Social Planning Associate (HOUSING SERVICES)
Region of Waterloo, Department of Community Services (CSD)based in Waterloo, ON is inviting applications from suitable candidates for the position of Social Planning Associate. The Region of Waterloo’s Department of Community Services (CSD) is dedicated to fostering community well-being and development. From affordable housing projects to social programs, the department plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive and supportive community environment. The Waterloo-based CSD exemplifies the Region’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and promoting a sense of belonging and resilience. The candidates selected for the vacancy will be required to start the work as soon as possible.
Job Description:
Employer Name: Region of Waterloo
Department: Community Services (CSD)
Division: Housing Services
Position: Social Planning Associate (HOUSING SERVICES)
No of Vacancies: 1
Salary: $77,714.00 – $97,133.40 Annually
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Waterloo, ON, CA
Job location: 99 Regina Street S
Hours of Work: 35
Union: Management/Management Support (Non Union)
Grade: 5
Requisition ID/Job ID: J0124-0129
Requirements:
Languages: Candidates must have knowledge of the English Language
Education: Candidates should have Master’s Degree in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Social Planning, Community Psychology, Social Policy, Human Service Administration), along with progressively responsible related experience in a social services or related field
Experience: Candidates should have experience working in the equity, inclusion, reconciliation, or anti-oppression fields, actively contributing to the development, planning, and delivery of programs focused on structural or systemic change
Physical Requirements:
- The candidates should be able to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region
- The candidates should have the ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential material
Other Requirements:
- The candidates should be equipped with a profound knowledge of municipal and provincial social service and healthcare programs, as well as related legislation. This expertise should extend to understanding the interrelationships between levels of government, public administration, strategic and social planning, research and evaluation, community development, and program administration
- The candidates should possess the expertise to lead division-wide equity, inclusion, and reconciliation projects. This includes reviewing housing programs and Service Manager plans, policies, and procedures to support the implementation of systemic changes grounded in anti-racist, anti-oppressive principles and approaches. This collaboration should extend to corporate and departmental equity staff
- The candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of cultural safety and cultural competency, particularly for Indigenous and racialized populations
- The candidates should have a deep understanding of how intersectionality can impact people’s experiences of supports and services
- The candidates should exhibit strong leadership, facilitation, negotiation, and human relations skills
- The candidates should showcase proven research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. This includes the ability to create project goals and objectives, develop work plans, make systematic and rational judgments, schedule and organize events, and take a broad view of issues, events, and activities while understanding their longer-term impact and wider implications
- The candidates should have the ability to read and interpret legislation, guidelines, and direction; policies and procedures; government and community publications; budget and financial statements; statistical information; contracts; and proposals
- The candidates should possess the ability to write and prepare policies, procedures, and program requirement frameworks and guidelines, as well as reports, articles, service plans, and correspondence
- The candidates should be proficient in computer skills, with the ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and database systems
- The candidates should actively support and demonstrate the Region’s values
Responsibilities:
- The candidates should be able to supervise students, administering contracts with consultants (e.g., research, training development). They should lead committees and project teams, providing technical direction to other staff
- The candidates should be able to assist internal and external stakeholders in identifying strategic and system-level policy gaps and opportunities. They should lead service, staffing, and system reviews, recommending changes to senior management. Furthermore, they should make recommendations regarding funding allocation and additional resources, developing and advising on implementation plans, analyzing, developing, and recommending policies and guidelines
- The candidates should be able to stay current on funding opportunities offered by government and community partner initiatives, recommending pursuing the same to management and preparing funding applications
- The candidates should be able to provide planning-related leadership, support, and expertise to management. They should identify issues, needs, resources, and opportunities for integrated planning across divisions, departments, and the community, and facilitate the same
- The candidates should be able to develop and facilitate community capacity building, representing the assigned division/department on related committees and at community functions
- The candidates should be able to manage projects to design and implement social planning processes and frameworks (e.g., service plans, long-term system plans), being accountable for ensuring objectives, work plans, and timelines are set and met. They should also lead project teams
- The candidates should be able to provide leadership, support, and expertise in program research and evaluation to internal and external stakeholders. This includes developing methodology and data collection tools, analyzing data, predicting trends, preparing reports, and making recommendations on program and policy changes
- The candidates should be able to prepare and present reports to senior management and standing committees of the Council
- The candidates should be able to provide program and service information to staff, stakeholders, and the public (e.g., website, promotional material)
- The candidates should be able to exchange information with staff in other municipalities, Ministries, agencies, and education institutions
- The candidates should be able to provide information to management in response to information requests from the public and the media
- The candidates should be able to provide assistance and information to service providers and community agencies regarding policies, directions, and priorities
- The candidates should be able to work with and provide advice to staff and senior management in the department and other departments (e.g., Public Health, Community Planning) on community development, policy issues, program development, service system plans, and initiatives
- The candidates should be able to develop and monitor legal agreements to ensure compliance with legislation, in consultation with Legal and other departments
- The candidates should be able to present and discuss issues related to the delivery of contracted services, program plans, and policies with senior management and the Community Services Committee
- The candidates should be able to promote the department’s vision and philosophy of integrated customer service within and across divisions, across departments, and within the community, with stakeholders
- The candidates should be able to create and maintain the department’s component of the Regional Emergency Plan, as directed
- The candidates should be able to perform related duties as required
How to apply:
If the position is fit for you and the basic requirements are fulfilled then you can now apply directly to the employer (along with your resume) through the below-mentioned details.
We thank all the applicants for showing their interest and trust in us, however, only the most eligible candidates will be selected and conducted for further procedure directly from employers, in between no charges/fees or original documents will be asked from any applicant. All the best!