Return to Work and Wellness Specialist (10-month contract)
About The Position
The County of Essex is seeking a Return to Work and Wellness Specialist to champion employee wellness initiatives and support employees as they transition back to the workplace. In this collaborative and people-focused role, you will coordinate return-to-work and reintegration activities, develop wellness programming, promote psychological safety, and support healthy workplace cultures. You will work closely with employees, leaders, Human Resources, unions, and community resources to help employees thrive at work. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys coaching, relationship-building, wellness promotion, and creating supportive employee experiences.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Health Promotion, Psychology, Occupational Health, Kinesiology, Social Sciences, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting employee wellness, occupational health, return-to-work coordination, disability support, or related programs
- Strong understanding of wellness, psychological safety, and workplace reintegration principles
- Excellent interpersonal, coaching, facilitation, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and support sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism
- Strong organizational and program coordination abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and HR information systems
- Valid Class G Ontario Driver's Licence and reliable vehicle
- Ability to provide a Driver Abstract and Police Information Check
Nice To Haves
- Certification related to employee wellness, return-to-work coordination, disability management, occupational health, or mental health is considered an asset
- Experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset
- Experience developing wellness initiatives and employee engagement programs is preferred
Responsibilities
- Coordinate supportive return-to-work and reintegration processes for employees returning from occupational and non-occupational absences
- Support graduated return-to-work plans and workplace reintegration activities
- Serve as a resource to employees navigating their return-to-work journey
- Promote early intervention and stay-at-work strategies
- Develop, coordinate, and evaluate employee wellness initiatives and programs
- Promote awareness related to mental health, resilience, stress management, work-life balance, and healthy workplaces
- Coordinate wellness campaigns, educational sessions, and employee engagement initiatives
- Facilitate access to wellness resources and support services
- Support the organization's commitment to psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces
- Assist leaders in fostering supportive team environments and healthy workplace cultures
- Promote employee-centered approaches to wellness and reintegration discussions
- Partner with Human Resources, leaders, unions, Health and Safety, and external stakeholders to support wellness and reintegration initiatives
- Participate in interdisciplinary wellness planning and employee support discussions
- Collaborate with the Workplace Health and Ability Specialist while maintaining appropriate confidentiality boundaries
- Analyze participation trends and wellness program outcomes
- Prepare reports and recommendations to improve employee wellness initiatives
- Develop and deliver wellness, resilience, mental health, and psychological safety training
Benefits
- Participation in the OMERS pension plan
- Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance benefits
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
