Social Planner II (Mental Health and Substance Use) - Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Job Description

Requisition ID: 37097CompanyLocated 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 Canadas Top 100 Employers, BCs Top Employers, and Canadas 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 FunctionReporting to the Managing Director, Social Policy and Projects, the Social Planner II is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction toward the development and implementation of mental health and substance use policy and related initiatives with ongoing proactive partnership responses. This includes undertaking the initiation and coordination with non-government agencies, peers and people with lived and living experience, and other orders of government. The Social Planner II also advises senior leadership, including elected officials, across orders of government, on shared goals, targets and resources in relation to existing policy, such as the Four Pillars, and creation of new policy, practice, and initiatives.This position combines years of experience in mental health and substance use leadership at both policy and community levels, and a sound understanding of socio-economic matters to execute and deliver results in an increasingly complex environment. The position undertakes collaborative leadership in mental health and substance use policy development and recommendations, project management, implementation of actions, evaluation and report writing.The Social Planner II works collaboratively across City departments with other levels of government, research groups, funding bodies as well as community based organizations and residents, including those with lived experience of mental health, addictions, and poverty and works within a team under a lead Senior Planner.Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops policy directions, actions and identifying resources through Reconciliation, equity, and intersectional lenses and approaches
• Leads City policy development and renewal, and related initiatives to reduce stigma on mental health and substance use in partnership with people with lived experience and other stakeholders
• Provides leadership and project management skills in leading complex processes and projects involving senior internal stakeholders and external stakeholders including elected officials and senior management across orders of government
• Develops and fosters positive partnerships and communications between City, Vancouver Coastal Health, First Nations Health Authority, Providence Health, Vancouver Police Department, academics, funding bodies, people with lived and living experience, and community based organizations
• Provides recommendations to senior officials, and prepares reports and makes presentations to City Council and Council Committees
• Supervises and mentors staff
• Develops contracts and supervises consultant contracts and a budget, as required
• Provides leadership, support/advice to strategies, community plans, granting programs and related initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

QualificationsEducation and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree, preferably with a Masters Degree or its equivalent, in public policy and administration, public health, community and regional planning, social work or a combination of work, volunteer and other experience
• Considerable experience working in the mental health and substance use fields
• Considerable experience in the development and oversight and evaluation of policy and practice
• Considerable experience in the application of equity and intersectional approaches
• Considerable experience in working collaboratively with people with lived and living experience and with peer groups
• Considerable experience in social planning, research and evaluation, public policy development and the formulation of major strategies involving people with mental health issues and people who use substances or have experience of substance use
• Considerable experience in project management, public presentations, consultation and facilitation
• Considerable experience including research and writing of reports or strategies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge and experience working in the fields of mental health and substance use, addictions and recovery, including knowledge of research methods particularly as they relate to social issues and specifically mental health and substance use.
• Extensive knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of orders of government, community based services, and current service priorities and gaps
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the social determinants of health, including best or emerging practices in conditions for wellness for people with mental health and addictions
• Considerable knowledge with peer work and experience working with people with lived and living experience
• Experience in developing collaborative partnerships and public engagement processes is critical
• Strong research and analytical skills in gathering information and resolving complex issues
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to apply Reconciliation, equity and intersectionality into processes, policy development, programs and reports
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments
• Ability to work independently, supervise staff and manage project resources that involve senior staff from various levels of government and community, and work as an effective member of a team
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully and meaningfully with a variety of internal and external partners, including people with lived and living experience
• Ability to reconcile differing perspectives, develop consensus, and secure cooperation and support both internally and with external stakeholders
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible in a changing environment and changing project focus
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to use computer programs
• Ability to meet transportation requirements

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 of Vancouver has a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy. All external applicants applying to the City of Vancouver are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and subject to this policy as a condition of ongoing employment. Candidates may only be exempted from this requirement if they request and are approved for an accommodation based on a reason related to a Human Rights Code ground (such as disability). Such a request must be made during, not after, the recruitment process.Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non PksEmployment Type: Regular Full TimePosition Start Date: January 2023Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hourApplication Close: November 25, 2022At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ 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.Before you click Apply nowOnce you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx.. 5-10mins. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a tailored summary of skills and experience related to the position.Quick Apply

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