Social Planner II - Reconciliation & Culture Change

Requisition ID : 41944

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 cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world.

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 works as part of a Community Planning team that is responsible for preparing policies, plans, tools and actions towards the Reconciliation and Culture Change strategies in Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS).

This work connects with Vancouver Plan commitments to Reconciliation and Equity and Calls to Action in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) strategy.

The emphasis of the work is on policies and actions that help build relationships with the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples and previously equity-denied groups in Vancouver.

The position plays a key role in the City’s effort as a City of Reconciliation, implementation of recommendations of the UNDRIP report and facilitating cultural change in how PDS staff do their work in planning and design.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and manages work plan programs, staff training, awareness, cultural safety and speakers programs.
• Coaches members of staff to work in accordance with the Vancouver Plan commitments to reconciliation and equity.
• Researches and formulates strategies, policies, methodology, tools and regulations aligned with reconciliation and equity principles, best practices and procedures.
• Facilitates and builds relationships between PDS, the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples, and Ethno-cultural groups.
• Integrates the UNDRIP Calls to Action into land use policies, plans, designs and regulations.
• Manages consultancies and project budgets.
• Writes reports including complex Council reports.
• Presents complex material to staff, the public, and City Council.
• Designs, attends, and facilitates community events that could include community forums, workshops and meetings.
• Exercises considerable judgment and demonstrates professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Analyzes a wide variety of supporting data and information to assist in the review, revision or withdrawal of harmful planning policies and regulations to achieve reconciliation and equity.
• Answers enquiries and corresponding with the public and other departments on matters related to reconciliation and culture change strategies and policies.
• Consults with and advises staff of other departments on matters related to project assignments.
• Other duties / responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

• Post-secondary degree in public policy, Indigenous relations, planning, or a related discipline; preferably at the Master’s level and extensive and progressive government experience at a professional level, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working effectively with Indigenous communities; experience working with local host First Nations xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and urban Indigenous peoples is preferred.
• Experience in Rezoning or Development Planning is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Extensive knowledge of public policy, Indigenous Relations and / or planning field, and a broad range of experience developing and managing work programs specifically related to reconciliation, equity and cultural change.
• Demonstrate initiative and independent judgment in dealing with a variety of people and situations as well as be a leader who can develop teams and advance work programs within defined timelines.
• Ability to develop and implement a range of engagement processes to include a broad range of public and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex issues through Council reports and presentations, and a demonstrated ability to deal with conflict.
• Ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with community groups and elected and appointed officials of government at all levels.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience working with the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples and equity denied groups is an asset.
• Capability to read and write in an additional language is an asset.
• Familiarity with rezoning processes and a working knowledge of zoning and land-use regulations, land development economics and urban design principles is strongly preferred.
• 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 : October 2024

Position End Date : October 2026

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

Application Close : September 6, 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.

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