HR Specialist

CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE

We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Non-Unionized opportunity in the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer for an experienced and motivated individual.

HR Specialist - Disability & Absence Management

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Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada's first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan

The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.

Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.

Position Overview

Responsible for proactive disability and absence management, including Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), short-term/long-term disability (LTD/STD) claims, return to work planning, implementing and coordinating timely modified work activities and actively supports front-line management with Attendance Support programs. Recommends and assists to facilitate procedural improvements. Assists with reviewing, implementing and monitoring wellness initiatives.

At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.

Responsibilities

Disability Management/Case Management:

• Acts as the subject matter expert providing support and advice to management and employees, regarding disability management, accommodation and return to work programs.

• Administers and maintains the disability management program, early and safe return to work facilitation for WSIB, STD/LTD claims, and balancing the needs of individuals.

• Reviews and interprets medical and non-medical information.

• Organizes and facilitates Attendance Support meetings.

• Attends as required, in support at WSIB Appeals and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) hearings.

Interactions with Others:

• Evaluates accommodation requests, obtains and disseminates functional abilities information ensuring confidential medical information remains privy to Human Resources.

• Conducts medical accommodation/return to work meetings with Management/Association/Union officials and employees.

• Facilitates the referral of ill/injured employees to external service providers when necessary (e.g., Functional Capacity Evaluations and Independent Medical Evaluations).

• Ensures the City's compliance with statutory obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Employment Standards, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Reporting/Analytical:

• Maintains accurate record keeping systems, statistical information, incident reporting, etc., through the City's Parklane claims management system.

• Monitors program costs and provides statistical analysis through reports on frequency of lost time injuries.

Administration and other duties:

• Reviews weekly WSIB invoices to ensure claim payments are appropriate.

• Supports the Workplace Health & Safety Lead, as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• University Degree in Human Resources Management, Health Science, or Social Science, or suitable equivalent.

• Minimum of five (5) years of direct absence/disability management experience including three (3) years' experience in Occupational Health and Safety, case management, preferably in a unionized environment.

• Current certificate in Disability Management from an accredited body (Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC), Registered Counsellor (CCRC); or have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience).

• Possesses a valid Ontario "G" Driver's License, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle.

• Demonstrated knowledge of WSIB policies and related legislation and a demonstrated ability to challenge claims or appealing decisions.

• Working knowledge of rehabilitation concepts and modified work programs, rehabilitative and therapeutic techniques and terminology.

• Excellent research, statistical, analytical and interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience in interpreting medical functional information and demonstrated experience communicating this information, within policy/legal bounds, in order that appropriate administrative decisions can be reached.

• Proven knowledge of disability management, theory and practice.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in handling situations of complex and sensitive nature with tact while protecting confidentiality of medical information.

• Proficiency with Parklane Systems, full suite of Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City's core competencies and relevant functional competencies.

• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.