Social Planner I - Reconciliation & Culture Change

Requisition ID: 43446 

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 I provides strategic advice across Planning, Design and Sustainability (PDS) to implement the department’s work program. The work program includes projects and initiatives across multiple units, from developing long-range plans, to heritage planning, to community development.

This position advises on interests, issues and information of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh nations (MST) and urban indigenous peoples through intensive policy development and engagement activities towards advancing reconciliation efforts through all aspects of the PDS work program. This position guides and supports needs for training and capacity building for PDS staff on MST and urban Indigenous peoples’ processes and engagement approaches. The incumbent communicates with indigenous planning staff from other City departments to ensure matters related to this area of expertise are integrated into the individual projects and initiatives they will be working on.  Further, the Indigenous Planner ensures PDS is following the City Manager’s Office overall direction and approach to the government relations with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh nations. 

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Advises project teams on local and cross jurisdictional best practice and methodologies to address inequities in the social, economic and cultural matters of the local First Nations and Indigenous communities and address very complex  issues created by the effects of colonization and the residential school system that include racism, and the over representation of Indigenous people in key social indicators of health, including poverty, homelessness, the justice system, mental health and addictions, and Indigenous youth in care.  
• Conducts research projects, policy and strategy review and development, evaluate services and initiatives, and make policy recommendations to senior planners. Prepares related reports to inform PDS and public on priority actions and issues.
• Advises Development Planning on specific development and rezoning applications on issues related to the presence of Indigenous cultural heritage values, Indigenous historic places, development and implementation of Indigenous design guidelines, related archeological sites and ability to work closely with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and the internal team of Indigenous Planners.
• Corresponds and speaks before the public and community groups on matters relating to the PDS implementation of the City’s Reconciliation policy.
• Undertakes research in support of developing, recommending, and implementing best practice policies, programs and strategies for PDS business units consistent with the City’s 2014 Reconciliation framework.
• Evaluates services and initiatives across PDS business units, and provides recommendations for improvement/enhancement in order for PDS to best reach First Nation and Indigenous residents and organizations.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

• A post-secondary degree in public policy and administration, social work or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred. Experience working effectively with First Nations groups and urban Indigenous communities on complex issues. Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Significant experience in social planning, quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation, public policy development and the formulation of major strategies;
• Experience working in a municipal planning setting and an understanding and experience with good results in multispectral planning and implementation of complex socio-economic initiatives;
• Experience with good results in public consultation and facilitation; and
• Diverse experience that includes undertaking major research and writing of reports, strategies;
• Experience with good results in developing complex and highly sensitive collaborative partnership approaches with First Nations Government, Indigenous Leaders, Indigenous communities, and public engagement processes is critical.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of social and political structures and social and economic problems in the Indigenous community;
• Considerable knowledge of the various social agencies and services operating in the metropolitan area;
• Considerable knowledge and experience with research methods particularly as they relate to the solution of socio-planning issues;
• Ability to analyze complex issues, to recommend appropriate solutions and to prepare related reports;
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team;
• Ability to interact well and communicate with other employees, officials and the public;
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements.

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: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: May 2025 

Position End Date: May 2027 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.7 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: April 23, 2025

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.