The City of Vancouver is striving to become the greenest city in the world by 2020 and we are proud to be one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers. With employees that have helped Vancouver consistently rank as one of the world's most livable cities, the City values a diverse workforce which represents the vibrant community we so proudly serve. Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Department: Social Policy and Projects, Community Services.
Competition #: 2016-0385
Application Close: July 03, 2016
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Affiliation: CUPE Local 15 Bargaining Unit (VMECW)
Position Start Date: July 11, 2016
Position End Date: June 30, 2018
Salary Information: Pay Grade 29: $41.82 - $49.46 per hour

Main Purpose & Function

This position reports to the Managing Director of Social Policy and Projects and works collaboratively across Civic Departments, other levels of government, research groups, and community based organizations. The Aboriginal Planner provides leadership and support to the implementation of a range of City priorities, including City of econciliation and Truth and Reconciliation Commission efforts, the Healthy City Strategy, Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions, and DTES Local Area Plan. This position brings experience and understanding of the complex socio-economic, cultural, political and spiritual matters to its work. The position will undertake responsibility for coordination of key city initiatives and developing and implementing of actions with an Aboriginal community focus, research reports, policy, review and monitoring of strategies/actions, and assist with evaluation of strategies.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Acts as a liaison and coordinator using collaborative and innovative partnership approaches to strengthen the relationships between the City, local First Nations and urban Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal organizations, and other levels of government.
• Assist with the implementation of priority actions of the Healthy City Strategy, Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions and DTES Local Area Plan, and integration with the City of Reconciliation Framework.
• Supports the development of recommendations, reports and presentations to City Council, and Council Committees.
• Provide support/advice to community plans, social and cultural grants, Aboriginal Childcare and cultural projects.
• Track, report on and coordinate Community Service projects related to Vancouver’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
• Coordinate activities related to Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council.
• Provide support and coordination to various committees and partnerships related to the Healthy City Strategy,Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addiction, and the DTES Local area plan.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to improve competencies of City staff to work directly and indirectly with First Nations and Urban Aboriginal peoples.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Proven experience working with First Nations groups and urban Aboriginal communities;
• A Post Secondary degree, preferably with a Master’s degree or its equivalent and or equivalent experience in public policy and administration, community and regional planning, public health, social work or a related discipline;
• Experience in social planning, research and evaluation, public policy development and the formulation of major strategies involving First Nations groups and urban Aboriginal communities;
• Experience in project management, public consultation and facilitation; and
• Experience with undertaking major research projects and writing of reports and strategies. Knowledge, Skills and

Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the social determinants of health
• Knowledge of best or emerging practices in addressing socio-economic issues affecting First Nations and urban Aboriginal groups, including but not limited to healing and wellness, social enterprise & employment, and housing, including “Housing First”
• Substantial knowledge of social structure and social challenges in the Aboriginal community
• Current knowledge of the various Aboriginal organizations, social agencies, and services operating in the lower mainland
• Knowledge and experience with research methods particularly as they relate to the solution of social issues
• Experience in developing collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and communities, and public engagement processes is critical
• Ability to analyze complex issues, to recommend culturally appropriate approaches and to prepare related reports
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team;
• Ability to interact well and communicate with other employees, officials and the public;
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including preparation of reports and presentation of reports or other information to Council, advisory committee, senior managers and the public;
• Excellent project management skills; and
• Excellent facilitation and public participation skills are essential.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information on the City’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit the following link: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/work-for-the-city-of-vancouver.aspx

SOURCE: City of Vancouver