Health and Disability Specialist

at  Vancouver Community College

WHO WE ARE

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
For over 55 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.
At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

POSITION SUMMARY

As an integral member of the People Services department, reporting to the Manager, Disability Management and People Relations, the Health & Disability Specialist (Specialist) is responsible for the administration and delivery of VCC’s Disability Management programs and services. This role involves advising on case management to facilitate the rehabilitation of ill and/or injured employees by developing, implementing, and managing sick leave, early intervention strategies, third-party insurance claims, safe and durable return to work plans, stay at work plans, transitional work and medical accommodation plans. The Specialist will work closely with employees, departmental supervisors, management and internal and external partners in the delivery of programs and services.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Diploma in Rehabilitation and Disability Management or related program from a recognized educational institution such as Disability Management Specialist (CDMP) or Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC), would be considered an asset.
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) a desirable asset.
• Minimum two (2) years of recent related experience in disability management, return-to-work, and accident/injury/illness prevention and rehabilitation in post secondary, public sector and/or a large complex multi-site union environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the practices and delivery of disability management program services and benefits and related issues of return-to-work, and accident/injury/illness prevention and rehabilitation programs in a multi-union environment.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for ill or disabled employees and to listen and effectively converse with a respectful and supportive demeanor.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize workload, take initiative and manage multiple tasks with little supervision.
• Demonstrates professionalism, good judgement, tact, and discretion in preparing, disclosing, and handling information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.
• High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills to solution targeted.
• Understanding of motivational interviewing techniques related to supporting safe return to work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Strong relationship building skills to partner effectively with all stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze data and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office and the ability to use enterprise level systems applications such as Banner.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation.

Under the general direction of Manager, Disability Management and People Relations, the Specialist is accountable for the following:

• Acts as a first point of contact during an employee’s medical absence and serves as a focal point for centralized communication on processes and requirements associated with their occupational and non-occupational illness and/or injury, and information on resources available during recovery. Responsible for outcome-focused case management plans, requesting regular updates from employees and maintaining accurate records.
• Responsible for managing sick leave, and monitoring length of sick leave entitlements, gap periods, and eligibility dates.
• Provides support, guidance and education to supervisors/managers during their employee’s medical absence and their return-to-work integration.
• Liaises, communicates and coordinates with all relevant parties including People Services, Payroll, Disability Case Managers, supervisors/managers and employees to proactively manage and administer sick leave and disability claims.
• Reviews and assesses medical documentation, in collaboration with Manager, Disability Management and People Relations, and relevant parties to ensure medical is clear, current, and credible. Implement strategies to ensure medical supports the employee’s needs, may include but not limited to arranging for independent medical examinations.
• Facilitates claims submitted to Disability Insurer including communicating with their Case Manager, submitting plan sponsor statements, providing Short-Term and Long-Term Disability packages to employees, coordinating with Payroll and facilitating gradual return to work plans.
• Collaborates with Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator to support employees who are ill and/or injured on WorkSafeBC claims, including but not limited to coordination of early intervention services, and coordinating modified/alternate work opportunities to mitigate absences from work due to injury/illness.
• Responsible for return-to-work planning and coordination of early intervention services. Providing support services that encompass planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating options available to meet an individual’s needs for a safe and durable return to work and liaises on behalf of the department with union representatives and external agencies to coordinate return to work efforts.
• Facilitates recovery at work through managing transitional work program, return to work efforts, work hardening program and/or accommodations.
• Arranges for ergonomic evaluation of office workstations.
• Reviews job demands/accommodation requests and works with the employee, union, department managers and Manager, Disability Management and People Relations to identify suitable work while adhering to the essential duties.
• Collaborates with People Relations Advisor on medical files that intersect with labour relations matters such as performance management and conduct issues.
• Prepare, compile and distribute various reports, files, statistics, dashboards, documents and lists.
• Provide accurate and timely information regarding cases to supervisors/managers, third-party insurers, and other internal relevant parties.
• Maintain confidentiality, accuracy and integrity in the collection, processing, and maintenance of information in accordance with legislation and College policies.
• Participates in various health and wellness improvement projects
• Performs other related duties as required.