Disability Management Advisor

**Our Story**:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

**Our Team**:
**The Opportunity**:
Using your knowledge and experience you will act as the primary interface between the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Region of Waterloo in the management of occupational claims. You will have the responsibility of ensuring legislative compliance under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), and consistent, effective, timely claims management. You will administer and coordinate the Region’s WSIB claims management program and practices, including both absence and work accommodation case management.

You will use Parklane systems to research information and file appropriate WSIB claim forms inclusive of claim objections.

You will have the opportunity to liaise with WSIB representatives to manage claims, including negotiating return to work plans, initiating objection process, and coordinating return to work meetings.

You will gather any required additional information for WSIB appeals and assist the Region’s legal counsel with the preparation of files for appeals. Attends WSIB-level appeals.

Using your knowledge and expertise you will provide advice and direction in all matters related to WSIB claims management and compliance with the WSIB Act.

You will use your experience and understanding to collect and review medical information to determine medical fitness for work and identify restrictions and limitations. You will liaise with treatment providers and physicians where necessary to clarify employees’ ability to engage in work duties.

You will develop individualized return to work/accommodation plans for employees (including documentation) to ensure timely, safe reintegration into the workplace.

You will coordinate return to work meetings with parties including employees, management, union representation, and internal/external stakeholders, per collective agreements, policies, and procedures.

You will communicate and collaborate with Disability Management Team members, Payroll staff, and operating managers to compile information required for WSIB forms.

You will critically analyze and evaluate reports of injury to assess work relatedness in the context of WSIB policy.

You will monitor WSIB cost statements and follow up with WSIB as necessary.

You will have the responsibility to maintain physical and electronic WSIB files, including data entry, of all WSIB correspondence into Parklane.

You will track all WSIB claim activities using Parklane, including preparing reports and statistics.

You will participate in regular meetings with the Disability Management Team to coordinate WSIB return to work processes for timely, safe return to work plans for injured/ill employees, including permanent accommodation.

You will operate within the parameters of legislation, collective agreements, external and internal policies, and procedures, and provides advice to internal HR partners, management, employees, and union representatives regarding WSIB claims management, return to work, and accommodation.

You will maintain detailed notes and documentation of communication and actions taken on claims using electronic management systems (i.e., Parklane).

You will collaborate and provide input on new/revised program policies, procedures, and tools as it relates to WSIB claims management accommodation.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through an undergraduate degree in health sciences (including but not limited to: occupational therapy, human kinetics, kinesiology, physiotherapy, designation as a Registered Nurse), plus directly related vocational rehabilitation counselling experience in a unionized environment and WSIB claims management experience, including statistical analysis.

Must have certification from WSIB in claims adjudication.

Must have Certified Disability Management Professional designation.

Extensive knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Working knowledge of employment standards, labour relations, human rights, privacy and freedom of information, and other appropriate legislation.

Knowledge of current medical treatment and rehabilitative/therapeutic techniques and terminology, and general medical terminology with an understanding of common injuries and conditi