Health, Safety and Workplace Wellness Specialist

Employment Status **Regular Full-Time**

Pay Range **$89,009 to $98,166 annually (2024 rates)+ comprehensive benefits package**

Closing Date

**New Westminster, British Columbia**:
**Number of Openings**: 1
**Hours per Week**: 37.5 hours per week.
**Employee Group**: Exempt
**Location**: City Hall: 511 Royal Ave
**Competition #**: 1090
**Additional Details**:
As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 85,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.

The City has an exciting opportunity for a Specialist, Health, Safety and Workplace Wellness to support employee health, wellness and engagement by coordinating return-to-work programs, managing disability claims, and collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure timely, safe and effective workplace accommodations. Reporting to the Manager, Health and Safety, your duties will include contributing to wellness and safety initiatives by analyzing data, supporting policy development and delivering programs aligned with the legislative requirements and organizational priorities.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Supports employee engagement by facilitating timely, safe, and productive return to work, stay-at-work, and workplace accommodation plans. Monitors and recommends adjustments as needed.
- Oversees contracts and collaborates with an external third party for WorkSafeBC (WSBC) claims management, including leading the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
- Acts as a key contact for non-occupational claims in partnership with human resources colleagues and/or external third party partners.
- Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and private medical documentation and related information in accordance with Privacy legislation.
- Collaborates with human resources colleagues to provide information and education to leaders, employees, and unions on attendance and ability management, duty to accommodate, and legislative responsibilities.
- Prepares written communication with health service providers to clarify employee functional capabilities and obtain prognosis to support accommodation planning.
- Engages appropriate third-party providers to support health, safety, and ability management processes.
- Investigates workplace incidents and/or supports leaders in conducting investigations, processes claims, completes required WSBC forms, and prepares related reports and recommendations.
- Researches, compiles, and analyzes data and case documentation; prepares reports, metrics, and costing in support of operational and compliance requirements.
- Analyzes data to support the implementations of preventatives measures and proactive workplace wellness strategies that promote employee health and engagement.
- Coordinates initiatives and services in collaboration with Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP), such as educational workshops, employee support resources, etc.
- Researches, assists in developing, and coordinates the delivery of health and safety training and programs aligned with organizational priorities and contribute to a culture of safety and compliance.
- Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure safe operations and compliance with the Worker's Compensation Act, WSBC regulations, human rights legislation and best practices.
- Prepares and maintains records, reports, and case documentation, including those required for grievances, arbitration, and human rights claims.
- Participates on internal and external committees and working groups related to wellness, ability management, and health and safety, including the City Hall Health and Safety Committee.
- Ability to successfully pass and maintain a satisfactory Police Information Check.

**WHAT YOU BRING**:
**Education & Experience**
- Diploma in disability management or a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with specialized training in disability management or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and Safety plus sound experience in the areas of health, safety and wellness, prevention and disability management processes and programs in a multi-unionized environment. Certification as a Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or Return to Work Coordinator (CRWC). An equivalent combination of related education, certification and experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of and the ability to interpret applicable policies, procedures and collective agreements and/or various related legislation (i.e., _Workers’ Compensation Act_,_ WorkSafeBC Regulations, Human Rights Code_, privacy legislation).
- Chartered Professional of Human Resources