City of Vancouver

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, 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

The Director of Carnegie Centre and DTES Community Programs advises senior management and Mayor and Council on trends and gaps in service for residents in DTES, provides recommendations relative to the potential impact for the homeless and DTES residents in the City of Vancouver (COV).

This position maintains services to the low income community in the DTES through oversight of programs at Carnegie Community Centre (CCC) and Oppenheimer Park while acting as the COV liaison to the CCC Association and other non-profit service providers, as appropriate, with general oversight of the CCC budget and program decisions affecting services to the community.

Thisis a management, policy and administrative position and is part of a team of Directors or Assistant Directors in the Social Development Department. In collaboration with the other members of Social Development, the Director of Carnegie and DTES Programs manages the development of programs particularly in DTES of the City of Vancouver. The position is responsible for directing the programs and activities of, and managing the staff in the Carnegie Centre and at other selected centres in DTES.

Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

The Director develops and maintains effective relationships with other community centres in the department and with other city departments including Housing Policy, Social Policy, Non Market Housing, Social Infrastructure, the Vancouver Police Dept., Street Engineering, as well as community services and non-profit agencies, including representatives of local residents, to establish and coordinate a response to emerging and ongoing community concerns.

The Director Carnegie Centre and DTES Programs participates as a member of the Social Development management team in the development of partnerships with the Provincial government, Vancouver Coastal Health, Metro Vancouver, the non-profit sector, private enterprise and others that respond to homeless issues in Vancouver and emerging and existing needs of the low income community in the DTES.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Management of CCC and Oppenheimer Park programs, and other assigned programs, with general oversight of the budget and program decisions affecting services to the low income community.
• Collaboration with low income community centres in the department (Evelyne Saller Centre and Gathering Place) as well as COV departments and community organizations focusing on the development of practical and innovative projects to address intractable problems such as poverty, limited employment opportunities, mental health and addiction issues.
• Research and utilize data in collaboration with Housing Policy and Social Policy to track short term and long term needs of homeless populations, the supply of housing options, address needs, identify trends and respond appropriately. Use information to ensure efficient use of outreach staff in order to maximize results for the homeless.
• Liaises with community organizations and businesses regarding the City efforts to provide shelter in neighbourhoods affected by emergency evacuations and participates in the community’s initiatives including the Local Area Plan implementation.
• Responsible for the delivery of extensive COV events related to DTES including the HomeGround Festival and COV Homeless Connect events
• In collaboration with relevant organizations, develops a strategy to address employment ideas, options and opportunities for vulnerable populations typically dealing with employment barriers.
• Represents the Managing Director of Social Development on the City’s planning processes and initiatives that relate to or impact homelessness, such as the Mayor’s Task Force on Addictions and Mental Health and on Steering Committees which involve or impact homelessness issues, such as the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness.
• Responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Divisional annual budgets and capital expenses, and is responsible for adhering to assigned budget.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a large group of multi-disciplinary professionals, non-union and unionized staff including all HR matters

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the factors impacting vulnerable citizens including poverty, physical disabilities, mental health problems or alcohol or drug dependencies.
• Ability to make sound decisions using analytical and strategic skills to resolve problems
• Knowledge of administrative and employee relations practices, including coaching and mentoring skills, performance and attendance management, and corrective discipline and grievance processes
• Ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts with community stakeholders to encourage or facilitate a beneficial resolution.
• Ability to speak effectively to a wide variety of audiences, including the general public, community and business groups and to city council
• Ability to provide clear and concise reports both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create innovative solutions that have an impact on outcomes for COV priorities as they relate to vulnerable citizens and the low income community.

Minimum Position Requirements

University graduation in the social sciences, planning or policy development, preferably at the post graduate level; a minimum of 10 years working in a related community service field including at least 8 years working at a progressively responsible management level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At 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, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.If you would like to be considered for this exciting and impactful career opportunity, please apply through our careers site: jobs.vancouver.ca by Sept. 26, 2021.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.