Social Planner

at  City of Edmonton

Job Number: 51512
If you have a social or public safety policy and research background and are looking to be part of the growing Community Services Department Strategy Section team, then we would love to hear from you! The Community Services Department is a front-line partner with Edmontonians and communities committed to creating a safe, healthy and vibrant city. On any given day, this department manages hundreds of activities in its commitment to serving the people of Edmonton and making a difference, every day.
Situated in the Department Strategy Section of Community Services, this position is crucial in utilizing systems thinking, research and analysis to ensure the Department’s strategic initiatives are evidence-informed and responsive to diverse community needs. This involves utilizing systems thinking, research, and analysis to guide policy and program development, with a focus on incorporating anti-racist and equity approaches. You will contribute significantly to strategic initiatives such as the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Strategy, a city-wide plan committed to creating a safer, more inclusive Edmonton. The CSWB Strategy is grounded in the principles of reconciliation, anti-racism, and equity, addressing both immediate safety concerns and the root causes of complex social challenges. This role necessitates extensive experience in social services and/or community safety planning, management, and/or research, coupled with a deep understanding of social analysis and policy development. Collaboration will be essential, working closely with internal teams and community stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and prioritize funding allocations.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Ability to work effectively with senior management positions across various departments
• Knowledge of primary and secondary research methodology, including design and implementation, data collection, and trend and research analysis
• Skill and ability in project and process management including the ability to effectively gather, synthesize and analyze data
• Exemplary interpersonal skills and a diplomatic approach
• Knowledge and application of strategy, planning and strategic direction setting
• Knowledge of project management and project management tools
• Proficiency with the Google platform and knowledge of social media as a tool to enhance public engagement, research and analysis
• Understanding and utilizing effective project management techniques to support internal and external stakeholders in achieving desired outcomes
• Effective time management skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to convene and facilitate involvement of community members and partners in project committees
• Ability to promote a culture of teamwork, respect and inclusiveness
• Highly skilled in written and verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences
• Proven skills in establishing and maintaining effective relationships internally and externally
• Highly developed problem solving, critical thinking and planning skills
• Demonstrated negotiation and problem resolution skills involving multi-party interests
• Ability to articulate the role of municipal government and jurisdictional responsibilities related to the provision of social services
• Demonstrated knowledge of social determinants of health
• Demonstrated knowledge of applying Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) Knowledge of and experience working with a strategic foresight approach
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
• Alignment with the goals of the City Plan (https://bit.ly/3RZcCaA) and/or the Environmental Management System Enviso ]

Qualifications:

• A degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Studies, Criminology or a related discipline as required by area of specialization is required
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in working with and implementation of strategy and/or policy developmen

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis on a variety of community safety and social issues and services
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports and perform situational analysis/environmental scans
• Synthesize large amounts of information and prepare briefings and reports for various audiences and decision makers
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to synthesize information from various sources, including service data, statistics, demographics, and community input, to identify gaps and recommend program and policy enhancements that advance the CSWB Strategy
• Work with a Senior Evaluation Specialist to evaluate policy and identify impact of various service systems, programs and services
• Provide leadership, research, analysis, monitoring and recommendations on a wide variety of issues
• Conduct literature reviews and identify change strategies
• Design & conduct community safety and well-being research projects or participate in community-driven research activities
• Establish and maintain positive collaborative working relationships with internal partners, counterparts in other orders of government and community stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the corporation and with key community partners and stakeholders as required for project implementation
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure activities are well-coordinated and integrated
• Continuously analyze projects, plans, and policies, providing recommendations for improvements and solutions to issues
• Develop and implement new tools and resources for strategic planning, research, and program development, including redesigning existing services
• Use project management best practices to manage multiple priorities and deliverables
• Support departmental capacity for social planning by providing expertise and assisting in the evaluation of social service initiatives
• Represent the section in various initiatives, providing expert advice and recommendations to stakeholders across the City
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Studies, Criminology or a related discipline as required by area of specialization is required
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in working with and implementation of strategy and/or policy development