Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel is the WCB’s senior legal counsel, responsible for providing effective legal advice and support to the WCB Administration and its Board of Directors (BoD) concerning The Workers Compensation Act, the workers’ compensation system and the law. This includes, but is not limited to, privacy law, contracts, employment/labour law, labour relations, and human rights matters. This position also provides strategic and operational leadership to Legal and Policy Services department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

University degree in Law and entitled to practise law in Manitoba
Minimum ten (10) years’ progressive management experience practising law in a government or corporate counsel setting, preferably practising workers’ compensation law and/or administrative law
Knowledge of managerial techniques and principles
Ability to use a personal computer and software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) in a Windows environment
Superior verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain technical and legal information in plain language
Ability to act with tact, diplomacy, integrity and professionalism in sometimes confrontational or sensitive situations
Ability to provide advice, consult, persuade, negotiate and influence internal and external stakeholders
Ability to speak publicly on behalf of the WCB
Ability to work with and safeguard sensitive and confidential information
Excellent judgement, analytical and research skills
Ability to apply and interpret legislation, policies, practices and other legal documents
Ability to lead, manage, mentor and motivate staff
Ability to develop and manage budgets
Ability to organize and prioritize workload while managing deadlines and multiple demands
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
The ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (English & French) is an asset, but is not required

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

A satisfactory criminal record check and verification of education will be required for the successful candidate.
The WCB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce with equitable representation of Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and members of other equity-seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are a member of these groups.
The WCB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce with equitable representation of Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and members of other equity-seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are a member of these groups.
About WCB:
The Workers Compensation Board promotes safety and health in Manitoba workplaces and aims to help prevent and reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and disease. Working with its partners, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, provides compassionate and supportive compensation services for workers and employers, and ensures responsible financial stewardship.
WCBdoes encompasses what it means to work at the WCB. The WCB is proud to have employee benefits and programs that support financial and personal security, foster health and well-being, encourage involvement and support growth as an individual and member of the WCB community. The four categories of WCBdoes include: Security, Wellness, Engagement and Growth.
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Provides advice that enables the WCB to operate within the boundaries of the law and comply with all statutes, regulations and policies; and reviews the quality and sufficiency of legal advice provided by in-house and external counsel.
Provides direction, leadership, guidance and support to the Legal and Policy Services Department. This includes responsibility for hiring, conducting performance reviews, labour relations, performance development, coaching and deciding on disciplinary action up to and including dismissal where necessary.
Plans, directs and controls overall operation and administration within Legal and Policy Services including planning, development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of programs, products and services.
Conceptualizes, designs and implements the overall legal and policy priorities including development and management of short and long-term strategic goals.
Leads the statutory legislative review process.
Reviews WCB policies for legal compliance and provides advice on jurisdiction, research, and preparation of opinions on policy alternatives.
Educates and advises WCB staff, Directors, Appeal Commissioners and external groups on workers’ compensation principles.
Monitors and researches legal issues relevant to the workers’ compensation system and the WCB.
Prepares government documentation, including Ministerial briefing notes, Orders in Council, regulations and accompanying documents.
Prepares legislative and regulation amendments.
Represents WCB on external committees including AWCBC committees, at national workers’ compensation lawyers’ conference, and participates as a member of various internal WCB committees.
Pursues professional and personal development through continuing education and training, literature reviews, workshops, seminars, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.