City of Surrey

HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE LEAD

As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, City of Surrey is a globally recognized leader in building vibrant, sustainable communities through technology and innovation.

City of Surrey employees are talented innovators, inspired by meaningful work and the opportunity to drive our city—and their careers—forward. Build a City. Build a Future at the City of Surrey

Scope

The Planning and Development Department’s Housing and Social Development Division is currently hiring for a Homelessness Response Lead. The mandate of the Housing and Social Development Division is to address inequities in Surrey with a specific focus on housing, homelessness and other social priorities. The Homelessness Response Lead plays a key role in providing strategic advice and implementation of the City’s responses to homelessness and related issues. This position reports to the Manager of Non-Market Housing & Homelessness Services. 

Status

Regular Full-Time (Exempt)

Responsibilities

The Homelessness Response Lead is responsible for researching and advising on homelessness related issues, developing and implementing initiatives, convening and participating in multi-stakeholder partnerships, and responding and problem solving emerging issues. Roles and responsibilities will include:  

• Implements the City’s Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan, which guides the City’s actions related to homelessness.
• Supports the City in responding effectively to the issues arising from homelessness and vulnerable renters, including long-term systemic and short-term emerging issues.
• Convenes and facilitates a variety of internal and external stakeholder meetings, workshops and events to promote information sharing, learning and/or collaboration.
• Liaises and partners with BC Housing, Fraser Health and non-profit partners to ensure the effective operation of shelters, housing, health and other services for people experiencing homelessness, including the emergency weather response.   
• Researches and analyzes data, compiles information, monitors existing programs and strategies, and identifies promising practices from elsewhere to ensure the City is well informed on the current situation and approaches to addressing homelessness.
• Develops plans and policy recommendations for addressing issues and informing advocacy.
• Proactively monitors and prepares applications for funding programs or grant opportunities to implement policies and programs.
• Prepares briefing documents, reports and presentations for a variety of audiences, including for staff, senior management, the public and City Council.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in social planning, public policy, social work or a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary educational institution, plus a minimum of 10 years of related experience or completion of a Masters degree with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• A Masters degree is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Experience working on housing and homelessness sector issues in the government and/or non-profit sector.
• Knowledge of the systems and services related to homelessness, including best practices in housing and health services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.  
• Strong critical thinking, interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills, as well as considerable judgement, professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.
• A valid and unrestricted driver’s license.

Additional Information

• P3 - $129,812 - $152,720
• This position requires completion of a Police Information Check.