Abilities Management Specialist

City of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Abilities Management Specialist to oversee the WSIB claims process and manage medical accommodations for OPS members. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure a safe return to work for employees with work-related injuries and disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in claims management and a commitment to fostering a supportive workplace environment. Join a team dedicated to promoting health and safety while making a significant impact on employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in WSIB claims management or related fields.
• Fluency in English required; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage medical accommodations and absences for OPS members.
• Coordinate WSIB claims process and ensure safe return to work.
• Develop and implement return to work plans.

Skills

WSIB claims management

Disability claims management

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Three-year college/university degree in relevant fields

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Competition Number: 17560

Applications will be accepted until 2359hrs on 22/05/2025.

Posting Details:

This posting is for one temporary position. All civilian competitions include the possibility of extension and/or additional temporary or permanent positions.

Salary Information: $91,788.78 - $108,086.25 annually (2025 rates of pay)

All applications must be received on time through the online application system. Applicants are required to upload their cover letter and resume in addition to the candidate profile. The cover letter should clearly outline your qualifications for this position.

More information about our hiring process can be found on the website under the Hiring Process menu.

Job Information

Directorate: Human Resources

Section: Abilities Management Unit

Pay Group: Seven (7)

Job Code: 10143147

Work Location: 19 Fairmont Avenue

Supervisor’s Title: Manager, Abilities Management

Effective Date: May 1, 2023

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Abilities Management, the Abilities Management Specialist is responsible for:

• Managing medical accommodations and absences for all OPS members for occupational and non-occupational reasons.
• Planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of the WSIB claims process to ensure the safe return to work of employees with work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Planning, coordinating, and managing disability claims, including assisting members back to work from short or long-term disability.
• Partnering with internal and external resources to assist members and manage workplace accommodations for early and safe return to work.

Major Responsibilities

Managing medical accommodations and absences for all OPS members (sworn and civilian):

• Keeping relevant parties updated on case development while maintaining positive relationships.
• Addressing factors impacting claim duration.
• Maintaining confidentiality of employee health information.
• Partnering with resources to facilitate early and safe return to work.
• Interacting with other sections to address non-medical barriers.
• Referring employees to internal and external resources.
• Challenging WSIB decisions and preparing appeals.
• Developing cases for appeal and liaising with legal and HR teams.
• Developing and reviewing safety policies and procedures.
• Monitoring legislative and collective agreement changes.
• Providing education and training on disability claims management and return to work.
• Conducting training sessions for staff.
• Analyzing safety and health data for operational needs.

Managing WSIB claims process:

• Liaising with WSIB staff for claims adjudication and return to work.
• Serving as the OPS WSIB subject matter expert.
• Maintaining accident-related forms and correspondence.
• Communicating with employees and WSIB for functional abilities information.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation and policies.
• Coordinating WSIB appeals process.
• Managing WSIB claim costs and developing cost-reduction strategies.
• Interpreting WSIB policies and developing communication plans.
• Identifying problem areas and recommending improvements.
• Serving as a resource for safety investigations and training development.
• Monitoring safety data and preparing reports.

Managing disability claims and return to work:

• Collaborating with stakeholders for early and safe return to work.
• Ensuring appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
• Liaising with medical and insurance professionals.
• Representing OPS in medical information requests.
• Coordinating with LTD carriers and associations.

Managing workplace accommodations:

• Collaborating with stakeholders for accommodation needs.
• Representing members in accommodation meetings.
• Developing and implementing return to work plans.
• Communicating with employees and management about modifications.
• Assisting with job suitability assessments.
• Interpreting functional abilities for case management.
• Coordinating accommodation placements with HR.
• Performing other duties as required.

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education

• Three-year college/university degree in relevant fields (Occupational Health, HR, Social Sciences, etc.).
• Experience and training may substitute for education.

Experience

• At least three years of professional experience in WSIB claims management, disability claims, or related fields.

Language

• Fluency in English (oral, reading, and writing).

Certifications and Licences

• Health & Safety certificates (Disability Case Management, etc.) or in progress.

In-service Training

Mandatory training includes:

• Occupational Health & Safety
• Respectful Workplace
• Violence in the Workplace
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Job Knowledge

Understanding of:

• Unionized environments and collective agreements
• Relevant laws and regulations
• MS Office
• Research and data collection techniques
• Medical terminology and recovery standards

OPS Competencies

Levels for various competencies are specified; focus on communication, problem solving, and teamwork.

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday day shift schedule.

Effort and Working Conditions

• Standard office environment, some physical activity, and travel required.

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in French or other languages.
• Experience in policing environment.
• Proficiency with Parklane and project management experience.

Additional Competition Information

Only selected candidates will be contacted. The job poster will be available until the closing date. The Ottawa Police Service promotes diversity and provides accommodations during the hiring process upon request.