Disability Case Specialist - Full Time

Southlake Health; Newmarket; Hybrid; CAD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

HOOPP pension

Health & dental benefits

On-site gym

Wellness programs

Job summary

Southlake Health is seeking a Disability Case Specialist to manage employee disability claims and coordinate return-to-work plans within the Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness team. You’ll focus on chronic conditions and WSIB/HOODIP guidelines, ensuring safe attendance and timely accommodations.

The role requires a nursing or related health science degree with three+ years' disability claims experience, strong communication, and collaboration skills to support a healthy, productive workforce.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or other health-related science required.
• Minimum three years of disability claims management experience.
• Registration with relevant college and membership in professional association.

Responsibilities

• Management of employee disability, including short- and long-term claims.
• Proactive identification and management of chronic health conditions affecting attendance.
• Support employees to remain at or return to work through early intervention and planning.
• Develop, implement, and refine policies and tools for disability management and return-to-work processes.
• Review medical documentation and adjudicate benefits.
• Document and maintain claim files and participate in appeals and related proceedings.
• Coordinate temporary and permanent accommodations and attend relevant meetings.

Skills

Disability claims management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Baccalaureate degree in nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or other health-related science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category

Professional Hospital

Location

Newmarket ON

Job Type

Permanent, Full time

Number of Positions

1

Hourly Rate

$50.53 - $60.07

Why Join Our Team?

• A people-first workplace environment that prioritizes belonging, wellness, and psychological safety.
• Hybrid, virtual, and in-person working environment (where applicable).
• Progressive health and dental benefit plans.
• HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing.
• Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships.

About the role

The Disability Case Specialist as a member of the Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness team is responsible for the case management of employee work related and non-work-related disability claims. This includes short- and long-term disability claims, with a particular focus on the proactive management of chronic and recurring health conditions to support sustained attendance and safe participation at work. Work related claims are managed in accordance with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) legislation and non-work-related claims are managed under the Hospitals of Ontario Disability Insurance Plan (HOODIP). The role includes the adjudication of benefits, the coordination of modified transitional return-to-work plans and the coordination of temporary and permanent workplace accommodations.

What you’ll be doing

• Management of employee disability, including short- and long-term claims related to acute, chronic, and episodic health conditions
• Proactive identification and management of chronic and recurring health conditions that may impact attendance, performance, or sustainability at work.
• Support employees to safely remain at work or return to work through early intervention, functional-based planning, and ongoing monitoring.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of policies, procedures, and standardized tools related to disability management, chronic condition support, accommodation, and return-to-work processes, including form and template development
• Review of medical documentation and adjudication of benefits
• Document and maintain Employee Chart/ Claim file records
• Participate in Appeals, Grievances, arbitrations, and any other legal proceedings as required including Human Rights and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Tribunal Hearings.
• Coordination of temporary and permanent accommodation
• Attend return-to-work committee and other relevant meetings
• Collaboration with relevant stakeholders both internal and external
• Support the Attendance support program.
• Participate in applicable project work as assigned to build existing relationships within the organization with a view to bringing efficiencies within the portfolio.

What you bring

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or other health-related science discipline required.
• Minimum three years of disability claims management required.
• Experience in a unionized environment, preferably in a health care setting.
• Registration with relevant college and membership in relevant professional association required.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Human Rights Code of Ontario, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Workplace Safety Insurance Act
• Experience managing chronic or complex medical conditions in a disability, rehabilitation, or occupational health context is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to effectively design and implement early & safe return to work programs
• Proficient computer skills Microsoft Office); Parklane would be an asset
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Demonstrates excellence in communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to effectively solve problems
• Innovative and adaptable to change management
• Commitment to customer service and teamwork
• Demonstrates individual leadership skills

Southlake Health is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace where our community can thrive.

Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants who may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview. The People, Culture and Experience team will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We prioritize a people-first workplace culture which emphasizes equity and inclusion throughout our hiring process. To ensure fairness and transparency, all applications are reviewed and assessed by our dedicated team of recruiters and hiring managers, not by artificial intelligence (AI). We value the unique perspective each candidate brings to our organization.

Health & Safety Workplace Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all Southlake Health employees to work safely and promote health and safety in the workplace. Employees must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the OH&S Act, as well as all Southlake OH&S policies and procedures. Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide. Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer. Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Southlake Health is fully dedicated to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices. We welcome candidates who identify with equity-seeking groups, including women, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Any information provided will be kept confidential and used appropriately in our recruitment process.

We are committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and from those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We appreciate your interest in joining Southlake Health!

We appreciate your interest in joining Southlake Health! (This line may duplicate; keep once.)

We’re proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026, one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2025, and one of the World’s Best Hospitals for seven years in a row – recognitions that reflect the strength of our people and our workplace culture.

For over 100 years, Southlake Health has been dedicated to building healthy communities through innovative care. While many things have changed over the years, our unwavering pride in our people, place, and performance has stood the test of time. With a passionate family of 6,000 medical professionals, staff, volunteers, and students, we work together every day to deliver exceptional care close to home. We are here for everyone who walks through our doors, no matter where they are in their life journey. Our commitment extends beyond our walls, reaching every community we serve. Driven by our heartfelt dedication, we believe that everyone deserves the best care and the best experience. As we look to the future, our vision remains clear: to grow alongside our communities. This vision is anchored in our commitment to put people first—pushing boundaries and embracing the latest medical advancements while ensuring we meet individuals where they are in life. Every innovation, treatment technique, and interaction is centered on our desire to provide the leading-edge care that patients expect and deserve.