Abilities Management Specialist

ABOUT US

Almost 1.3 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Lead, Employee Health, this position is responsible for providing proactive disability and rehabilitation case management services, workplace accommodation support, medical-related attendance support, and consultation regarding Individualized Accommodation Plans (IAPs). The position supports employees experiencing short- and long-term disabilities, workplace injuries and illnesses by developing, implementing and coordinating timely and effective return-to-work and modified-work programs. Responsibilities include liaising with health care providers, disability insurance carriers, and other partners; facilitating employee reintegration, monitoring and supporting accommodation plans; providing attendance support for medical-related matters, and coordinating employee health surveillance programs to promote employee wellness, safety and sustained work participation.

Internal Relationships
• Employees – provides case management, accommodation and return-to-work planning and support
• Management staff – provides consultation, modified-work planning, attendance support and program coordination.
• Internal departments – Coordination and resolution of disability-management and accommodation matters.

External Relationships
• Healthcare partners and medical consultants – Coordination of case-management information and clarification of functional restrictions and capabilities.
• WSIB and disability insurance carriers – claims coordination and return-to-work support.
• External service providers and vendors – Coordination of specialized assessments, referrals and service

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Acts as the subject matter expert providing advice to management and employees regarding disability management, accommodation and return to work programs, providing case management of Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term disability (LTD) claims, with a focus on early and safe return to work.
• Assists management and employees with return to work and workplace accommodation processes.
• Reviews and interprets medical and non-medical information (i.e., distinguishing between objective and subjective information) through communication with the ill/injured employee and other stakeholders throughout the period of lost time and rehabilitation.
• Coordinates and administers pre-placement health assessments, and other health surveillance programs.
• Collaborates with divisional staff in the research, development and implementation/administration of occupational health, safety and wellness programs.
• Acts as a resource and referral to the Region’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Assists in the development, assessment and revision of policies and procedures related to disability management and occupational health.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree or an approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Designation as a Certified Return to Work Coordinator/Certified Disability Management professional, Canadian Vocational Rehabilitation Professional, Canadian Occupational Therapist, Canadian Certified Occupational Health Nurse, or an applicable designation associated with the education stream.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in rehabilitation or case management, including implementing and monitoring modified-work programs and other workplace accommodations in a unionized environment.
• Experience providing health surveillance programs, such as pre-placement assessments, and interpreting and communicating medical functional information within policy and legal requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of disability-management theory and practice, including relevant legislation, policies and processes.
• Demonstrated judgement and decision-making skills in complex and sensitive situations, including the appropriate handling and protection of confidential medical information.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, functional precedents, organizational procedures, legislation and professional standards related to occupational health and disability management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, establish effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external partners, and resolve issues in a customer-focused environment.
• Ability to demonstrate the Region's corporate core competencies.
• Ability to interpret data and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Demonstrated commitment to build respectful, collaborative relationships and contributing to a welcoming, inclusive environment where diversity is valued and everyone has equitable opportunities to grow and thrive.
• Effective verbal, written, and presentation skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite and virtual collaboration platforms, with familiarity with HRIS and Parklane
• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment, during regular business hours, Monday to Friday.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations may be required.
• Occasional work outside of regular business hours may be required.