Employee Health and Abilities Consultant, Ft

Reporting to the Manager, Occupational Health & Safety, the successful incumbent will provide adjudication of non-occupational Short Term Disability claims from the onset of the claim until the employee returns to full job duties as per the OHA HOODIP plans; establish and maintain contact with employees, departmental supervisor, health care providers, and union representatives; provide adjudication of Requests for Medical Accommodation, utilizing knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and an employer's Duty to Accommodate. The successful incumbent will facilitate claim management, identify, coordinate and manage the need for additional medical, psychological and functional ability assessments to confirm prognosis, utilizing knowledge of provincial legislation, help prepare information for tribunal, Appeals and Arbitration as required; develop return to work plans; conduct return to work meetings; provide direction and assistance in the reintegration of employees back to work; review capabilities of the employee; facilitate transitional modified return to work plans in collaboration with supervisors, employees, and union representatives, work proactively with and support managers in addressing return to work and workplace accommodation issues.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- A University degree in a related field such as disability management, human resources or a health-related field (ie. Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, or related).
- Current designation as a certified Disability Management Professional in good standing, or commitment to obtain certification
- 3-5 years of relevant experience with adjudication, claims management and return to work programs
- Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Act, the Regulated Health Professions act, Ontario Human Rights Code, FIPPA, PIPEDA, and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and other relevant legislation and regulations
- Understanding of medical terminology, human anatomy, and effects of injury and disease on physiology
- Knowledge of and experience with return to work and accommodation principles and vocational rehabilitation principles including knowledge of industry standards rehab and disability insurance
- Leadership skills possessing sound judgement and ability to deal with and resolve escalating issues in a timely manner
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and manage a high volume of work and competing demands for time
- Strong ability to simplify, organize and communicate information in a clear and concise manner
- Proven ability to understand financial and litigation impacts of Health Management
- The ability to interact effectively with a diverse population at all levels, with cultural sensitivity
- Negotiation skills including the ability to build on common ground, and interact positively with individuals that may be frustrated and/or upset
- Strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to make timely decisions based upon sound analysis, experience and judgment
- Valid driver's license and access to vehicle for multi-site hospital travel
- Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a new hire requirement of the job unless you have an exemption based on medical or on a ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code
Recruitment Specialist: Carrie Garritsen
- We are especially interested in connecting if you..._
- Value diversity, equity and inclusion;_
- Are excited about being part of a respectful and hard-working team in the beautiful Region of Niagara;_
- Identify as a member of one or more of the following groups: equity-seeking group, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas._
- Have background or expertise in the healthcare environment, supporting patient care and providing extraordinary customer-service_
- In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Niagara Health will provide accommodations through the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation._