Manager, Workplace Accommodation & Employee Abilities

George Brown College; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 92,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading polytechnic institution in Toronto is seeking a Manager for Workplace Accommodation & Employee Abilities. This role involves managing complex medical cases, implementing employee wellness initiatives, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in a relevant field, knowledge of disability management, and at least five years of experience in a unionized environment. This position offers a hybrid work modality and is a full-time administrative role with competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive pension plan

Generous holiday and vacation time

Tuition assistance program

Discounted rates for Continuing Education

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of related experience in disability management and return to work processes.
• Experience in a unionized work environment.
• Working knowledge of employment regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex nonoccupational and occupational medical cases.
• Coordinate and administer employee well-being initiatives.
• Develop and implement return to work plans in cooperation with managers and other stakeholders.

Skills

Return to work case management expertise

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Ability to work independently and in a team

Education

Four-year degree in Occupational Health, Kinesiology, Nursing, Human Resources or a related field

Occupational Health Certificate

CHRL certification

Job description

Competition Number: REQ 7134

TITLE: Manager, Workplace Accommodation & Employee Abilities

DIVISION: People & Culture

SALARY: Payband 10, $92,900 to $109,265 annually

HOURS PER WEEK: 37.5

LOCATION: 230 Richmond Street East

WORK MODALITY: Hybrid

STATUS: Full Time Admin

VACANCY: Replacement

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Equity Statement

George Brown Polytechnic is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities.

GBP Vision

To be a polytechnic renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership.

Position Description

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Health, Safety, and Wellness, the incumbent is responsible for the management of complex nonoccupational and occupational medical cases for return-to-work and medical accommodation processes, and promotion and delivery of employee well‑being initiatives. The incumbent will administer the organization's Workplace Accommodation and Return‑to‑Work policies and procedures to ensure effective management of non‑occupational and occupational medical cases (e.g., STD, LTD, WSIB) for a safe, and early return‑to‑work, coordination and implementation of medical accommodation processes, providing expert advice and consultative coordination of services to managers and all employee groups in the context of the Ontario Human Rights code, Workplace Safety Insurance Act, applicable legislation and College policies and procedures. The incumbent will also act as the resident expert on employee wellness to coordinate and promote initiatives that contribute to a holistic sense of well‑being in the workplace. The incumbent will work proactively and cooperatively with Union representative(s) as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Return to Work Specialist Activities
  • Provides expertise, guidance and consultation on an ongoing basis to managers, SHRC’s, Health, Safety and Wellness team, and employees in all aspects of disability management including occupational (WSIB) and non‑occupational (STD/LTD) in the context of Human Rights Law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and absence/accommodation/return to work policy/procedures.
  • Researches and gathers all relevant case information through collaborating with a range of contacts (e.g. Managers, WSIB, Insurance carrier, Senior HR staff, relevant legislation and bargaining agents) to identify, respond and resolve issues impacting on an employee’s absence/accommodation/return to work plan in a timely manner.
  • Develops, implements and makes recommendations to support early and safe return to work plans in cooperation with managers, all employee groups and union representatives.
  • Ensures all elements of the Return to Work plan are in place from job modification to equipment in close consultation with the manager and employee.
  • Collaborates with the Human Resources Consultants to identify obstacles and other circumstances to case resolution (e.g. underlying performance issues) and recommend or assist in facilitating appropriate interventions.
• Employee Well‑being Activities
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of an employee well‑being strategy and coordinate wellness activities.
  • Promote and support the development and implementation of psychological health and safety programs and initiatives in collaboration with the Health, Safety and Wellness team. This includes, without limitation, analyzing, developing, and managing specific activities and programs that support psychological health for employees for continuous improvement of the program, researching industry best practices, and working with internal and external partners to host events for employees.
  • Provide and/or coordinate various training programs on managing employee health and wellness issues in the workplace.
• Human Resources Services Activities/Functions
  • Monitors legislative developments, industry trends to ensure relevancy is maintained.
  • Assists and participates on the Return to Work/Accommodation Committee and special projects as a departmental representative. Verifies and approves purchase orders for the payment of medical invoices.
  • Acts as the main liaison between the employer and WSIB.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• Four-year degree from a recognized post‑secondary institute in Occupational Health, Kinesiology, Nursing, Human Resources, Social Work or other related academic program.
• Occupational Health Certificate is an asset.
• CHRL is preferred.
• Professional certification or registered professional status within disability management; completion, or working towards completion of NIDMAR Certified Return to Work Coordinator Certification (RTWC), or Registered Rehab Professional (RRP); or Canadian Certified Rehab Counselor (CCRC); or Certified Rehab Counselor (CRC).
• Professional certification or training in workplace mental health, wellness, or psychological health and safety in the workplace.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience with knowledge and practical experience in the return to work and accommodation of non‑occupational and occupational files of all employee groups, working with managers and external service providers (i.e., WSIB Adjudicators, Insurance Carrier and legal representatives, etc.) with a proven ability to build strong relationships.
• Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience developing and implementing employee accommodation and return to work policies and procedures in a unionised public sector workplace with a wide variety of professional, administrative and operational jobs.
• Experience applying and working knowledge of employment regulations including the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Standards.
• Must have experience in a unionised work environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and evaluating workplace wellness programs, including program development, training/education, committee engagement, event hosting with internal partners and external vendors.

Skills and Attributes

• Return to work case management expertise with ability to interpret medical information and identify rehabilitation/accommodation options.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, ability to manage high case load and prioritise, ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills including strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with difficult situations, demonstrated confidentiality, tact, discretion and judgement; ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, collective agreements, and legislative guidelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to uphold the Polytechnic’s priorities on diversity and equity.
• Able to travel between campuses for meetings and events.

Interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes

• The Polytechnic requires proof of degrees, credentials, or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post‑secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer.

About Us

George Brown Polytechnic prides itself on educating students through real‑world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a great place to work. See why we are consistently ranked as one of GTA’s top employers.

Why work here?

George Brown Polytechnic offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters.

George Brown Polytechnic is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact [e-mail] confidentially.