Specialist, Disability Management

Duties:

As an integral member of the Human Resources department, reporting to the Manager, Health, Well-being and Benefits, the HR Specialist, Disability Management (DM Specialist) utilizes their disability management, occupational health experience, and interpersonal expertise to assist employees with safely staying at work, recovering at work, and returning to work.

The DM Specialist supports the manager in developing and delivering effective disability management programs that align with the university's values and promote employee well-being. The incumbent will have primary responsibility for employee disability accommodations for the University.

Acting as a first point of contact during an employee's medical absence, the DM Specialist will serve as a focal point for centralized communication on processes and requirements associated with occupational and non-occupational illness and/or injury. The incumbent will focus on recovery, return to work, case management, attendance awareness and well-being, with an emphasis on early intervention principles. This position recommends policies and procedures that promote well-being and facilitate cost-effective program results. The DM Specialist liaises with management, unions, employees, and external stakeholders during the case management cycle.

Disability Management:

• Proactively manage occupational and non-occupational disabilities including those with a focus on mental health.
• Obtain medical and functional abilities information as it relates to job requirements.
• Serve as an employer/HR representative on committees for Joint Rehabilitation, Joint Early Intervention Programs, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.
• Monitor sick leave and connect with employees early to provide well-being resources and support.
• Initiate and manage the disability claims process, and provide guidance, interpretation, and information to employees.
• Work closely with managers, unions, insurance carriers and employees to ensure appropriate, sustainable, and timely disability management outcomes.
• Utilize support resources to develop a safe and suitable care pathway that meets the employee's functional ability and either allows and encourages employees to stay-at-work or to return-to-work in a safe and sustainable manner following injury or illness.
• Maintain a high level of support for employees participating in the disability management process; work in partnership with all relevant parties to coordinate a supportive team approach to reintegrating an employee to work in a manner that reflects program principles, meets legislated and collective agreement requirements, and focuses on the needs of the individual while also considering the operational needs of the work unit.
• Build and maintain positive professional relationships with the Insurer, ensuring productive and regular communication.
• Maintain complete records.
• Provide timely updates to managers on anticipated return-to-work timelines and support managers and employees with the reintegration process.
• Liaise with health professionals regarding independent medical/psychological evaluations, fit-to-work assessments, and gradual return-to-work plans.
• Actively contribute to an ongoing improvement of disability management practices through continuous learning, professional development, and internal process reviews.
• Maintain a high standard of confidentiality throughout all processes.

Disability Accommodations:

• Manage the disability accommodation process, from initial inquiry through to completion.
• Maintain up-to-date records of employee accommodation agreements.
• Keep up-to-date on Human Rights legislation, case law, and evidence-informed practice relating to accommodations.
• Educate VIU managers and staff on the Accommodation Policy, Procedures, and obligations.
• Approve or decline accommodation requests based on sound rationale.
• Request approval for related costs.

Well-Being:

• Support the ongoing development and roll out of initiatives in VIU's wellness strategy.
• Collaborate in the assessment, development and deployment of strategies, programs and initiatives for improving health and well-being of employees.
• Keep abreast of current and future trends to develop proactive initiatives to optimally support employee health and overall well-being.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a healthcare-related field. Minimum six years of related experience in disability management, WorkSafeBC claims management and disability accommodation. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

• Knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of disability management, including rehabilitation, case management, attendance awareness, stay-at-work/early return to work programs, and work capacity evaluation.
• Knowledge of collective agreement administration and interpretation, and labour relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the BC Human Rights Code, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and relevant aspects of the Workers Compensation Act.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, mediation, and coaching in complex work situations.
• Knowledge of medical/treatment terminology related to disability and vocational rehabilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage sensitive employee issues and emergent/critical incidents with tact, diplomacy and expertise while protecting confidentiality of information.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Solution-focused with the ability to respond to situations with a calm and steady approach.
• Demonstrated investment in personal health and wellness activities that help foster a healthy workplace culture.
• Proficiency with HRIS, case management software, and Microsoft 365 including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for ill or disabled employees and to listen and effectively converse with a respectful and supportive demeanour.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in post-secondary, public sector and/or a large complex multi-site unionized environment.
• Disability Management Specialist (CDMP), or Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) or Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP).
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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