Social Planner

up to 11 months

Are you looking for an opportunity to create positive policy and systems change in affordable housing and homelessness issues in Edmonton? Join the Affordable Housing and Homelessness team as a Social Planner and help implement ambitious actions in the Affordable Housing Strategy and Homelessness and Housing Services Plan to reduce housing precarity in Edmonton Utilize your planning, research, and analytical expertise to improve systems in the homeless serving sector and create and maintain the supply of affordable housing for Edmontonians.

Reporting to the Program Manager, Policy and Planning, the Social Planner uses a big picture, systems thinking approach to ensure that the policies and initiatives of the City are aligned, effective, and deliver the desired social outcomes outlined by City Council and senior leadership.

What will you do?

• Lead development of significant social policy frameworks and strategic plans for the section
• Conduct environmental scans and situational analyses; Undertake research on historical and emerging best practices from other jurisdictions and social trends
• Undertake detailed data analyses, including presentation and visualization for various audiences; Identify and assess issues and problems at the community and system levels, and propose potential solutions
• Produce briefing notes and memos in accessible language for executive leadership and audiences
• Lead the production and writing of Council Reports with corresponding research and engagement to inform recommendations
• Design and execute effective public engagement processes to involve stakeholders in decision making and policy development
• Gather and share information, stay abreast of trends in municipal government and local issues in the community
• Participate in the new development or redesign of services, programs, and projects
• Assess and evaluate proposed and existing programs and services
• Evaluate affordable housing and homelessness initiatives and programs
• Establish criteria for program evaluation and assist in the development and implementation of program monitoring, performance evaluation and tools
• Develop, implement, and monitor service and performance improvement processes
• Lead a variety of assigned projects which may be complex, and/or sensitive
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal partners, other orders of government and community stakeholders including the homeless serving organizations, affordable housing providers, and representatives from allied systems of care
• Determine and develop appropriate documentation outlining formal relationships (Charters, Memorandums of Understanding, Terms of Reference)
• Identify community issues and provide information on statistics and demographics
• Advise external agencies and organizations on existing policies and services
• Lead, facilitate, and/or participate in external community committees and working groups
• Represent the section on committees and working groups for various branch, department, and corporate initiatives
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Business or Public Administration, Recreation, Planning, Political Science, Public Health, or a related discipline
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in social planning, policy development, impact evaluation, social innovation, strategic design and/or strategic planning
• OR a Masters Degree and a minimum of 3 years experience
• Holders of degrees in Social work must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers

Assets:

• Project Management training
• Project Management certification and/ or Change Management certification
• Experience working in affordable housing development and/or working with the homeless serving sector, including the development of housing programs or shelter service delivery
• Experience developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, key performance indicators, and measuring the impact of social systems
• Significant understanding of Indigenous communities, history, culture, trends and current environment
• Experience working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities and Indigenous-led housing providers

Skills required for success:

• Strong skill and ability with Google Suite of applications
• Experience leading complex projects; must have exceptional project and process management skills
• Experience, training, and skills in program/policy evaluation in social development
• Ability to design, implement and manage social research and evaluation of projects
• Experience applying evaluation and program monitoring using various evaluation techniques
• A keen understanding of the political process involved in gaining support in and approval of recommendations and initiatives including the demonstrated ability to write reports and provide recommendations
• The ability to work collaboratively with supervisors, teammates, and external partners
• Ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with community groups, agencies, and organizations
• Excellent facilitation, research, and written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation, organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Ability to see the bigger picture and make connections across business areas
• Strong relationship skills including the ability to manage expectations and outcomes, especially with senior leaders and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly and contribute to a high performing team through integration, collaboration, and individual leadership
• Change agent, with strong entrepreneurial skills and attitude, comfort with risk, and willingness to try new things
• Advanced knowledge of public engagement methods
• Strong skill and ability with Google Suite of applications
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• This position ​may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement ​with ​the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work: 33.75

Salary Range: $51.611 - $65.218 (Hourly); $90,925.680 - $114,897.810 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PC/RF

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

IND123

Classification Title: Social Planner

Posting Date: Oct 19, 2026

Closing Date: Nov 2, 2026 11:59:00 PM (ABT)

Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-time

Union: CSU 52

Department: Social Development

Work Location(s): 18th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4