Labour Relations Officer - WSIB Appeals Specialist

at  ONTARIO NURSES ASSOCIATION

DATE: MAY 10, 2024

Founded in 1973, the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is a leading health-care union representing more than 68,000 registered nurses and health professionals and 18,000 nursing student affiliates working in Ontario hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, community, clinics and industry. ONA is committed to the advancement of the social, economic and general welfare of its members providing labour relations services that include representation of members to ensure their rights under the collective agreement are protected and negotiating the best possible terms and conditions of employment. ONA advocates for the highest standards of health care for all Ontarians. Looking to the future, ONA will continue to provide proactive strategies to raise the awareness of the value (including economic and patient benefits) of RNs with all stakeholders.
ONA is seeking to hire a Labour Relations Officer (WSIB Appeals Specialist). This position reports to the Manager, Provincial Services and works within the boundaries of ONA’s governing and administrative policies, vision and strategic outcomes and team standards. The successful candidate will be responsible to meet the service delivery needs of membership by assessing WSIB files for merit and conducting appeals on behalf of ONA members.

• Conduct WSIB appeals from the intent to appeal, through the investigation of the issues, writing submissions, and performing oral hearings, up to and including Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT).
• Effective case management which includes performing quality merit assessments, the identification of issues in dispute, early intervention strategies and opportunities, address competing priorities among files, maintain timelines, and advance files in a timely manner.
• Provide strategic advice to members regarding their appeal.
• Identify and communicate trends observed in workplace injuries among ONA members – as well as the appeals process – in the areas of health and safety, return to work and labour relations to the appropriate teams to ensure members’ rights are protected.
• Keep abreast of any WSIB/WSIAT and Ontario Human Rights Code legislative and policy changes that impact ONA members’ appeals.
• Achieve ONA’s position and maintain the collective and individual rights of members throughout the course of the appeals work.
• Identify risks and opportunities related to ONA achieving its goals/mandate.