Disability & Risk Management Specialist/Manager

Who We Are:

Algoma Central Corporation is a leading Canadian marine transportation company operating the largest domestic dry-bulk fleet on the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway, serving industries including steel, agriculture, mining, and construction. Algoma also operates a domestic product tanker fleet, an international ocean self-unloader fleet, and holds interests in global joint ventures serving diverse dry and liquid bulk markets worldwide.

Job Summary:

The Disability & Risk Management Specialist/Manager provides leadership and subject-matter expertise for the organization’s occupational and non-occupational disability, workplace injury and claims management programs. This position is accountable for the effective management of complex claims, regulatory reporting, return-to-work and accommodation processes, appeals and hearing preparation, and the integrity of related data and reporting.

Working with employees, operational leaders, Human Resources, medical providers, insurers, legal counsel and regulatory bodies, the Specialist/Manager develops practical strategies that support fair, timely and sustainable outcomes while managing organizational risk and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.

This position is based at Algoma’s head office in St. Catharines, Ontario, with regular in-office presence expected as part of a collaborative, team-based work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for occupational and non-occupational disability and claims management, establishing consistent practices, priorities, service standards and controls across the organization.

• Manage complex, high-risk and disputed workplace injury and personal illness claims from initial review through resolution, including assessment of causation, entitlement, medical information, functional abilities, claim strategy and financial exposure.

• Lead workplace accommodation and return-to-work planning in collaboration with employees, leaders, Human Resources, unions and medical or rehabilitation providers, with a focus on safe, timely and sustainable outcomes.

• Oversee investigations and evidence gathering related to workplace incidents and claims, including witness interviews, medical and operational information, chronology development and preservation of complete and accurate claim records.

• Lead the organization’s response to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) matters, including claim submissions, correspondence, objections, appeals and reconsideration requests.

• Prepare for and attend WSIB appeal proceedings and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) hearings on behalf of the employer, including developing case strategy, reviewing the claim record, coordinating documentary and witness evidence, preparing written submissions and working with legal counsel or external representatives as required.

• Assess hearing and litigation risk, be comfortable briefing others on material claims and appeals, and recommend settlement, appeal or case-management strategies within delegated authority.

• Ensure all internal and external reporting is completed accurately and within applicable regulatory, policy and administrative requirements following workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses.

• Maintain effective communication with employees, operational leaders, Human Resources and other stakeholders regarding claim status, restrictions, return-to-work plans, risks, decisions and required actions.

• Build productive working relationships with WSIB representatives, insurers, medical providers, legal counsel, industry associations and other external partners.

• Lead the collection, quality assurance and analysis of incident, injury, disability and claims data; maintain accurate databases and prepare regular and ad hoc reports, dashboards and trend analysis for senior leadership.

• Use claim, absence and incident trends to identify emerging risks and recommend preventive actions, process improvements, training or policy changes.

• Participate in relevant industry committees and forums to monitor developments, share practices and support a consistent industry approach to injury prevention and compensatory claims.

• Oversee claim-related financial administration, including invoices, employee expenses, reserves, recovery opportunities and other cost-control activities, in partnership with Finance and internal stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain disability and claims management procedures, tools, templates and training materials, and provide guidance and coaching to leaders and Human Resources team members.

• Lead or support projects and continuous improvement initiatives related to disability management, workplace injury claims, accommodations, data integrity and risk reduction.

• Protect confidential and sensitive information and exercise sound judgement, discretion and diplomacy in all matters.

Skills, Abilities and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health, Health Sciences, Business, Law or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Extensive experience in disability and claims management, with demonstrated ability to lead complex matters, exercise independent judgement, influence outcomes and provide subject-matter guidance to stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience preparing employer submissions and evidence for WSIB objections or appeals and participating in WSIB or WSIAT proceedings; experience working with legal counsel and witnesses is an asset.

• Strong knowledge of Ontario workplace safety and insurance legislation, policy and appeals processes, together with applicable human rights, accommodation, privacy and employment requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to assess risk, analyze medical and factual evidence, develop defensible recommendations and communicate complex issues clearly to senior leaders and other stakeholders.

• Experience leading programs, projects or process improvements and providing functional direction, coaching or guidance to others.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, negotiation and presentation skills.

• Strong organization, planning and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex matters, deadlines and competing priorities independently.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and experience using claims, HR, case-management or reporting systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leaders, unions, regulators, insurers, counsel, medical providers and other stakeholders.

• High degree of confidentiality, professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.

• Sound judgement and a balanced approach that considers employee needs, legal obligations, operational requirements and organizational risk.

• Valid passport and driver’s license, with the ability to travel as required and no travel restrictions.

Join the Team:

Our people are the backbone of our operations and the driving force behind Algoma’s progress and success. So come aboard and join our team of dedicated and highly skilled individuals. A rewarding career in the marine industry is out there, the only thing missing is you.

Algoma is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are dedicated to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All employment is decided on the basis of business need, qualifications and merit. Algoma encourages applications from designated group members identified under the Federal Employment Act. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada without sponsorship from Algoma. Algoma Central Corporation is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Algoma will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please contact [email protected].