Abilities Management and Wellness Specialist

Position Summary An integral member of the Occupational Health and Safety team, the Abilities Management and Wellness Specialist promotes and maintains a healthy workplace through monitoring the physical, mental and social well-being of workers. This role is responsible for providing proactive disability and rehabilitation case management services to employees with short or long term disabilities and workplace injuries. This includes facilitating employee re-integration to the workplace through planning, implementing and coordinating timely modified work programs, liaising, coordinating and collaborating with diverse groups, including: health care providers, disability insurance carriers, union partners, managers, supervisors and employees for successful outcomes. The incumbent of this role will assist in the day to day operation of the Occupational Health and Safety Department by ensuring all decisions and actions are made in accordance with current legislation, collective agreements, benefit provisions and hospital policies and procedures including infection control protocols. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist employees in developing and maintaining a high level of physical, mental and social well-being through, new hire health assessments, health surveillance, N95 respirator fit testing, first aid, immunizations, exposure surveillance, flu clinics, referrals to the employee assistance program and health education, teaching and promotion. Evaluate and monitor short-term, long-term and WSIB claims. Including submitting all appropriate forms and documents as required. Request Functional Abilities Forms, Ergonomic Assessments, Independent Medical Evaluation and others as required. Assess medical information, determine suitability for employees return to work and collaborate with management in identifying suitable work placement. Design return to work programs in consultation with employee, management, union and other stakeholders. Refer employees to the Occupational Medicine Physician as necessary. Maintain a return to work data base and evaluate the program, including identifying trends and recommendations for appropriate action. Provide education and support to management and employees. Liaise with Infection Prevention and Control in the delivery of infection control programs and participate in outbreak management. Be the primary contact with WSIB personnel and LTD providers. Participate in the review of health and safety policies and procedures. Review and develop medical directives. Ensure and maintain confidentiality with all medical dealing with employees and hospital records. Performs other duties as assigned by program leadership. Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. • Current membership in the College of Nurses of Ontario required. • Diploma or Certificate in Occupational Health Nursing, or working towards with completion within two (2) years required. • Certification in Occupational Health Nursing required or willing to obtain within three (3) years. • Specialized training in claims management and return to work required. National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) certification in Disability Management and Return to Work preferred. • Current First Aid Certification and Basic Cardiac Life Support certification (BCLS) required. • Train-the-Trainer certificate in N95 respirator fit testing preferred. • Member of Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association (OOHNA) is an asset • Formal training in Infection Prevention and Control considered an asset. Experience: • Minimum of five (5) years acute care nursing experience required. • Minimum of three (3) years experience in occupational health nursing required. • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience developing accommodation/return to work plans required, preferably in a multi-unionized environment • Experience providing health surveillance programs such as pre-placement assessments Competencies: • Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications, and familiarity with HRIS and Parklane. • Knowledge of Occupational Health principles and practices. • Demonstrates ability to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. • Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and processes with the ability to communicate its significance and relevancy to each situation. • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information is critical. • Ability to communicate effectively using tact, diplomacy and discretion. • Excellent listening skills and capacity for empathy. • Demonstrated initiative and good judgment in problem-solving and decision-making. • Ability to work efficiently independently and in a teamwork environment. • Excellent organizational and time-manage skills, able to prioritize a heavy workload and multi-task. Other: • Demonstrates commitment to continued professional and personal growth and development through Continuing Education Programs and Self-Directed Learning Opportunities. Our Employees Enjoy • a professional practice environment • a collaborative atmosphere with emphasis on teamwork • wellness initiatives • continuing education grants • employee recognition and assistance programs • a competitive salary and benefits package • equal opportunities for growth and development Employment Equity OSMH is committed to diversity and equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace. Accommodation in the Workplace Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially. Health & Safety Responsibilities OSMH is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive working environment by treating team members and patients with compassion accountability respect and engagement. All team members must adhere to OSMH’s Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and protocols, as well as the duties of workers as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Team members must be able to perform all bona fide and essential duties of the position which may include cognitive and physical demands. As a condition of employment, new employees are required to complete an employment health assessment and must be cleared by the Occupational Health and Safety Team prior to orientation. Closing Statement