Return to Work Specialist

Job Summary: Lead return-to- work (RTW) activities for cases at risk in order to drive RTW outcomes. Ensure suitable and sustainable RTW outcomes are achieved through customized coordination of the right services at the right time, and by applying a customer-centric approach. Achieve optimal outcomes and promote leading RTW practices through the delivery of innovative and specialized services. On a practical level, you would: Provide information to the injured/ill person and their employer on the return-to-work process as well as educate both of the workplace parties on their rights and obligations. Identify issues that present obstacles to the return-to-work and the intervention(s) required to overcome them and achieve positive return-to-work outcomes. Help the injured/ill person and their employer to develop a plan for their return to their pre-injury job – with or without accommodations. Provide expert advice, vocational rehabilitation planning, and support for the injured/ill person and their employer in coordinating their return-to-work, which may include further accommodations and/or transition to a different job with their employer or with a new employer if necessary. Major Duties & Responsibilities 1) Represent, Promote and Cultivate WSIB’s leading Return-to-Work Brand through: Representing WSIB and acting as Brand Ambassadors, promoting WSIB’s leading Return-to-Work Program and as aligned with the leading professional guidelines of organizations such as the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Professionally recommending, educating and applying evidence-based, internal and industry-supported leading practices that lead to optimal RTW outcomes and promote the prevention of injury/illness and disease. Maintaining collective and individual professionalization requirements pertaining to accepted WSIB credentials; this includes obtaining the CDMP certification within the first three years of WSIB employment. 2) Apply a customer-centric approach, educate workplace parties and customers on: Disability management, return-to-work principles and leading practices, the benefits of early and safe RTW, the RTW process, the employer’s and worker’s rights and obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Act and under relevant policies. WSIB’s comprehensive suite of innovative RTW services and products, in addition to research-supported and industry-recognized resources.; 3) Evaluate, assess and interpret case needs by: Gathering information through a disability management lens, using a holistic approach and working in collaboration with internal and external customers, determine the most appropriate customer-centric approach to RTW; Considering and arranging appropriate assessments to develop a RTW plan based on the right services at the right time. Applying early and safe RTW principles to determine an optimal approach for specialized cases (e.g. Mental Health, English as Second Language) including: conducting research; identifying risk factors which would signal barriers to return-to-work, formulating innovative RTW options and leading practice approaches; 4) Planning, making and communicating decisions by: Collaborating with internal and external customers, representatives, health care community partners and related providers/resources; assess RTW Plan and goal dates in collaboration with all involved WSIB staff, providing guidance, advice and direction to support return-to-work; Driving for successful RTW outcomes by coordinating and facilitating worksite meetings to lead RTW discussions; identifying, clarifying and assisting in the resolution of any and all issues/barriers relevant to the RTW process; Determining and assigning accountability for implementation of all resolutions; reviewing, assessing potential RTW opportunities to determine: job suitability; recommend and approve appropriate accommodations and/or assistive devices; Making and communicating RTW decisions that enable a return-to-work; communicating decisions verbally and in writing; providing education on rights and obligations under the Act. Responding to worker and employer’s requests for clarification and/or reconsideration specific to RTW services; monitoring employer and worker compliance in RTW Plans; communicating RTW Plan details to all parties. 5) Manage, Monitor and Secure ongoing sustainability of RTW planning through: Establishing a customer-centric follow up system to oversee goal-oriented plans; develop post RTW meeting interventions to ensure Plan remains focused on identified outcome. Initiating and leading case conferences with internal and external customers to review RTW options; where barriers exist, continue to work towards optimal solution; liaising with internal and external providers to gather information towards resolving barriers (i.e. health care community) Coordinating additional interventions as appropriate to drive the case forward and ensure continued communication with all customers for the successful implementation and sustainment of the RTW Plan 6) Perform required functions for caseload and RTW Plan management including: Implementing an effective documentation and follow up system to ensure optimal caseload management Documenting all related RTW activities using WSIB systems Responding to inquiries in a timely fashion within expectations; Maintaining an effective proven case management system to handle competing and changing case priorities. 7) Perform other related duties as assigned or required. Job Requirements:  University degree at the undergraduate level with a specialty focus in a discipline related to the job (RTW). A Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or completion of CDMP certification within the first three years of WSIB employment in the Specialist, Return to Work Program position. Valid Ontario G class driver's license or valid Class 5 license for Quebec residents. This position is currently eligible for an education equivalency. Additional years of experience will be considered in place of levels of education on a 2:1 basis. For every level of education not completed, an additional 2 years of experience will be considered as equivalent, in addition to the minimum prior years of experience as set out in the job requirements. Management has set a minimum threshold for education equivalency at the University level.University degree at undergraduate level and 3 years experience in return to work, disability management, vocational rehabilitation or alternate dispute resolution or clinical experience with a focus on rehabilitation. Experience: One year prior experience in return to work, disability management, vocational rehabilitation or alternate dispute resolution or clinical experience with a focus on rehabilitation Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusionWe respect and value the diversity of our people. We strive to create an environment where employees can be themselves and where our differences are celebrated.The WSIB is committed to being accessible and inclusive, and following barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when we contact you and we will work with you to meet your needs.