Disability Management Specialist

**Disability Management Specialist** Catholic Social Services is currently recruiting for one (1), full-time, forty (40) hours per week, **Disability Management Specialist**. "As a Catholic social services agency, we are guided by faith to care for and bring hope to people in need with humility, compassion, and respect." We are a mission-driven agency providing exceptional services throughout central Alberta for more than 50 years, with more than 1,800 staff and hundreds of volunteers delivering 130+ programs. We recognize the importance and the value of having access to reliable information. **Job Summary** Reporting to the Manager, Human Resources (HR) Operations, and the Disability Management Specialist is responsible for the management of employees away from work as a result of injury or illness, focusing on developing, negotiating, and implementing rehabilitation, return-to-work plans, and duty-to-accommodate agreements. The Disability Management Specialist assesses any barriers to an employee’s successful and timely return-to-work, and engages with stakeholders to implement strategies to address those identified barriers and support a return-to-work or an appropriate alternative plan. **Collaboration** - Understands, supports, promotes, and adheres to the Agency’s vision, mission, values, and organizational ethics, and treat all persons with humility, compassion, and respect - Presents as a positive and professional role model and ambassador for the Agency in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Maintains respectful personal boundaries - Communicates effectively and respectfully in a professional and confidential manner with all employees and external stakeholders; both verbally and in writing - Establishes and maintains respectful, collaborative working relationships with employees and external stakeholders, as applicable **Disability Management** - Provides expertise, guidance, and consultation on an ongoing basis to supervisors/managers, human resources (HR), and employees in all aspects of disability management including occupational (Workers’ Compensation Board [WCB]) and non-occupational (Short-Term Disability [STD]/Long-Term Disability [LTD]) in the context of human rights legislation, workplace safety legislation, and Agency absence/accommodation/return-to-work policies/procedures - Provides case management services that encompasses assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating options available to meet employees’ health needs - Manages and coordinates STD, LTD, rehabilitation, and WCB cases - Conducts case assessments, contacts employees, and their direct manager to explain the disability management process and gathers information for assessment purposes - Maintains accurate case records - Fosters communication and cooperation among employees, their health care professionals, the insurance provider/WCB (if applicable), as well as the employees’ direct manager - Promotes return-to-work efforts and early identification of disability claims for developing modified/alternate work opportunities to mitigate absences due to occupational and non-occupational injuries/illnesses - Works with direct managers and employees to create, facilitate and manage appropriate return-to-work plans and outcomes. Assesses any barriers to a successful and timely return-to-work and engages with stakeholders to implement strategies to address those identified barriers and support return to work or appropriate alternative plan - Manages the transition to LTD and provides medical and summary case management information to LTD insurer to ensure a seamless transition - Manages appeals by preparing appeal submissions claims as required; attends hearings as needed - Develops supporting materials and provides training to assist both supervisors/managers and employees in working through disability management processes - Prepares reports for metrics and trending, and communicates to HR and Health and Safety - Leads ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement of the Disability Management program. Monitors legislative developments and industry trends to ensure relevancy is maintained **General** - Ensures appropriate and confidential handling and storage of volunteer/Agency information and documentation in accordance to Agency policies, procedures, and standards - Completes and submits regular and ad hoc reports and documentation as per standard procedures on or before assigned due dates - Initiates ongoing process improvements within role; assists with the implementation of approved proposals, processes, procedures, and reports as assigned - Assists in training and supporting new employees and colleagues - Reports incidents to manager or designate in a timely manner - Follows health and safety protocols while adhering to Agency policies and procedures - Maintains a pleasant and safe work environment, ensuring high levels of cleanliness, comfort, and safety - Atte