Occupational Health Specialist

at  Coast Mountain Bus Company Ltd

MARKETING STATEMENT

As the largest operating company in the integrated TransLink enterprise, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) operates a fleet of clean-fuel conventional and community shuttle buses, zero-emission trolley buses, and passenger ferry SeaBuses in Metro Vancouver, the largest single transit service area in Canada.
At CMBC, one of BC’s Top Employers, we’re committed to providing an innovative, healthy, and engaging workforce. This is reflected in our workforce of over 5,500 employees performing over 400 unique jobs, who are committed and empowered to deliver service that attracts nearly 1.1 million passengers daily and connects people, businesses, and communities in the Metro Vancouver region.
We have the important job of helping our passengers get to work, appointments, visiting with family and friends, and back again every day. Metro Vancouver relies on us, and we take that as a point of pride.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The requirements of this job are typically acquired through a bachelor degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in nursing, or health sciences and five (5) years of related experience in Occupational Health and disability management in a unionized environment. Ongoing registration in good standing with the College of Registered Nurses of BC or acceptable association.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Advanced interpersonal skills to convey necessary information to a third party without disclosing confidential medical information pertaining to an employee.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong organizational, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Solid working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications.
Discretion, judgement and ability to deal with highly confidential information, sensitive and/or emotional issues.
Familiarity with the Medical Guidelines for the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is preferred.

Facilitates the delivery of CMBC’s, TransLink’s and Transit Police Occupational Health services, including disability management, health promotion, accommodation, and substance use disorder programs for employees. Assesses and determines employment suitability in the pre-placement health assessment process and also “fit for work” status of employees in safety sensitive positions. Primary subject matter expert regarding medical conditions and impact of these on attendance, behavior and performance.
Accountable for maintaining strictest confidentiality of personal medical information of all employees while conveying the impact and risk of the medical condition on the employee’s ability to work. All communications and disclosures must be in adherence with all applicable privacy legislation. Maintains confidential Occupational Health files.
Leads the permanent accommodation process for employees by securing the necessary medical documentation to confirm a disability. Subject matter expert regarding the impacts of a medical condition on an employee’s ability to attend work on a regular and consistent basis. Liaises with multiple internal and external stakeholders to determine appropriate accommodation and facilitates the signed agreement between the employee, union(s) and management.
Leads the full cycle of the return-to-work process for employees, including rehabilitation, graduated return and/or modified duties, obtaining medical clearance and arranging independent medical evaluations as required for both occupational and non-occupational cases. Assesses individual limitations and restrictions, identifies opportunity for early intervention and return to work. Develops and implements successful return to work plans through the coordination of all parties, i.e. doctors, employees, and management. Primary contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding disability management and return to work.
Coaches employees through the process by providing guidance on what needs to be done to ensure the greatest chance for recovery and return. Refers employees to appropriate community and/or medical resources as required.
Accountable for final approval on employment suitability in the pre-placement health assessment process for applicants applying to safety sensitive positions.
Responsible for ensuring employees meet and are working within the medical and safety guidelines for safety sensitive positions. Compelled to act if evidence has been given about a potential health and safety risk and complete due diligence assessment on employees. Authority to determine an employee is “unfit” for work and to remove them immediately from the workplace. Acts independently of management in this case.
Facilitates the Substance Use process by arranging an independent medical examination and then works with the employee to ensure compliance with the recommendations prior to returning to work. Manages non-compliance issues as required.
Leads the Job Demands Analysis process to ensure corporate knowledge of the risks associated with a position. Works with an external provider, e.g. Occupational Therapist, Ergonomist, etc., to develop the document and manages the distribution of the end product with the affected parties.
Facilitates independent medical assessments on behalf of management. Accountable for assessing medical information and provide an opinion to management regarding any contribution to employee attendance, behavior and/or performance. Supports health programs by attending and providing relevant information at health fairs and site-specific meetings.