Social Planner I

Requisition ID: 42604

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

The Social Planner 1 - Resilience Specialist leads and supports cross-departmental implementation of priority actions from the Resilient Vancouver Strategy, and contributes to a cohesive framework for urban resilience that includes a spectrum of strategies spanning all departments. Specifically, the incumbent leads and facilitates collaborative, multi-stakeholder processes to enhance, align and implement community and neighbourhood-focused resilience programming and initiatives, including the Resilient Neighbourhood Program. The incumbent represents the Resilient Vancouver team and urban resilience perspectives on a range of internal and external working groups and works in partnership with community organizations and public and private agencies.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the implementation of neighbourhood-focused actions from the Resilient Vancouver Strategy, including the scaling of the Resilient Neighbourhood Program and related initiatives.
• Collaborates with staff from across the City and develops recommendations and policies, projects and programs to enhance urban and neighbourhood resilience.
• Works to align and integrate efforts related to reconciliation, equity, emergency management, social connection and climate action.
• Maps and analyzes local networks, assets and examples of community-building and resilience initiatives
• Supports seasonal planning for hazards like extreme heat in collaboration with community partners.
• Establishes indicators and targets and evaluates outcomes of resilience policies and programs.
• Provides subject matter expertise to city staff and partner agencies.
• Manages projects and leads multi-stakeholder working groups.
• Conducts research and prepares reports.
• Designs and delivers workshops and presentations for staff, council, citizen groups and partner agencies.
• Develops and executes contracts with community partners, government agencies and consultants.
• May have a role in supporting emergency and disaster response and recovery.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent work experience in resilience planning, emergency management, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, urban planning, community organizing or related discipline. Experience in municipal government or in a field requiring diplomatic and persuasive abilities. Proven experience working with equity-denied communities and developing policies, programs and advancing reconciliation, equity, resilience, health and social justice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of resilience challenges, urban resilience theory and practice, community organizing and justice-based approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Strong facilitation skills and demonstrated ability to lead community planning processes and dialogue on controversial and complex issues.
• Considerable knowledge of civic policy and frameworks related to reconciliation, equity, diversity, sustainability, resilience, climate adaptation and emergency management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with equity-denied communities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively and inclusively facilitate projects with diverse stakeholder groups, reconcile differing perspectives, develop consensus, and secure cooperation and support for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills - both written and oral.
• Ability to analyze complex organizational problems and work collaboratively on solutions.
• Ability to translate scientific and technical knowledge for a range of audiences.
• Considerable knowledge of non-profit and community based services, as well as philanthropic funding practices and trends.
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

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.

Business Unit/Department: Chief Safety Officer (1090)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Parks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: January 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.70 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: November 27, 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.