Job Description

Legal Counsel I provides effective legal advice and support to the WCB ensuring that the administration of the workers compensation system is conducted lawfully, in compliance with The Workers Compensation Act and other relevant legislation.
Job Duties:
Performs legal research and provides legal opinions.
Interprets The Workers Compensation Act, its regulations and WCB policies.
Monitors and researches legal issues relevant to the workers compensation system.
Responds to all applications and inquiries for access to information under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), including determining whether the information can and/or should be released pursuant to the provisions of the relevant legislation.
Assists in the management of litigation.
Assists with the training of WCB staff, management, Appeal Commissioners and external groups as it pertains to workers compensation principles.
Assists in drafting and reviewing procurement materials, including Requests for Proposals and Contracts.
Provides advice regarding labour, employment and human rights matters.
Provides support to the departmental management.
Represents the WCB in judicial and administrative proceedings.
Provides training and advice to staff regarding the application and interpretation of FIPPA, PHIA and other provincial (e.g. The Workplace Safety and Health Act, The Pension Benefits Act) and federal (e.g. the Income Tax Act, the Employment Insurance Act) legislation relating to Workers Compensation and Workplace Safety matters.
Oversees and manages inter-provincial claims.
Oversees and manages the administration of the Manitoba Public Insurance cost recovery agreement.
Reviews all requests for cost transfers between employers.
Assists in management of third party litigation and asbestos litigation
Pursues professional and personal development through continuing education and training, literature reviews, workshops, seminars, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
University degree in Law and entitled to practice law in Manitoba
Minimum three (3) years experience practicing contract law and contract drafting, preferably in a government or in-house setting. Experience in workers compensation or administrative law matters is an asset
Ability to use a personal computer and software (Word, PowerPoint) in a Windows environment
Excellent analytical and research skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing including the ability to explain technical and legal information in plain language
Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills
Ability to work with and safeguard sensitive and confidential information
Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated
Ability to organize and prioritize workload
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (English & French) is an asset, but is not required
Additional Information:
A satisfactory criminal record check and verification of education will be required for the successful candidate.
The WCB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce with equitable representation of Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and members of other equity-seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are a member of these groups.
The WCB recognizes that individuals may face barriers that hinder their full and equal participation in the workplace, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all employees and candidates who are or may be disabled by one or more barriers in the workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
About WCB:
The Workers Compensation Board promotes safety and health in Manitoba workplaces and aims to help prevent and reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and disease. Working with its partners, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, provides compassionate and supportive compensation services for workers and employers, and ensures responsible financial stewardship.
WCBdoes encompasses what it means to work at the WCB. The WCB is proud to have employee benefits and programs that support financial and personal security, foster health and well-being, encourage involvement and support growth as an individual and member of the WCB community. The four categories of WCBdoes include: Security, Wellness, Engagement and Growth.
Are you interested in this job?
The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba serves workers and employers through a no-fault insurance system integral to the Manitoba economy. Funded by employers, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, delivers compassionate and supportive compensation services to workers and employers, and ensures responsible stewardship of Manitoba's workers compensation system.