Labour Relations Officer

Come work as a Labour Relations Officer for WCB/LTD Appeals with the BC Nurses' Union and be a part of advocating for more than 50,000 professional nurses and allied health care workers
**Job Title**: Labour Relations Officer - WCB/LTD Advocacy
Regular Full Time
**Reporting To**: Coordinator, Appeals
**Bargaining Unit**: USW 2009
**Salary**: $104,548.80 plus a salary differential of $8,420
We have a hybrid work environment. This position is based out of our Burnaby office.
Burnaby (Head Office)
4060 Regent Street
Burnaby, BC, V5C 6P5
Position Overview
Advocates on behalf of members with Workers’ Compensation (WCB) and Long Term Disability (LTD) appeals and provides advice to members and staff on matters related to Workers’ Compensation and Long Term Disability benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Investigates, researches, prepares and represents members with WCB and LTD appeals.
- Investigates and researches individual members’ cases involving WCB and LTD appeals; makes recommendations based on the merits of claims and represents members in their appeals to the Review Division and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal or to the LTD carrier and the Claims Review Committee (CRC) and in other forums as required.
- Interviews claimants and witnesses; researches case histories, precedents and applicable policies and legislation, prepares cases for representation at appeals including both written and oral submissions. Prepares members for oral hearings and attendance at the CRC.
- Works in a supportive, collaborative manner to represent members.
- Requests medical legal opinions, independent medical examinations and functional capacity evaluations.

Provides information, interpretation, support and instruction to staff, OHS representatives, and members on matters related to WCB and LTD benefits.
- Ensures that OHS representatives are kept informed regarding legislative, Board policy, and collective agreement changes, identifying trends and developments regarding WCB and LTD benefits.
- Provides assistance in developing training programs, as assigned.
- Facilitates workshop and makes presentations to stewards, members, and staff.

Provides support to management team in program planning and coordination of case management and advocacy functions.
- Identifies trends with respect to LTD claims adjudication and makes recommendations to address policy issues which negatively affect members. Represents BCNU at the Claims Adjudication Committee. Provides technical expertise regarding the LTD plan when grievances arise on interpretive matters.
- Liaises with counterparts in other unions and other organizations, to exchange information and keep informed of developments pertaining to long term disability benefits.

Serves as union’s in-house expert and staff lead on WCB and LTD matters, and works with other staff and departments collaboratively.
- Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on WCB and LTD matters.
- Works with other staff on complex cases involving return to work and/or accommodations.
- Provides input into the operational plan and collaborates with team members to ensure successful
- implementation of the plan.
- Refers and/or escalates issues out of scope to appropriate BCNU resource.
- Participates in team meetings and projects.
- Orientates new staff as required.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.
- Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
- Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:
**The successful applicant must have**:
1. College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety/Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Relations, Legal and/or Nursing program or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) as a labour relations officer, union staff representative, or practicing lawyer with a good understanding of occupational illnesses and diseases, and the WCB and LTD systems and appeals processes.
3. Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in advocacy work including researching cases, requesting medical legal opinions, preparing written submissions, and representing workers in oral hearings.
4. Demonstrated ability to interpret the Workers’ Compensation Act and policies as well as relevant collective agreement provisions and applicable legislation i.e.: Human Rights Code. Good knowledge of nurses' employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and BCNU’s values.
5. Able to work well with others and independently manage a full caseload.
6. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
7. A willingness to travel throughout the province and a valid driver's license.
Required Competencies
- Functional/T