Job Description

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a temporary full-time Return to Work Specialist in the Human Resources and Organizational Development department. This temporary full-time opportunity is for a period up to June 2023.

Job description

The Return to Work Specialist manages a complex claims management system in a confidential structure for occupational and non-occupational injuries/medical conditions that assists individuals to achieve optimum employment opportunities. This position manages claims consistent with provincial legislation, Municipal policies, and procedures.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent's core values and competencies
• Record incidents and occupational illnesses thoroughly and effectively, and respond appropriately as required, including communicating, and following up with supervisors and employees (this includes return to work plans and medical monitoring)
• Complete and file WSIB paperwork within required timeframes, and follow up as necessary with the appropriate parties
• Communicate and co-ordinate information to the appropriate insurance representatives
• Draft modified work plan for WSIB related injuries/illnesses, and non-occupational injuries/illnesses
• Schedule Functional Abilities Evaluations and Independent Medical exams with health professionals, request appropriate medical documentation, and analyze as it is received
• Manage complex and contentious situations; consider alternatives and possible consequences to decide upon a course of action and assume responsibility for decisions made
• Assists in the WSIB appeal process
• Utilize WSIB's (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) website and Operational Policy Manual as resources
• Assists in tracking statistical information
• Complete annual reviews for workers with permanent precautions
• Coordinate and participate in return to work meetings with the respective workplace parties to manage return to work plans
• Manage non-occupational return to work plans

Essential qualifications

• College diploma or university degree (preferably in Human Resources or Occupational Health related program)
• Six (6) months to (2) years of related experience, preferably in a Health & Safety or Occupational Safety environment
• Experience working in disability claims management:

• Managing disability case load
• Completing WSIB forms
• Developing and implementing modified work accommodation for both occupational and non-occupational injuries
• Tracking denied claims / appeals
• General understanding of business, financial concepts and WSIB NEER program & New Rate Framework, WSIB claims cost relief (SIEF) and NEL (non-economic loss) awards
• Knowledge of WSIB's work transition program, and services, and roles of Re-Return to Work and work transition specialists
• Working knowledge and solid understanding of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, including Workplace Safety & Insurance Board's programs and policies, Ministry of Labour, Human Rights Code, and other applicable legislation
• Experience evaluating and reporting on related statistical data and trends, including lost time and claims costs
• Understanding of medical conditions, duration guidelines and resulting work restrictions
• Experience identifying health and safety trends through research and surveys
• Experience providing on-site safety support to ensure the health and safety of workers
• Experience with training or facilitation of health and safety programs
• Experience working with both union and non-union employees, an asset
• Ability to communicate moderately complex information clearly and effectively, with diplomacy and sensitivity
• Strong written and verbal communication, time management, prioritization, and independent problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems (i.e. INFO:HR, JD Edwards Enterprise) (or other similar software program)
• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software program)

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Completion of Occupational Health and Safety Certificate, an asset

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works mostly indoors
• This position will work weekday hours

Municipality of Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All new employees must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment unless approved for an exemption.

Background check

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: Police Criminal Record Check, education/certification verification, and employment reference check.

Driver's licence/vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's licence with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Sitting: frequent sitting in a chair (most activities are completed while in a seated position; work-related driving is required for meetings and worksite visits)
• Reaching: infrequent reaching backward; occasional reaching above shoulder; frequent reaching below shoulder, forward; constant handling (reaching above should may be required to retrieve files/documents; reaching for documents and supplies on a daily basis; handling files and documents are ongoing)
• Hands: constant fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (computer use, use of writing instruments, mail handling, driving to and from meetings; documenting notes to file, organization of files, removing staples, hole punching)
• Climbing: frequent climbing stairs (stairs used to retrieve materials (i.e. mail, paper), utilize equipment to scan, copy, fax, print)

Benefits

This temporary full-time position will receive 15% in lieu of benefits (which includes health & dental benefits, statutory & non-statutory holidays, and non-enrolment in OMERS) and 4% vacation pay. Where a permanent employee is receiving benefits and is the successful candidate for a temporary vacancy, benefits will remain as per the policy manual.

Notice to Internal Municipal Employees only:

When internal employees are applying to temporary vacancy and want to maintain their permanent status: positions posted as "temporary" may be filled with permanent employees (full-time, part-time and call-in) who want to keep their permanent status provided their ability to be released to a temporary position is reviewed and approved with their current manager/supervisor before submitting an application.



The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.