Senior Planner – Social Policy
Competition Number: 25/32
Posting Scope: Internal / External
Posted Date: February 20, 2025
Closing Date: March 25, 2025, 4:30 PM PST
Department: Planning and Development
Posting Type: Maternity/Parental Leave Replacement – up to 18 months
Work schedule: Monday to Friday ( 35 hour work week)
Salary: $ 61.37 per hour, Pay Grade 19
Job Code: 4194
Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position
Number of Vacancies: 1
The City of Victoria is looking for a Senior Planner - Social Policy for a temporary term (up to 18 months). This position is part of the Citywide Planning Team and supports the work of the City's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office. This is an exciting position which will contribute to social policy development on topics such as community infrastructure and accessibility contributing an intersectional lens.
The Senior Planner – Social Policy will lead and align projects and processes to further the City’s social policy and social planning goals. Our ideal candidate will have relevant experience in local government, community development, social policy or other related areas of experience.
WORK FROM HOME
The successful candidate for this posting may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction.
POSITION FUNCTION
Perform functions related to development and implementation of social policies, strategies, and programs to improve community health and well-being.
KEY DUTIES
Develop social planning policies and implementation strategies to support current and emerging initiatives and actions. Provide social planning advice, expertise and guidance. Conduct research, analysis and carry out planning studies on topics such as socio-economic indicators, social and housing policies. Research, collect, monitor and analyze relevant data. Prepare reports, recommendations and make presentations to City Council.
Contribute to the coordination and implementation of the City’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Framework, and associated strategies and initiatives related to poverty reduction, age-based strategies for inclusion, and application of an equity lens in the development of social planning policy and housing strategy implementation. Assess priorities for social planning functions, including a focus on vulnerable populations and supporting community well-being.
Liaise and build relationships and partnerships with a range of external organizations, including other levels of government, non-profit agencies, service providers and community groups. Respond to and manage emerging social issues in municipal jurisdiction. Represent the department in an advisory and liaison role to a variety of Council committees or task forces. Undertake public engagement and facilitation to inform projects and initiatives.
Support homelessness initiatives including response teams and task forces. Support land use and development application processes by providing social planning advice based on City policies, frameworks, and strategies.
Oversee consultant selection processes, manage project budgets and guide project contractors.
Perform related duties where qualified.
INDEPENDENCE
Work is generated by Council priorities, departmental work programs, community needs, development activity, committee requirements or assigned by supervisor.
Work is reviewed through discussions with supervisor and department meetings.
New initiatives, major projects and policies are discussed with supervisor with recommendations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Effort:
Normal.
Mental Effort:
Short periods of intense concentration while preparing reports. (often)
Visual/Auditory Effort:
Focus on a variety of source data for short periods. (often)
Work Environment:
Office.
Work irregular hours. (premium item)
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Understand and apply the principles and methods of social planning and housing.
Understand and apply the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion with the goal of systemic barrier removal and social justice.
Proficiency in Office 365 applications including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and other speciality software as required.
Organize and prioritize work.
Compose and present proposals and policies.
Facilitate public consultation meetings and workshops.
Conduct research and analysis; read and interpret technical information, policies, and legislation.
Work effectively with the public and outside agencies through communication and listening.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Represent the City to the public and outside agencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:
University degree in Planning or Social Policy (4 years)
Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners would be an asset.
Experience:
6 years of related experience in social planning work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
OTHER:
May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.
To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.
The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.
If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.