Employee Health and Wellness Specialist

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

3d•CA$79,285 - CA$83,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, Employee Health & Wellness, the Employee Health & Wellness Specialist is responsible for administering the University’s employee non-occupational sick leave, disability management, accommodations, return to work, and wellness programs. As a first point of contact on sick leave, accommodation and wellness matters, the Specialist provides advice and guidance regarding the interpretation of all related policies, programs, collective agreements and applicable legislation. The Specialist completes the full cycle of disability management and accommodations to ensures all policies and programs are applied in a fair, effective, compassionate and consistent manner. The Specialist uses a high level of discretion and sound judgement in dealing with confidential Human Resource information and demonstrates independence and problem solving ability in dealing with internal and external stakeholders. This role employs best practice principles in disability case management, early intervention, early and safe return to work and workplace accommodations. This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, the Milton Campus, the Toronto office and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Requirements

Minimum College Diploma in a Human Resources or related discipline
1 to 2 years of experience in analyzing and coordinating employee medical leaves, accommodations and return to work cases preferably in a unionized environment
Demonstrated knowledge in disability management, return to work and accommodation principles and best practices.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of legislation as it relates to disability management return to work and accommodations.
Demonstrated regard for the sensitivity and confidentiality of information
High level of communication and facilitations skills
Excellent organizational skills, time management , documentation, and attention to detail/accuracy.
High level of customer service and professionalism
Strong analytical, interpersonal and decision-making skills
Proficient in software packages including as MS Office Suite and Parklane disability management module an asset
Adjusts comfortably to the needs of diverse audiences (Senior Administration, Management, Faculty, Staff and Union Representatives). Ability to show care and compassion while building successful relationships
Able to remain calm and respond constructively to pressure, emotional situations and in dealing with conflicts or complaints

Nice To Haves

Professional Designation in health and disability management preferred (e.g. Certified Disability Management Professional or Certified Return to Work Coordinator)

Responsibilities

Maintain up to date knowledge of disability management, accommodation, and return to work best practices.
Respond to inquiries regarding the University’s sick leave and disability management program.
Utilize a team-based case management approach to facilitate the sick leave/disability management and return to work programs.
Act as the liaison between the University, employee, managers, medical service providers, insurer and unions.
Maintain accurate and current documentation for employee confidential sick leave files.
Ensure employees receive the required medical documentation and have a good understanding of the sick leave, disability management and return to work processes.
Proactively follow-up with employees, medical service provider or insurer to ensure receipt of all supporting medical documents is completed and submitted in a timely manner.
Gain a clear understanding of return to work restrictions and limitations.
Plan and implement sound case management strategies with a focus on recovery and return to work
Use knowledge of job responsibilities, collective agreements and available accommodation options to identify and discusses early intervention and return to work options.
Collaborate with medical service provider, insurer, employee, managers, union representatives & employee relations team to draft and implement return to work plans that meets the needs of the employee and the University.
In consultation with employee relations team the Specialist will facilitate referrals to the medical service provider for frequent absences resulting from the Attendance Awareness Program.
Advise managers and the employee relations team on an employee’s status to assist them in staffing their department.
Works closely with Environmental Health and Safety Office to manage leaves transitions from occupational to non-occupational.
This role supports case management for pandemic recovery
Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation (human rights, Accessibility for Ontarian with Disability Act, Employment Standards Act etc.), collective agreement requirements, case law and how they apply to the accommodation of permanent and temporary disabilities in the workplace.
Work with medical service providers to substantiate and understand accommodation requirements.
Requests further information from medical service provider to provide clarification on accommodation requirements.
Collaborates with employee relations team, managers, staff, union representatives and medical service provider to discuss potential accommodations
Identifies and recommends appropriate accommodations based on own expertise, understanding needs of the employee and the department and information provided by the medical services provider or insurer.
Monitors and modifies accommodation plans as required to ensure successful implementation.
Works with relevant external departments when coordinating/implementing accommodations.
Leads the development, implementation and promotion of workplace wellness initiatives, programs and resources.
Maintains up to date information on employee health trends.
Researches wellness information, initiatives and best practices.
Maintains up to date resources available to employees.
Delivers presentations and runs educational sessions on areas of expertise
Utilize COGNOS to create sick leave reports for managers.
Tracks and maintains accurate and up to date information and statistics for all areas of expertise.
Provides administrative support to Manager, Employee Health & Wellness in drafting letters, accommodation plans, and reporting, initiating files in systems, completing LTD forms etc.
Assists in the development of supporting and information documents for all internal stakeholders
Keeps Connect website up to date with current information, policies, procedures and forms