Full-time Abilities, Leave, and Wellness Specialist

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 99,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Job summary

Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking an Abilities, Leave and Wellness Specialist within the Total Compensation team. The role focuses on end-to-end administration of disability, accommodation, and employee leave programs, including STD, LTD and WSIB claims.

The Specialist assesses functional abilities, collaborates with employees, leaders, unions and healthcare providers to develop safe return-to-work plans and effective accommodation strategies.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in HR management, disability management, occupational health and safety, nursing, health sciences or related field
• A professional designation such as CHRP/CHRL, CDMP or CRTWC is preferred
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in disability management and leave administration
• Experience in a complex, unionized environment
• Ability to interpret legislation, collective agreements and policy provisions while coordinating with payroll, pensions and benefits
• Knowledge of workplace wellbeing and disability management practices is an asset

Responsibilities

• Coordinate disability, accommodation, return-to-work, and leave administration programs
• Administer STD, LTD and WSIB claims and monitor case progress
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and provide guidance to employees and leaders
• Collaborate with labour relations, payroll, HRIS and external administrators to improve processes

Skills

Disability management

Leave administration

Return-to-work coordination

Union environment experience

Legislation interpretation

HRIS/Workday proficiency

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR management or related discipline

Tools

Workday

Microsoft 365

Job description

Department: Employee Abilities and Wellness

Position Type: Full-Time Administrative

Salary Range: $88,985.00-$111,230.00

Annual Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Anticipated Start Date: October 19, 2026

Length of Contract: n/a

Posting Information

This job posting is now accepting applications from all qualified individuals.

Posting Closing Date: October 18, 2026

Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment: Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager, Total Compensation, the Abilities, Leave and Wellness Specialist provides end-to-end administration and specialized advice for the College's disability, accommodation, return-to-work, employee leave and wellbeing programs. The Specialist coordinates occupational and non-occupational disability cases, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims; assesses the sufficiency of functional abilities and medical information; and develops safe, timely and sustainable accommodation and return-to-work plans in collaboration with employees, people leaders, unions, healthcare providers and third-party administrators. The position administers statutory, collective-agreement and College policy-based leaves assigned to Total Compensation, including pregnancy (maternity), parental and adoption, family-related, personal, medical and other paid or unpaid leaves. The Specialist confirms eligibility and documentation requirements, coordinates leave dates and system transactions, monitors extensions and expected returns, and supports transitions among leave, disability, accommodation and return-to-work processes. The Specialist works closely with Labour Relations, Payroll, Pension and Benefits, HRIS/Workday and other Human Resources partners; maintains accurate and confidential case records; provides guidance to employees and people leaders; monitors service, cost and trend information; and recommends process improvements. The position also supports focused employee wellbeing education, programs and vendor services.

Required Qualifications

• Four (4) year Degree in Human Resources Management, Disability Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Nursing, Health Sciences or a related discipline
• A relevant professional designation such as CHRP/CHRL, Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC)
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in disability management, workplace accommodation, return-to-work coordination and employee leave administration
• Experience working in a complex, highly unionized environment
• Experience interpreting legislation, collective agreements, terms and conditions, policies and benefit provisions, and coordinating case activity with internal and external stakeholders, including: Payroll, Pension and Benefits, HRIS and third-party administrators
• Experience applying knowledge of workplace wellbeing, occupational health, disability management or related practices to support complex employee cases is an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and applicable privacy requirements
• Knowledge of disability, accommodation, return-to-work and comprehensive employee leave-management principles and practices
• Ability to interpret and apply collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment, benefit plans, College policies and established procedures
• Knowledge of the interdependencies between employee status, pay, top-up, benefits, pension, seniority and leave or disability events
• Proficiency with HR information systems, preferably Workday, case-management systems and Microsoft 365 applications
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and data-management skills, including the ability to identify trends and control issues
• Excellent organization and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple confidential and time-sensitive cases
• Sound judgement and the ability to make independent decisions within delegated authority and elevate matters appropriately
• Excellent written and verbal communication, consultation, coaching and client-service skills, with the ability to explain complex requirements clearly and sensitively
• Strong conflict-resolution, relationship-management and cross-functional coordination skills in a unionized environment
• Demonstrated discretion, records-management discipline and commitment to privacy and confidentiality
• Ability to develop procedures, communications, training materials and process improvements, while working independently and collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders
• *This position is paid at Payband 10 *Vacancy is for P11835

This position is eligible for hybrid work in conjunction with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

Why Join Algonquin College?

Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being.

Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers.

Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment.

Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued.

Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

How We Use AI in Hiring: Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else.

Accessibility: Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [e-mail].

While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

Want a career that you can be proud of? We can help you build it. We are committed to growing your career through career and professional development, and providing you with the support, resources and technology you need to be successful. Algonquin College is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers.

Learn More. Algonquin College is proud to offer a lifetime retirement pension. Find out more information on the CAAT Pension Plan website: Full-time Employees DB Prime Member Handbook Part-time Employees DB Plus Member Handbook