Social Planner I (Reconciliation & Cultural Change)

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A masters degree in public policy, Indigenous relations, planning, or a related discipline;
• Minimum of 3 years experience preferred; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The applicant should be able to demonstrate suitable experience in the public policy, and Indigenous Liaison and Relations fields, and have experience in work programs related to reconciliation, equity and cultural change.
• The applicant will demonstrate initiative and independent judgment in dealing with a variety of people and situations.
• Qualifications should also include experience developing and implementing a variety of engagement processes to a range of public and stakeholder groups.
• The applicant will have the ability to clearly communicate complex issues, reports and presentations.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience working with the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples and/or equity denied groups is an asset. Capability to read and write in an additional language, is an asset.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in an appropriate professional association or forum of British Columbia and/or the Planning Institute of British Columbia is desirable.

Are you a subject matter expert with lived experience as First Nations, Inuit or Métis persons looking for an opportunity to advance the City of Vancouver’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and contribute to reconciliation? If so, consider this opportunity to do so with the Reconciliation and Cultural Change team.
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.
The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: November, 2023
Position End Date: August, 2025
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $47.57 to $56.25 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

This position works in the Community Planning Division responsible for preparing policies, plans, tools and actions for the Reconciliation and Cultural Change strategies in Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS). This work will focus on implementing the Vancouver Plan commitments to Reconciliation and Equity, and various Calls to Action in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) strategy.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful applicant will be required to work with a diverse team of professionals and technical support staff in building relationships with the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples, and equity-denied groups in Vancouver. This position will also support implementation of the City of Reconciliation Framework, the recommendations of the UNDRIP report and, facilitate cultural change in how PDS staff do their work in land use planning and design.

• Researching and formulating strategies, policies, methodology, tools and regulations aligned with reconciliation and equity principles, best practices and procedures.
• Facilitating and building relationships between PDS, the Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples and Ethno-cultural groups.
• Integrating the UNDRIP Calls to Action into land use policies, plans, designs and regulations.
• Report writing, including Council reports, if required.
• Presenting material to staff and the public.
• Designing, attending, and facilitating community events that could include community forums, workshops and meetings.
• Exercising judgment and demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
• Analyzing 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.
• Answering enquiries and corresponding with the public and other departments on matters related to reconciliation and culture change strategies and policies;
• Organizing guest speakers, learning opportunities for staff, and facilitating conversations internally;
• Consulting with and advising staff of other departments on matters related to project assignments and/or;
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.