Structure Response Liaison

Requisition ID: 40998 

Organization

Located 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 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, reconciliation, 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 & Function

The Structure Response Liaison position is part of an interdepartmental team responsible for addressing structures in the public realm and seeking compliance with City By-laws. This frontline position works with a team and supports people, specifically vulnerable women, with basic needs such as providing resource information, meal tickets, and information on storage and connections to outreach and health supports when a person is being asked to comply with City By-laws.  The position carries out a variety of duties in a calm professional manner, always using a trauma informed lens and using de-escalation methods as needed. The position has excellent communication and relationship building skills to liaise with internal and external staff and community partners. Community members with whom the Integrated Response Team engages may also live with issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.

The position reports to the Manager, Homelessness Response Coordination.  The position works collaboratively with partners from a variety of internal and external staff teams, including Arts, Culture and Community Services, Engineering Sanitation Operations, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Coastal Health, and others as needed. The position requires an ability to work with a diverse range of community members, staff, and community service providers in a respectful and supportive manner, understanding the needs of those impacted by by-law enforcement, and providing constructive advice or direction as appropriate.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Works tactfully and compassionately with individuals who may use substances and/or be isolated through poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or other factors of social exclusion.
• Provides resource information, meal tickets, and information on storage and connections to outreach and health supports
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and appropriate professional boundaries with staff, community service providers and community members.
• Problem-solving in the absence of a supervisor and liaising with other organizations or stakeholders as needed.
• Deals confidently and respectfully with volatile and unpredictable situations including those in which mental health and addiction issues are factors
• Administers basic first aid and maintains applicable records.
• Makes referrals to community agencies with a specific focus on services supporting people of marginalized genders to include women, trans, gender diverse, and Two Spirit (TGD2S) people, and sex work communities
• Presents self in a professional manner that demonstrates the values of the City of Vancouver and Community Services
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of grade ten and, preferably, Occupational First Aid Level 1, plus related experience in a social service front line position, combined with experience working with vulnerable populations (with a specific focus on women) preferably in a social service setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Given the nature of the work, persons with lived experience of homelessness, mental health or addictions are an added strength for this position but not essential.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the rules, policies, operation and programs related to the work
• Working knowledge of the community, downtown eastside, and social service agencies, programs, and resources in the area that are available for women
• Understanding of and commitment to individuals experiencing homelessness who may also suffer from issues related to substance use, mental health, physical and/or cognitive disabilities and other issues related to poverty and marginalization.
• Knowledge and understanding of addictions, mental illness, the effects of poverty, conflict resolution and violence prevention
• Excellent conflict management and de-escalation skills especially in unpredictable, volatile, and emergency situations, including situations in which mental health and addiction are factors
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills especially in volatile, disruptive, and emergency situations
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to problem solve in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the marginalized population served
• Ability to communicate in a calm, clear and compassionate manner
• Proficient writing skills and ability to use MS Office applications for report writing and communications
• Ability to exercise excellent independent judgment and take initiative when required
• Ability to enforce policies, procedure, and rules in a firm and compassionate manner
• Valid Occupational First Aid – Level I preferred

• Trained in Naloxone administration, non-violent crisis intervention and gender-based violence

• Trauma informed approaches to working with equity-denied individuals, including the intergenerational impacts of colonization and residential schools for Indigenous Peoples
• Ability working as a team member

Police Record Check is a requirement of this position.  A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: June, 2024 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-013: $27.04 to $31.66 per hour

Number of Positions: 3

Application Close: April 21, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders 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. 

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Once 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. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.