Disability and Leave Specialist

Join our team as a Disability and Leave Specialist In this role you’ll lead the administration of employee disability and leave programs across Canada and the U.S. You’ll ensure a seamless, supportive, and inclusive experience for both employees and internal stakeholders. Leveraging your in-depth knowledge of leave policies, benefits, and supporting systems, you’ll guide employees and business units through the leave process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency.

Location: Anywhere in Canada. This role can be hybrid or remote.

**What Will You Be Doing?**
- Managing end-to-end leave administration, addressing escalated and complex inquiries and issues for employees and business units
- Managing premium issues for those on leave, including reconciliation of retroactive premiums for employees returning from leave or with coverage/status changes
- Conducting monthly audits on returns from leave, non-compliant, gradual returns and modified duties. Ensuring 100% compliance with government regulations regarding taxable benefits through quarterly reviews
- Administering Canadian leave processes, including US leave administration and EDD, coordinating pre-authorized debit deductions for premiums and arrears, and managing short-term and long-term disability files
- Initiating and managing files for work-related injuries with Canadian boards (CNESST, WSIB, WBC), and coordinating ongoing case follow-up in partnership with external experts
- Coordinating return-to-work programs, including temporary assignments, regular, or progressive returns, acting as a resource for employees absent for medical reasons
- Providing support for filing claims, checking claim status, and following up on disputes, including preparation of files for hearings at the Tribunal administratif du travail (CNESST)
- Ensuring follow-up of medical files and required assessments in collaboration with the company’s medical consultant (doctor or nurse) and administratively managing medical EI cases
- Communicating all necessary information to employees and managers regarding benefits, leaves, and disability processes. Acting as a resource for employees needing assistance with medical absences
- Maintaining up-to-date KPI data to track insurer performance, ensure accurate computer management of files, and updating all related records in the UKG system in coordination with the Payroll Department
- Compiling and posting Employee Assistance Program and Third-party administrator invoices and billing statements
- Leading absence management for designated employee groups, ensuring accurate tracking and timely reporting
- Developing and implementing disability and leave policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and processes, reviewing and updating them annually to ensure alignment with organizational goals and best practices in medical absence management
- Designing and launching communication initiatives to educate leaders and employees about disability processes, and upcoming initiatives
- Reviewing reporting related to leaves, including modalities, cost analysis, usage trends, and SLA and KPI performance metrics
- Supporting vendor and insurers, including coordination of quarterly meetings with providers
- Supporting other specialists as needed, including assisting with change of status processes to ensure benefits deduction groups and employment agreements are accurately reflected
- Updating bi-weekly and annual calendars with cyclical timing, as required for disability administration process timing
- Refining disability and leave management policies to align with organizational values and evolving best practices
- Undergraduate Degree or College Diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 5 to 7 years of relevant experience
- Experience in a multi-province benefit environment
- Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration software
- Strong knowledge of Employee Standards Act, and provincial board regulations
- Knowledge of US benefits is considered an asset
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and spreadsheet management.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to assess complex situations and develop effective solutions
- Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain attention to detail
- Demonstrated experience to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality across all aspects of the role
- Ability to work effectively with mínimal supervision
- Completion of the CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) is considered an asset
- Bilingualism (French/English) is considered an asset

**How You'll Benefit working at our Home Office**:

- A comprehensive total rewards package, including two free pairs of glasses and