Disability Management Specialist

VIU accepts applications for the regular full-time role of Disability Management Specialist (DM Specialist).

As an integral member of the Human Resources department, the DM Specialist utilizes their disability management, occupational health experience, and interpersonal expertise to assist employees with safely staying at work, recovering at work, and returning to work.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will support the manager in developing and delivering effective disability management programs that align with the university's values and promote employee well-being. You will primarily be responsible for employee disability accommodations for the University.

Acting as a first point of contact during an employee's medical absence, the DM Specialist will serve as a focal point for centralized communication on processes and requirements associated with occupational and non-occupational illness and/or injury. As the DM Specialist, you will focus on recovery, return to work, case management, attendance awareness and well-being, with an emphasis on early intervention principles. This position recommends policies and procedures that promote well-being and facilitate cost-effective program results. The DM Specialist liaises with management, unions, employees, and external stakeholders during the case management cycle.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a healthcare-related field. Minimum six years of related experience in disability management, WorkSafeBC claims management and disability accommodation. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

• Knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of disability management, including rehabilitation, case management, attendance awareness, stay-at-work/early return to work programs, and work capacity evaluation.
• Knowledge of collective agreement administration and interpretation, and labour relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the BC Human Rights Code, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and relevant aspects of the Workers Compensation Act.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, mediation, and coaching in complex work situations.
• Knowledge of medical/treatment terminology related to disability and vocational rehabilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage sensitive employee issues and emergent/critical incidents with tact, diplomacy and expertise while protecting confidentiality of information.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Solution-focused with the ability to respond to situations with a calm and steady approach.
• Demonstrated investment in personal health and wellness activities that help foster a healthy workplace culture.
• Proficiency with HRIS, case management software, and Microsoft 365 including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for ill or disabled employees and to listen and effectively converse with a respectful and supportive demeanour.