Disability Management Specialist

Manitoba Public Insurance; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Manitoba Public Insurance is seeking a Disability Management Specialist to lead the development, implementation and evaluation of disability management services and programs. The role emphasizes early intervention and safe return-to-work planning, with training for employees and leaders.

You will manage individual disability cases, coordinate workplace accommodations, and collaborate with external benefit providers and health professionals to achieve timely RTW outcomes.

Qualifications

• Five years of related HR experience managing complex employee disability cases and accommodations.
• Experience in claims and case management for short and long-term disability.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation (Human Rights Acts, Employment Standards Act, WHSA, PHIA).
• Strong interpersonal skills to support a corporate-wide program and interact at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Proactively analyzes disability trends and recommends appropriate action.
• Track and report metrics related to the disability leave program.
• Review and improve disability case management and program delivery.
• Coordinate with unions, benefits administration, external agencies and health professionals on case management.
• Assist management with attendance and absenteeism related to disability or illness.
• Oversee accommodations and return-to-work planning on an individual basis.

Skills

Disability management

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Mediation and conflict management

Return to work planning

Medical documentation interpretation

Education

Degree in Commerce, Human Resources or related discipline

Professional designation such as Certified Disability Management Professional or Certified Return to Work Coordinator

Job description

As the Disability Management Specialist, you will be responsible for providing leadership in the ongoing development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s disability management services and programs.

In this role, the Disability Management Specialist will champion a collaborative, integrated approach to support employees experiencing illness, injury, or reduced work capacity. The focus will be on early intervention and facilitating safe, sustainable return-to-work (RTW) plans. You’ll also design and deliver training to employees and leaders, ensuring a clear understanding of disability management processes, programs, and updates.

The Disability Management Specialist will manage individual disability cases, offering expert guidance and support to ensure timely and appropriate RTW outcomes. This includes coordinating workplace accommodations and maintaining strong relationships with external benefit providers and healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Proactively analyzes and identifies issues and trends in disability and recommends appropriate action.
• Track and report metrics to senior leadership related to the disability leave program.
• Review, evaluate, revise and make recommendations to the Manager regarding disability case management and overall program delivery.
• Provide accurate and timely information as well as maintaining a close working relationship with departmental management, stakeholders (Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU), Employee & Labour Relations, Benefits Administration, etc.), external agencies (Workers Compensation Board (WCB), Manulife) and employees in developing and implementing strategies for case management.
• Consult, provide recommendations, and assist management and employees with occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Review initial and subsequent information provided by health care practitioners and requests additional medical as required.
• Assist management and supervisors with attendance and absenteeism management related to a disability, injury or illness.
• Liaise with Employee Relations on complex cases and Corporate Safety where physical safety or psychological safety concerns are suspected specific to the workplace and employee work activities.
• Oversee the accommodations process for employee recovery, return to work planning and/or accommodation needs on an individual employee basis.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Degree in Commerce, Human Resources or a related discipline such as business, nursing, psychology, social work, or medical rehabilitation.
• A professional designation such as the Certified Disability Management Professional or Certified Return to Work Coordinator or designation in a related case management discipline is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum five years related experience in Human Resources managing complex employee disability cases and accommodations.
• Experience in claims and case management for short and long term disability.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation, including the Human Rights Acts, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Health Act, FIPPA, PHIA.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support a corporate-wide program and interact successfully at all levels.
• Skill in mediation and conflict management, and ability to influence and/or convince multiple parties regarding return to work processes and duty to accommodate compliance.
• Experience interpreting medical documentation.
• Experience developing and administering return to work plans.
• Public speaking and facilitation skills in order to speak effectively and persuasively on matters of interest to employees and managers.
• Strong written communication skills to present information in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences.
• Evaluate complex information and make appropriate recommendations and decisions.
• Deal tactfully with sensitive issues in a confidential matter.