Social Planner II (Housing Policy & Regulation Division)

Requisition ID: 43422 

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 II position in the Housing Policy and Regulation Division is primarily responsible for complex professional planning work and housing policy development.
 

This position is focused on advancing and supporting housing policy work to deliver on the City’s Housing Vancouver Strategy objectives and targets. The position is responsible for the design and implementation of housing policy programs involving complex, and sometimes controversial urban issues. The position requires the exercise of independent judgement and initiative in planning and executing technical functions, developing community engagement programs, drafting policy and working with interdisciplinary teams.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Scoping, preparing and managing work programs; being accountable for deliverables and following timelines and work plans.
• Analyzing a wide variety of supporting data and information to assist in the creation of housing and planning policy. Assessing demographic trends, public benefit needs assessments, economic and financial pro forma analysis and public surveys.
• Employ a continuous improvement approach to the delivery of data collection and analysis, using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques to enable effective implementation of housing policies and projects and robust assessment of outcomes.
• Report writing, including complex Council reports; presenting detailed technical information to staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
• Contributing to drafting zoning schedules and guidelines to implement community plans and housing programs. Developing and leading collaborative engagement and communication processes with internal and external partners and the public that includes designing, attending and facilitating public processes in a sometimes contentious environment (including weekday evenings and weekends).
• Ensuring that complex technical matters are presented in a clear, accessible fashion to a variety of audiences. Establishing collaborative working relationships with a wide range of internal departments (e.g. Arts, Culture and Community Services, Real Estate Services, Law, Finance, Engineering) and external stakeholders, such as community organizations, property owners, non-profit and co-operative housing groups, senior government agencies, and the development industry.
• Liaising with, and coordinating and synthesizing inputs from other divisions of the Planning Department and other City Departments.
• Supervising other professional and technical staff and external consultants; working collaboratively with other members of the City-wide plan and Housing Policy teams.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree in the Social Sciences or other related discipline, preferably at the Master's level.  Considerable experience related to the work, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of social and affordable housing legislative and policy context.
• Up to date knowledge of social, economic, political, technological, demographic trends, factors and issues related to the housing needs of different groups in Vancouver and the Metro area.
• An in-depth knowledge of the factors affecting housing supply and demand, including land use planning, land and development economics, social safety net policies, and income distribution.
• Working knowledge of the City’s land use By-Laws, Official Development Plans, Community Plans, and related policies plus a broad knowledge of City services, programs and processes.
• Broad range of experience scoping, developing and managing work programs, as well as experience with structuring, directing and evaluating consultant studies.
• Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial and social policy analysis. Demonstrated experience preparing policies, land-use directions, built form regulations (including district schedules and design guidelines).
• Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to prepare and present complex planning information to staff, the public, and City Council; ability to write clear, concise Council reports and presentations and make sound recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Ability to lead a participatory public consultation process and to negotiate and mediate among various interest groups on potentially contentious issues; familiarity with IAP2 goals and strong facilitation skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and the public.
• Ability to supervise staff assigned to various projects and direct the work of consultants engaged on planning projects.
• Ability to adjust to a complex organizational structure with shifting priorities on highly politicized issues.

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: April, 2025 

Position End Date: October, 2026 

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

Application Close: March 26, 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. 

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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.