Street Use Inspector

Street Use Inspector - By-law Enforcement Officer, Integrated ResponseRequisition ID: 41506

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 By-law Enforcement Officer position is part of an interdepartmental team (Integrated Response Team, IRT) responsible for addressing temporary structures in the public realm and seeking compliance with by-laws. The position works tactfully and compassionately with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or individuals who may live with issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization. This position leads investigations and enforces by-law requirements with a high degree of discretion and independent judgement based on understanding and responding to an individual's needs while upholding the City's responsibilities to maintain sidewalk accessibility, access and egress to buildings and public safety. The By-law Enforcement Officer and other IRT staff assess cases based on a variety of factors and decide on response plans, including priorities and response times.

The By-law Enforcement Officer reports directly to a Superintendent I. The position works collaboratively with partners from a variety of internal and external groups, including property use inspectors, Housing and Homelessness Services, Park Rangers, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, Vancouver Police Department, and others as needed. The position also works with a diverse range of community members, staff, businesses and community service.

Specific Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvides support in resolving complex incidents, inquiries and complaints Conducts site visits and works primarily in the fieldResolves problems independently in the absence of a supervisorInterprets and provides on-site assessment of compliance with by-laws, including: Street and Traffic By-law, Street Vending By-law, Solid Waste By-law, City Land Regulation By-law, Impounding By-law, Parks Control By-law and others as requiredDirectly engages individuals to communicate by-law information, explains the risks of being out of compliance with by-laws, understands the individual's needs, and recommends possible supports or solutions for enabling compliance (for example: explaining options for storing belongings, making referrals to the City's Homelessness Services Outreach team)Enforces by-laws based on understanding and responding to the individual's needs, while also upholding the City's responsibilities to maintain sidewalk and laneway accessibility, access and egress to buildings, and public safetyExercises discretion and maintains confidentiality around the sensitive aspects of each caseIndependently leads investigations and enforces by-law, permit and license requirements including gathering and documenting evidence, issuing violation notices, orders and/or offence tickets (Municipal Ticket Information or MTIs), impounding structures and other items, and pursuing prosecution, including preparing reports and presenting evidence in a court of lawProvides verbal and/or written information to individuals about how to retrieve impounded items Documents information about each impoundment, and provides the information to clerks to enable retrieval of impounded itemsCollects and stores information, including sensitive personal information such as name and contact information, in accordance with privacy policies and regulationsEngages property and business owners, building occupants, caretakers, strata council members, property management companies, Business Improvement Associations and other members of the public to communicate by-law information, collect information about cases, and identify impacts and possible solutionsDecides on priority level and targeted response time for resolving each case, based on assessment of a variety of factors, including collaborating with IRT staff to arrive at decisionsDevelops response plans for following up and resolving cases, including collaborating with other IRT staff to develop each plan, and presents proposed response plans to Superintendent I'sRecommends and implements new ideas for mitigating and resolving case-related issuesIdentifies high complexity cases for the Superintendent II to review, collaborates with IRT staff to develop recommended response plans for high complexity cases, and presents recommendations to Superintendent IDevelops, documents, reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures that describe tasks performed by By-law Enforcement Officers, including collaborating with OHS superintendents as neededProvides recommendations for IRT process improvements, including participating in Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement meetings, surveys, etc.Researches, analyzes and prepares reports pertaining to IRT-related work, when assignedDevelops and delivers presentations as requiredMaintains records of site visits, investigations and related metrics in a databaseReviews maps and plans, and organizes/completes field surveysCompiles data and information including metrics, Service Requests, field data and information gathered from members of the public to recommend priorities and action plans and presents metrics related to enforcement activitiesUses a variety of digital tools, including computer programs and devicesAssists with training and mentoring of new staff, including providing guidance and training on the use of digital tools relevant to the positionSupports with recruitment of IRT positions, as requiredOther duties/responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
Education and Experience:Completion of Grade 12 preferably supplemented by training in by-law investigation and enforcement or training in conflict resolution, interest-based problem solving and/or non-violent crisis intervention, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experienceExperience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or individuals who may live with issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization is an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Thorough knowledge of City and Park Board by-laws, policies, procedures and regulations related to temporary structures in the public realm and on City property, street vending, sidewalk and laneway accessibility, access and egress to buildings, fire hazards and other related issuesExcellent decision-making, problem-solving and conflict management skills in volatile, disruptive and emergency situations, including consulting, negotiating and providing alternate solutions and recommendationsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including interacting with public through phone, email and in personGood knowledge or office methods and procedures including excellent organization and records management skills and working knowledge of MS Word and MS ExcelStrong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with multiple departments, the public, Business Improvement Associations and businessesAbility to work independently, with little or no supervision, in a fast paced environment with multiple and competing deadlines as well as work collaboratively in a team environmentAbility to exercise appropriate discretion and good judgement when interpreting by-law requirements and determining complianceAbility to communicate in a calm, clear and compassionate mannerAbility to work outdoors in inclement weatherKnowledgeable about the concepts of equity, inclusion, decolonization and reconciliationAbility to meet transportation needsWorking knowledge of VanMaps, Hansen, VanDocs, Posse, Tempest, CAMS, the City's street geography and safety procedures is an assetUnderstanding of the City's Equity Framework, UNDRIP Strategy and MMIWG2S Response Report would be considered an asset
Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: August, 2024

Number of Vacancies: 3

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-019: $34.30 to $40.34 per hour

Application Close: June 28, 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. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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