Ability Management Specialist

Gateway Casinos Corporate Office•Burnaby, BC

26d

About The Position

The Ability Management Specialist partners with key business leaders across the company and is responsible for the strategic and operational management of Gateway’s occupational and non-occupational ability claims and accommodation programs. This position will use their knowledge and expertise to provide leadership, guidance, and case management expertise to support occupational and non-occupational ability claims, safe and sustainable stay-at-work and return-to-work programs, and manages workplace accommodations, and attendance management programs. The focus of this role is to build ability/absence management into a competitive advantage through the development and oversight of effective systems, resources, education as well as the implementation of effective claims management initiatives.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in relevant field such as Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Health Sciences or equivalent combination of experience and education.
2-3 years of experience in leading ability management (occupational and non-occupational), rehabilitative employment, modified return-to-work, and accommodations programs in a multi-site organization.
Experience in management of occupational and non-occupational complex musculoskeletal and psychological return to work and accommodation cases.
High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons and facts.
Strong business knowledge and analysis.
Accountable and results oriented.
Ability to engage as a business advisor, to use subject matter expertise as a source of authority, and to problem solve and evaluate performance results.
Understanding and applied knowledge of the various legislative requirements that fall within this portfolio, such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code and workers’ compensation legislation across the applicable jurisdictions in which Gateway Casinos operate (e.g. WorkSafe BC, WCB Alberta and WSIB Ontario).
Understanding of occupational and non-occupational claims management, ability management & return to work best practices.
Current knowledge in the ability management field with respect to litigation trends, Human Rights policy directives/changes, changes to provincial Acts and Regulations.
Excellent management writing, verbal communication skills and exceptional ability to build positive business relationships.
Professional presentation and public speaking skills.
Strong judgement, diplomacy, coaching, negotiation, decision making, and conflict resolution skills.
Strong time management skills.
Computer literacy, including effective working skills with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail and Internet navigation.
Ability to travel between operations and other locations (e.g. venues for quasi-judicial hearings).
Ability to work outside core business hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Designations such as CDMP/CRTWC (or progress towards completion) considered an asset.
Experience in hospitality, gaming, food and beverage and/or hotels is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of ability management programs and policies in support of the overall initiatives of the company.
Provide end-to-end management of occupational and WSIB/WCB claims, including early intervention, functional abilities review, proactive recovery planning, and consistent follow-up.
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive stay-at-work and return-to-work strategies that prioritize safe recovery, job sustainability, and operational continuity.
Effectively manage communication, engagement & collaboration with healthcare providers, WSIB/WCB, employees, HR, and operations to implement & regularly monitor and manage return to work through to recovery and safe reintegration into the workplace. Seeks clarification of an employee’s limitations and restrictions by preparing written medical requests and liaises between external stakeholders and employees requiring specialized assessments and interventions.
Collaborate with the Director of OH&S and Disability Management to identify trends, risks, and cost drivers and recommend targeted interventions, prevention programs, and operational improvements to reduce costs, frequency and severity of claims. Advice and guidance will be given in the context of legal implications, potential risks, overall HR and organizational strategy, implications on policies, practices and collective agreements, mitigating and minimizing risk.
Establish standardized tools, workflows, and documentation to ensure consistent, high-quality occupational claims and return-to-work management across Gateway.
Assist in the development, implementation, & roll out of training materials in the areas of ability management, including workplace accommodations, stay-at-work and return-to-work plans.
Responsible for attendance management program, designing attendance plans to support employee wellness and address ongoing attendance issues, and ensures attendance management meetings are conducted.
Oversees occupational claims management initiatives including representation at Return-to-Work Meetings & applicable hearings, where required.
Supports in the interpretation and administration of initiatives, programs and/or policies relating to ability management, accommodations and absenteeism. Ensures that decisions related to these areas are appropriate with respect to legislation and the best interests of the company.
Participates in regular file review processes of occupational claims and maintains quality assurance standards.
Measures and analyzes relevant statistics, works with the Director of OH&S and Disability Management and recommends actions for improvement opportunities. Solicits feedback from stakeholders to ensure program and service provisions are met.
Monitor all active accommodations to ensure ongoing suitability and alignment with operational needs, legislative requirements, and employee capabilities.
Work in partnership with the Health and Safety Department to identify prevention strategies based on occupational claims trends.
Supports Benefits Team with non-occupational claims as needed, particularly with accommodation and gradual return to work aspects.
Assist with the review and negotiation of contracts and service agreements for third party suppliers and service providers to maximize corporate economies of scale.
Develops and maintains contacts within the industry and liaises with professional associations, and other relevant organizations to remain current in the field.
Provides administrative support to Health and Safety Department as required.
Takes on additional responsibilities as required.