Social Planner Ii

**Requisition ID**:38820

**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, decolonization, 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**

Reporting to the Senior Housing Planner, the Housing Planner plays a key role in the development and implementation of the City’s non-market housing portfolio (Vancouver Affordable Housing Endowment Fund - VAHEF) to best deliver on the City’s Housing Vancouver Strategy and targets.

The Housing Project Planner will work collaboratively with staff in other functional areas within the Non-Market Housing Development and Operations (NMHDO) Business Unit and other City departments. This position will bring substantive expertise and creativity to a range of complex issues, with strong project management skills to support critical decisions, projects and strategies.

**Specific Duties and Responsibilities**

Portfolio Planning; Project Development
- Conducts planning, research and analysis and leads initiatives related to VAHEF strategic objectives, portfolio plans and targets in alignment with the City’s Housing Vancouver Strategy
- Conducts advanced research and analysis on a range of issues and policies related to the delivery of housing under a portfolio-wide approach
- Manages selection of non-profit partners, procurement arrangements, and affordability objectives for the City’s turn-key social housing assets, including advising on operating models
- Works collaboratively with NMHDO Development Managers on all VAHEF projects under development, including early evaluation of housing needs, advising on planning requirements, and funding opportunities, providing input into the design submissions, and recommended programming and non-profit operational considerations
- Works collaboratively across the NMHDO team to provide input into the evaluation of end of lease scenarios, and makes recommendations on the best path forward
- Advises on relocation planning with housing partners to facilitate redevelopment of existing VAHEF sites as required

Facilitation & Engagement; Grant administration
- Collaborates with a wide range of internal departments and external stakeholders to develop partnerships that will effectively implement portfolio plans, and housing projects that assist in meeting VAHEF strategic objectives and targets.
- Coordinates and leads formal engagement with non-profit and co-op housing providers, and senior government representatives on NMHDO led initiatives
- Participates in engagement on other City-led housing initiatives as needed
- Reviews and responds to enquiries related to the VAHEF portfolio from external stakeholders, partners, community groups, government agencies, tenants, media and residents
- Administers housing capital grant programs (e.g. Community Housing Incentive Program) including monitoring and updating as required
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

**Qualifications**
Education and Experience:

- A University degree in Planning or related studies, preferably a post-graduate degree, combined with considerable experience in developing affordable housing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of Vancouver’s current housing policies and those of other levels of government, as well as the municipal development approval processes and regulations; land use planning, land and development economics and housing supply and demand.
- Current knowledge of social, economic, political, technological, demographic and environmental trends, factors and issues related to housing needs of different groups in the Vancouver and Metro Vancouver area
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to prepare and present complex information to staff, the public, and City Council; ability to write clear, concise Council reports and presentations and make sound recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, professionals and the public
- Ability to supervise staff assigned to various projects and direct the work of consultants
- Ability to perform planning research and assess option feasibility through financial analysis
- Able to work independently and as part of a team in