Program Manager, Homelessness

Program Manager, Homelessness

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Community Social Development, the Program Manager, Homelessness provides leadership to homelessness operations within the Homelessness section in the Community Social Development Department and related corporate homelessness initiatives.

The role involves interaction with City Council and the Senior Management Team via the Director, Community Social Development and the Manager, Community Social Development, a range of City departments, senior levels of government, external organizations and the public. The position provides leadership in the City’s operational response to homelessness, leveraging City resources and the involvement of a variety of project partners ultimately benefiting Richmond residents who may have insecure housing, be unsheltered and experiencing homelessness.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and provide strategic direction to homelessness operations in the Homelessness section, including direct supervision, field oversight and management of two homelessness outreach workers (Union) to advance assigned tasks while establishing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Lead the creation, implementation and ongoing operations of a homelessness outreach program to mitigate and respond to issues with a nexus to homelessness supported by a review of programs established by local, regional and senior levels of government, as well as other organizations, as applicable.
• Work with key stakeholders including but not limited to: Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, RCMP, Richmond Fire, supportive housing and shelter operators, BC Housing, consultants, contractors, and upper levels of government to mitigate and respond to issues with a nexus to homelessness.
• Liaise with City staff and partners involved in the responding to homelessness to realize operational efficiencies, address obstacles and reallocate resources as needed.
• Manage the receipt and use of funds secured through senior levels of government including the preparation and maintenance of operating and capital budgets, to ensure budgets are upheld.
• Prepare correspondence to relevant parties, and reports and memos to senior management and Council.
• Seek out additional funding opportunities to support homelessness related projects and use them to develop and implement additional supports, services and initiatives to support individuals experiencing homelessness including liaising with provincial and federal partners to ensure local initiatives are adequately resourced.
• Make recommendations via the Director and Manager, Community Social Development to City Council and senior management regarding appropriate policies and initiatives based on current and emerging provincial and federal initiatives to advance initiatives to improve the health wellbeing and housing stability of individuals at risk for experiencing homelessness in the community.
• Interact with other City departments, community agencies and the general public in a manner that models and encourages respectful approaches and communication related to issues of homelessness in Richmond.
• Monitor service provision and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness who are accessing City facilities and identify potential process improvements
• Represent the City on external committees and working groups related to homelessness.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the homelessness sector and related demographics including relevant federal and provincial initiatives research policies programs and community initiatives
• Experience supervising professional staff and those who work in an outreach capacity within both a unionized and non-unionized context;
• Experience working collaboratively and building relationships with other levels of government, community members, individuals with lived experience and organizations in order to implement a framework for collaboration and the advancement of shared interests;
• Experience in the delivery of direct outreach services in a community context;
• Project management experience including the ability to coordinate major interdisciplinary projects involving complex and politically sensitive issues;
• Excellent communication skills in a variety of methods including oral presentation to large and small groups; professional report, grant, strategy, and public writing; preparation of technical briefing papers;
• Effective leadership abilities and interpersonal skills with proven experience consulting, engaging and coordinating with various groups including the ability to participate in strategic planning initiatives and lead public consultation initiatives on complex and sensitive topics;
• Proven strategic thinker and problem solver with an ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to unplanned requests for priority matters;
• Ability to work independently, deliver results and exercise a considerable degree of independent judgement within the sensitivities of a political and regulatory environment;
• Demonstrated strong computer skills and proficiency in MS office, including Word, Excel and Outlook and ability to operate REEDMS or similar content management systems including familiarity with Amanda and Tempest.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in planning, social planning, social work, mental health and substance use, homelessness, project management or policy development.
• Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of planners and accreditation in project management desirable.
• Minimum five years of experience related to homelessness, mental health, substance use and/or working with vulnerable populations, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and related areas.

Additional Information:

Employee Group: Exempt
Position Status: Temporary Full-Time
Duration of Appointment: 6 months
Salary Range: $93,384 - $116,729 annually
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 5:00pm (Compressed Work Week)
Application Posted: 5/26/25
External Closing Date: 6/15/25
PCC#: 1453