Planner 1 (Accessibility and Poverty Reduction)

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

Overview

Reporting directly to the Program Manager, Social Development, the Planner 1 (Accessibility and Poverty Reduction) will be responsible for a wide variety of planning duties. These include undertaking tasks related to research, data analysis, and policy and program evaluation to support the development, implementation and ongoing enhancement of the Council adopted accessibility and poverty reduction plans within the Community Social Development Department. The incumbent will implement initiatives related to accessibility, poverty reduction and food insecurity, coordinate community and key partner engagement processes, prepare and contribute to reports on pertinent accessibility and poverty reduction matters, investigate potential grants opportunities, respond to information requests from the public, staff and external agencies, liaise with internal and external contacts on priority accessibility and poverty reduction initiatives, and monitor and compile statistics on current social trends, policies and regulations.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Undertakes a wide variety of planning duties, including analysis of community issues and policy and program evaluation to support the development and implementation of the Richmond Accessibility Plan (2023–2033) and the 2021–2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond.
• Conducts research and analysis to support the development and implementation of special projects, strategies, grants and policies; and monitors and compiles statistics on current trends, policies and regulations related to accessibility, poverty reduction and food insecurity matters.
• Implements initiatives in collaboration with community partners that work to advance accessibility, poverty reduction and food security in Richmond.
• Coordinates community engagement processes related to the development and implementation of relevant initiatives to advance the accessibility and poverty reduction plans.
• Investigates potential grants and other opportunities.
• Prepares and contributes to reports for senior staff and/or Council on accessibility and poverty reduction related matters.
• Conducts accessibility reviews on City projects, policies and processes, and works with senior planning staff to provide guidance to other City departments.
• Liaises with City departments and external contacts on priority accessibility and poverty reduction initiatives; gathers and analyzes information for various progress reports within the Community Social Development Department; contacts social planning professionals from other jurisdictions; and coordinates meetings for various City-led committees and tables.
• Collaborates on other priority initiatives of the Community Social Development Department (e.g. Social Development Strategy).
• Responds to internal and external inquiries and information requests in person, by phone, or through written correspondence from the public, City departments and external agencies regarding accessibility and poverty reduction issues.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, policies and theories of community development, social planning and how they can be applied to advance accessibility and poverty reduction.
• Considerable knowledge of the social structure and services operating in the community, including community demographics, relevant legislation, federal and provincial initiatives, policies, municipal best practices and community initiatives.
• Sound knowledge of social issues facing vulnerable groups and individuals in an urban setting and the best practices for mitigating those issues in a municipal context.
• Ability to analyze data, formalize recommendations and present information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to manage multiple work deadlines.
• Ability to produce quality work in terms of quality of information, research, analysis and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal City departments, industry professionals and community partners to carry out the functions of the Department.
• Ability to work independently with general direction and use independent judgment when required.
• Skilled in using computer software such as Microsoft Office.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience related to municipal planning, with some experience in social planning related to accessibility, food insecurity and/or poverty reduction

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Planning, Community Development, Social Work or a related discipline.

• Accessibility certification or formal training in Universal Design is an asset.

Additional Information:

Employee Group:

CUPE Local 718

Position Status:

Regular Full-Time

Duration of Appointment:

n/a

Salary Range:

$53.44 - $63.14/hr

Hours of Work:

8:15am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday, compressed work week schedule

Application Posted:

9/19/25

External Closing Date:

10/2/25

PCC#:

1527