• Exercises strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Education and Experience:

• A University degree in Social Sciences or related studies, preferably at the maters level combined with considerable experience in, and commitment to, addressing homelessness supplemented by supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizing and project management skills.
• Knowledge of current housing policies of the City of Vancouver and other levels of government, and experience working with people who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, and with organizations that provide front line services
• Up to date 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
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness including those living without or on a limited income, with physical disabilities, with experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, physical and/or emotional trauma/illness, living in marginal situations including inadequate housing, shelters or on the street.,
• In depth understanding of the systemic barriers facing marginalized individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness including the impacts of systems of oppression and violence created by colonization, colourism and racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, trans-misogyny, and classism.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with a wide range of people from diverse ethnic, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues
• Considerable knowledge of project management philosophies and practices, including project scope, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of team activities
• 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.
• Analytical perspective, with demonstrated experience in program evaluation and application of outcome measurements, and best practices.
• 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
• Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial and social policy analysis
• Possessing practical knowledge and leadership/navigational skills relating to the effects of trauma, social injustice and persistent poverty and enjoyment of building programs that help individuals and/or families gain pathways out. Understanding of homelessness and housing systems a plus.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills
• Proven strategic thinker, problem solver, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and tact
• Considerable experience with electronic spreadsheets, presentation and database software, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to meet transportation and in-office schedule requirements.
• 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.

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

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: January 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $56.27 to $66.55 per hour

Application Close: November 13 2024

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.

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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.