Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Specialist – City of Abbotsford

Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Specialist

 Exempt, Full Time
Posting #J0521-0416
                                         
At the City of Abbotsford our people are our greatest asset. We offer a wide range of diverse, stimulating and rewarding career opportunities that support and recognize high levels of performance. In Abbotsford, we work strongly to create a challenging yet rewarding environment for our employees to thrive. We invite you to become part of a place that has strong corporate and organizational values, rewarding career paths, challenging opportunities, and an engaging and dynamic team to work with.

Be part of the story. Join our team today.

 The City has a unique opportunity for an experienced, talented and passionate Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Specialist. Working closely with the General Manager of Innovation, Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations, the Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Specialist will manage the City of Abbotsford’s Reaching Home Community Entity function and provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership and City Council for services and programs to address homelessness in the City of Abbotsford. This is a key position overseeing both federal and provincial funding allocations as well as a divisional City budget.
 
The Specialist is responsible for all homelessness and community social development programs for the City including budget, strategic policy and planning, stakeholder engagement, systems coordination, social housing, special development projects, community social development infrastructure, grant/fund management, measurable outcomes, and inter-governmental / community / public relations with key stakeholders.
 
The Specialist works to promote the socio-economic health of the community through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion.  The Specialist has additional responsibility for developing and maintaining Federal, Provincial, Regional, Local and Indigenous Government and Statutory Agency partnerships and relationships. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Abbotsford’s Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, excellence and wellness, the incumbent will aid in the achievement of the Council’s Strategic Vision to be the Hub of the Fraser Valley.

As the ideal candidate you will have:

• Knowledge of municipal governance structures, services and programs, and the municipal relationship to other levels of government, funders and the community with respect to housing, homelessness, and community social and wellness development.
• A solid understanding of the federal Reaching Home program and the role of a Community Entity
• Fundamental knowledge of social policy, relevant legislation, planning processes, research/analysis and pertinent subject areas such as housing, social programs, service areas and operations.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders/partners and various levels of government
• In-depth knowledge of the not-for-profit sector, especially with respect to capital and operational needs.
• Well-developed verbal, written, and technical communication skills with an ability to inspire, motivate, and build capacity with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of all significant aspects of granting and funding processes, including the researching, writing, submitting, implementing, monitoring, and reporting necessary to meet funder requirements.
• Empathy and compassion for individuals with lived or living experience of vulnerability and trauma-informed experiences.
• A Master’s Degree in sociology, anthropology, planning, public administration, community development or related field.
• A minimum of 7 to 10 years related experience with at least 5 years working in a senior leadership capacity. Strong technical skills are required and the ability to lead and influence a diverse group of staff, volunteers and contractors.

 
At the City of Abbotsford, we offer ongoing personal and professional development opportunities, competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. To apply, please visit us online at www.abbotsford.ca/careers

Closing Date: June 1, 2021.