Disability Management Specialist

About Loyalist

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Total Compensation, the Disability Management Specialist is the case manager for absences including reintegration of employees into the workplace following absences. The position manages LTD (Long Term Disability) and STD (Short Term Disability) claims for the College, and coordinates with employees and third-party medical providers. The position is responsible for identifying options and strategies for safe early return to work, and accommodation plans that allow faculty and staff with disabilities to participate to the fullest extent possible at Loyalist. The Specialist provides advice and support to managers and liaises with bargaining agents in support of employees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages short-term, long-term, and attendance related supports, ensuring accurate information within a portfolio of clients is obtained in a timely fashion.
• Acts as a contact to managers for guidance on policies and procedures (WSIB, STD, LTD and Attendance (culpable and non-culpable)
• The position manages LTD (Long Term Disability), STD (Short Term Disability) and WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) claims for the College
• Provide effective WSIB claims management and return to work processes.
• Maintains contact with health practitioners and internal resources, including Occupational experts and third party medical services providers.
• Reduces salary based on application of STD policies, determines when to cease pay resulting from exhaustion of sick credits, non-compliance or other. This includes the adjustment of sick credit where applicable.
• Establishes LTD claim files and ensures the timely completion of accurate and relevant documentation (including but not limited to, auditing completed forms, following up to ensure accurate data is included on claims, meeting with employee, corresponding with LTD carrier representatives, following up with LTD carrier, medical practitioners and employee throughout the period of non occupational absence to ensure that return to work opportunities are maximized.
• Liaises with employee, supervisor and union on claims management issues.
• Coordination of the absenteeism program, analysis of absenteeism data and recommendation to People and Culture Advisors.
• Represents management in Disability Management related grievances as required and may act as management’s witness at arbitration.
• Partners with the LTD carrier in the management of the ongoing LTD Claims as progress/changing medical status is achieved (including but not limited to, contacting with the ill/recovering employee, contact with the medical practitioners, specialist and independent medical experts, contact with LTD case managers/medical specialists, reviewing and assessing medical prognosis to achieve maximum opportunity for return-to modified work and/or full duties).
• Establishes and maintains effective communication practices and strategies to educate/inform all staff with regard to matters of individual and organizational responsibilities regarding STD, LTD and accommodations.
• Leads accommodation meetings to facilitate solutions and plans for absence, accommodation, and accessibility cases, building cooperation and development of shared goals and responsibilities, while managing stakeholders’ roles and interests, to establish and maintain an inclusive, welcoming and productive workplace.
• Ensures all stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities; proper documentation is completed in a timely manner; all parties are kept informed on the status of the claim, and provides monitoring and follow up, ensuring benchmarks are met or plans are reassessed and modified when required.
• Recommends improvements in the design of sick leave and disability management programs and early intervention strategies.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 3-year diploma or degree in a Disability Management-related field such as Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Health Sciences or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Professional designation: CCP, CEBS, CDMP, CRTWC, RRP, CVRP
• Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience in disability management and accommodations in a unionized public sector workplace with a wide variety of professional, administrative, and operational jobs
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, policy, and collective agreement language for effective and consistent service delivery
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a diverse client population
• Ability to handle sensitive issues tactfully and confidentially
• Ability to develop and oversee the maintenance of record-keeping systems, both manual and electronic
• Ability to multi-task, work independently with minimal supervision, and set priorities
• Proven ability to analyze physical and cognitive job demands and employee abilities information, including medical information, to identify accommodations and modifications to facilitate entry to work, remaining at work, and timely and safe return to work
• Proven case management skills including the ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands, creatively problem solve, and building consensus on solutions to complex and contentious situations in a timely manner
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of OHRA and AODA legislation
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
• Well-developed client-service and interpersonal skills
• Proven problem resolution expertise

Please note:

Following an offer of employment, candidates with Canadian credentials will be required to provide official transcripts from the granting educational institution(s); candidates with international credentials must provide World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org/ca evaluation (at their own cost) confirming Canadian equivalency of their credentials.

Loyalist is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive college community. We encourage and welcome applications from marginalized and equity seeking groups. Loyalist College is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you have accommodation needs, please inform us as soon as possible by sending an email to humanresources@loyalistcollege.com.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Benefits for Full-time Temporary Administrative Staff include:

• All full-time temporary administrative staff of Ontario Colleges are eligible to join the CAAT Pension DBPlus plan from their date of hire CAAT pension website

Work Life Balance Matters at Loyalist College

Full-time temporary administrative employees can expect:

• Accrual of paid vacation days or vacation % applied to contracts
• December closure period with pay
• Employee Family Assistance Plan - provides timely short-term counselling and consultation assistance to employees and their immediate family
• Fitness Centre Membership - exclusive facilities for use by Staff and Students at the Belleville location free of charge
• An Inclusive and Accessible Workplace