Human Resources and Return to Work Consultant

Company Biography
The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation's seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.
Position Overview
The Human Resources & Return to Work Consultant provides advice, expertise and direction in the area of disability management (work-related). Provides employee relations advice to Corporate Services, Finance and CAO for non-union groups in accordance with existing legislation and County of Lambton policies and procedures.

**Responsibilities**:
**Disability Claims Management - Work Related**:

- Oversee all active WSIB work related claims and return to work programs.
- Prepare all required documentation for WSIB lost time claims to establish and maintain claims as legislated and in compliance with WSIB rules and regulations; complete forms fully, accurately and within prescribed time frames with all pertinent information including any required earnings information, schedule information, concerns over claims etc.
- Maintain regular contact with WSIB Claims Adjudication to ensure claim and appeal decisions made in a timely manner
- Work with Employee(s), Supervisors/Managers, physicians, treating practitioners and rehab specialist in facilitating the early return to work; prepare and distribute letters to request additional information; review responses and implement return to work and accommodations based on the responses and discussions
- Communicate to payroll required payment for WSIB wage continuation for lost time claims; request supervisors update timesheets accordingly
- Act as a mediator between the union representative, the Third Party Providers, the individual and the responsible manager to resolve differences where a return to work impasse has occurred.
- Prepare return to work agreement in accordance with all applicable legislation, including Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, WSIB, Human Rights, and applicable legislation
- Resolve complex issues (i.e.: claim denials, employees refusing to return to work) and advise Corporate Manager, HR when applicable
- Educate supervisors and managers on their roles and the appropriate courses of action for an employee’s accommodation and early RTW plans
- Develop specific case management plans, checklists and timing milestones regarding time duration and specific dates for every disability claimant to aid recovery or resolution of employee health problems.
- Decide on and communicate the pro-active management of major disability claim cases including the measured steps to employee termination or separation.
- Facilitate Modified Work/Accommodation meetings with management, injured/ill workers, union reps, WSIB Claims Adjudicators
- Monitor the progress of the injured/ill worker by ensuring the County receives regular updates on prognosis and functional abilities; request progress updates from supervisors; ensure supervisors hold regular update meetings; review meeting minutes for accuracy and recommend changes if required
- Prepare and maintain statistical reports on WSIB Costs, Lost time Claims
- Develop and delivers training, education and awareness programs focused on disability management, attendance management and early intervention to management, union groups and lower-tier affiliates.
- Prepare statistical summaries for trend analysis and future planning. Provides cost-benefit analysis of the programs different courses of action as a measure of the County's work related disability claims.
- Provide WSIB Claims management support to assigned lower tiers as required.

**Labour Relations**:

- Provide assistance to Labour Relations Consultants on research, analysis and report preparation related to collective bargaining as required.
- Assist Labour Relations Consultants to investigate grievances, as required. May be asked to provide advice related to documentation preparation, resolution strategies and participate in meetings
- Participate in Labour Management meetings as required.
- Participate in mediation and/or arbitration as required.
- Provide employee relations advice with assistance of Labour Relations Consultants and/or Corporate Manager, HR to Corporate Services, Financial Services and CAO's office as well as municipal lower tiers as assigned.

**Staff Relations**:

- Coordinate attendance management program, review attendance/absenteeism rates and trends, makes recommendations f