Street Use Inspector

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 Responsibilities

Provides support in resolving complex incidents, inquiries and complaints  Conducts site visits and works primarily in the field Resolves problems independently in the absence of a supervisor Interprets 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 required Directly 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 safety Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality around the sensitive aspects of each case Independently 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 law Provides 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 items Collects and stores information, including sensitive personal information such as name and contact information, in accordance with privacy policies and regulations Engages 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 solutions Decides 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 decisions Develops 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’s Recommends and implements new ideas for mitigating and resolving case-related issues Identifies 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 I Develops, documents, reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures that describe tasks performed by By-law Enforcement Officers, including collaborating with OHS superintendents as needed Provides 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 assigned Develops and delivers presentations as required Maintains records of site visits, investigations and related metrics in a database Reviews maps and plans, and organizes/completes field surveys Compiles 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 activities Uses a variety of digital tools, including computer programs and devices Assists with training and mentoring of new staff, including providing guidance and training on the use of digital tools relevant to the position Supports with recruitment of IRT positions, as required Other 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 experience Experience 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 issues Excellent decision-making, problem-solving and conflict management skills in volatile, disruptive and emergency situations, including consulting, negotiating and providing alternate solutions and recommendations Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including interacting with public through phone, email and in person Good knowledge or office methods and procedures including excellent organization and records management skills and working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel Strong interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with multiple departments, the public, Business Improvement Associations and businesses Ability 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 environment Ability to exercise appropriate discretion and good judgement when interpreting by-law requirements and determining compliance Ability to communicate in a calm, clear and compassionate manner Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather Knowledgeable about the concepts of equity, inclusion, decolonization and reconciliation Ability to meet transportation needs Working knowledge of VanMaps, Hansen, VanDocs, Posse, Tempest, CAMS, the City’s street geography and safety procedures is an asset Understanding of the City’s Equity Framework, UNDRIP Strategy and MMIWG2S Response Report would be considered an asset

Business Unit/Department:  Engineering Services (1300) 

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