Health & Safety and Return To Work Programs Manager

Let us welcome you home.

Optima Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living and Memory Living communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Our communities are among the best places to live in Western Canada.

Our Vision: For every person to feel at home.

This is truly supported by our credo. "Let us welcome you home." All of us here feel it is an honour to work with our residents and we advocate a resident-centered approach where the Resident, is the focus of all our endeavours.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, the Health & Safety and Return to Work Programs Manager, is responsible for leading the organization's disability management and return to work programs across multiple communities in British Columbia and Alberta. This position provides centralized expertise and support to community leaders, enabling them to managing employees requiring medical, physical illness, or injury-related leaves, while ensuring compliance with WorkSafeBC, WCB Alberta, and other regulatory requirements. The Health & Safety and Return to Work Programs Manager, will develop scalable systems and processes that enable consistent, compassionate, and effective return to work practices across our decentralized care communities.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Oversight

• Provide expert guidance and support to community leaders managing employees on medical leave, disability leave, or recovering from workplace injuries
• Coordinate and oversee the return to work process, from initial leave through successful reintegration
• Assist Community Leadership to develop and implement individualized return to work plans in collaboration with employees, healthcare providers and relevant stakeholders
• Conduct regular case reviews to monitor progress, identify barriers, and adjust accommodation strategies as needed
• Ensure timely and appropriate communication with employees on leave, maintaining dignity and confidentiality throughout the process

Core Deliverables

• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison with WorkSafeBC and WCB Alberta
• Manage all workers' compensation claims, including initial reporting, documentation, ongoing communication, and claim resolution
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements related to disability management, workplace accommodations, and workers' compensation
• Monitor claim status, attend hearings or reviews as required, and advocate for appropriate outcomes
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes and best practices in disability management

Optima Community Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with community leaders, HR business partners, occupational health providers, and external service providers
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify modified work opportunities and ensure successful accommodation implementation
• Partner with health and safety teams to support injury prevention and workplace wellness initiatives
• Engage with employees, unions (where applicable), and healthcare providers to facilitate positive return to work outcomes

Operational and Administrative Systems

• Design, implement, and maintain scalable systems and processes for centralized return to work support for decentralized execution of return to work at the communities
• Develop standardized tools, templates, and resources to support community leaders in executing return to work programs effectively
• Create and maintain comprehensive policies and procedures for disability management and accommodation processes
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and employee experience
• Establish quality assurance mechanisms to ensure consistent application of return to work practices
• Develop and maintain comprehensive tracking systems for all leaves of absence, accommodations, and return to work cases
• Coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate processing of leave-related pay, benefits continuation, and Workers' Compensation payments
• Prepare regular KPI reports and statistical analysis on return to work outcomes, claim costs, duration of absences, and program effectiveness
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making
• Monitor trends and patterns to identify opportunities for early intervention and prevention initiatives

General Responsibilities

• Develop and write policies that lead Optima to best in class services
• Develop and provide training and guidance to community leaders and frontline managers on disability management, accommodation requirements, and return to work best practices
• Develop and deliver educational resources to support consistent application of policies and procedures
• Serve as subject matter expert and resource for complex accommodation and disability management situations
• Foster a culture of early and safe return to work across the organization

Qualifications & Experience

• Disability Management Certification (e.g., CDMP - Certified Disability Management Professional, CRDP - Certified Return to Work Coordinator, or equivalent recognized certification)
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Occupational Health, Rehabilitation Sciences, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in disability management, return to work coordination, or related field
• Demonstrated experience managing WorkSafeBC and/or WCB Alberta claims and processes
• Strong knowledge of relevant employment legislation including human rights, privacy, employment standards, and workers' compensation regulations in BC and Alberta
• Proven experience developing and implementing policies,systems, processes, and programs in multi-site or decentralized organizations
• Advanced skills in data analysis, reporting, and presentation of metrics and KPIs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work with diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Strong case management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, case management software, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of collective agreement interpretation and application
• Project management experience or certification
• Experience with occupational health and workplace wellness programs
• Experience in seniors care, or long-term care environment an asset

Why Join Optima Living?

At Optima Living, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging workplace where every team member feels valued, empowered, and truly at home. When you join our team, you'll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and quality of life.

Competitive Compensation
Receive a market-competitive compensation package with pay progression based on your length of service and individual performance.

Health and Wellness Benefits
We offer employer-paid health coverage for you and your family, including vision care, dental care, paramedical services, travel insurance, and a health spending account, ensuring your health and peace of mind are a priority.

Career Growth and Development
We are committed to your professional journey. Enjoy opportunities for advancement, access to ongoing training, and educational programs designed to help you thrive in your career.

Financial and Life Support
Our robust benefits package includes an employer-matching RRSP program, life insurance, and access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), providing support for every stage of life.

Work-Life Balance
We understand the importance of time for yourself and your loved ones. Our team members benefit from generous vacation entitlements, paid sick time, and additional paid days off to rest and recharge.

Flexible Work Environment
We support productivity through flexibility. Our workspaces include ergonomic sit/stand desks and collaborative open-office designs. Enjoy flexible start and end times, as well as hybrid work options that allow you to perform at your best, wherever you are.

Team Culture and Recognition
At Optima Living, we strive to welcome you home. Our culture is built on mutual support, inclusion, and teamwork. As a member of our team, you'll take part in team-building activities, social gatherings, and community fundraising events. Through programs like our "Shining Star" Employee Recognition initiative, we celebrate your contributions and stay connected to our shared mission, vision, and values.