Ability Management & Wellness Specialist

Calgary Co-op; Calgary; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgary Co-op is seeking an Ability Management & Wellness Specialist to lead disability management, WCB claims, and return-to-work efforts within our HR team. You will support accommodations, maintain HRIS records, and advise leaders on compliance and wellness initiatives.

With 3-5+ years of experience in disability management or occupational health, you will partner with providers, insurers, and leadership to optimize outcomes while safeguarding privacy and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in disability management, occupational health, claims management, return-to-work coordination, or human resources.
• Strong knowledge of Workers' Compensation legislation, Human Rights legislation, Duty to Accommodate, and privacy legislation.
• Experience designing and delivering training and presentations to leaders and employees.

Responsibilities

• Administer disability programs including WCB, illness, short- and long-term disability, and leaves of absence.
• Conduct case management: medical review, functional abilities assessment, claim monitoring, and accommodation planning.
• Develop return-to-work and accommodation plans balancing recovery with operational needs.
• Maintain HRIS records and claim documentation with regulatory and privacy compliance.
• Monitor disability trends, absenteeism, and costs; propose improvement strategies.
• Support disability management, attendance, accommodation, and wellness program enhancements.
• Partner with employees, leaders, providers, insurers, and legal counsel to secure positive outcomes.
• Lead complex case discussions and participate in appeal processes as needed.
• Design and deliver training on disability management, mental health, wellness, and Workers' Compensation.

Skills

Disability management

Occupational health

Claims management

Return-to-work coordination

HR knowledge

Education

Post-secondary education in HR / related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management documentation

Job description

About the Role

Calgary Co-op is looking for an Ability Management & Wellness Specialist to join our Human Resources team. In this role, you'll manage WCB claims and non-occupational injury cases, support employees through return-to-work and accommodation planning and help lead wellness and disability management programs across the organization. You'll be a trusted advisor to leaders and employees alike, helping people get back to work safely while keeping our HRIS records and compliance requirements on track.

What You'll Do

Strategy & Case Management

• Administer occupational and non-occupational disability programs, including WCB, illness, short-term disability, long-term disability, and leave of absence claims.
• Conduct case management activities such as medical review, functional abilities assessment, claim monitoring, accommodation planning, and return-to-work coordination.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individual return-to-work and accommodation plans that support employee recovery while meeting operational needs.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and claim documentation, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, privacy, and organizational requirements.
• Monitor disability trends, absenteeism, and claim costs, and recommend strategies to improve outcomes and reduce organizational risk.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of disability management, attendance, accommodation, and wellness programs.

Partnership & Advisory

• Partner with employees, leaders, healthcare providers, WCB representatives, insurers, legal counsel, and union representatives to support successful case outcomes.
• Provide expert guidance to leaders on disability management, attendance, return-to-work practices, Human Rights obligations, and Duty to Accommodate requirements.
• Lead complex case discussions and appeal processes, including preparing submissions and representing Calgary Co-op at WCB appeal hearings as needed.
• Contribute to Occupational Health, Safety & Environment, psychological health and safety, wellness, and food safety initiatives.

Training & Capability Building

• Design and deliver education and training programs related to disability management, accommodation, mental health, wellness, and Workers' Compensation.
• Coach leaders on early intervention, employee wellness, and accommodation planning best practices.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Nursing, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in disability management, occupational health, claims management, return-to-work coordination, or human resources.
• Strong knowledge of Workers' Compensation legislation, Human Rights legislation, Duty to Accommodate requirements, and privacy legislation.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering training and presentations to leaders and employees.
• Strong case management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and case management documentation.

Nice To Have

• Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC), Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP), or similar designation.
• Occupational Health and Safety certification (NCSO, CRSP, or equivalent).
• Experience managing psychological injury, mental health disability, and complex accommodation cases.
• Experience in a unionized environment, including grievance or appeal processes.

Why Calgary Co-op

As a member-owned co-operative and one of Calgary's largest employers, Calgary Co-op has been proudly serving our community since 1956. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, a defined contribution pension plan, and team member discounts, along with real opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the communities we serve.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.