Operational Policy Analyst

at  Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Our people have different ways of working and lifestyles. We’re committed to a mix of working in the office, in the field and from home. You have some flexibility in terms of where and how work gets done to help you balance your personal life and career goals.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• University completion at undergraduate level with a specialty focus in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Social Science, Health Sciences or Law.

Experience:

• Four years prior experience in qualitative/quantitative research, analysis and policy development.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE?

The WSIB’s Policy and Consultation Services Division is a key partner in the organization’s strategic transformation initiatives with a commitment to an open and transparent consultation process in support of operational policy renewal and development. The Operational Policy Branch is involved in planning, developing, communicating, implementing and renewing WSIB revenue and benefits policies that are fair and support transparent decision-making.
This role involves conducting comprehensive research and analysis and, based on research findings, develop/revise policies which have significant corporate, strategic, financial and political implications for the workplace safety and insurance system. These minuted policies which are legally binding are used by:
a) WSIB decision-makers and the external Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) to determine workers/survivors’ entitlement to compensation benefits, programs and services, coverage under the WSIA, employer classification and other revenue related obligations which impact the premiums payable by employers;
b) by external clients and stakeholders to understand the basis of those decisions; and
c) to define/support WSIB programs.
To help achieve our vision and mandate, we are looking for an individual to lead policy projects, to research, plan, recommend options/solutions and ensure satisfactory completion of a wide variety of policy projects. The ideal candidate will have a passion for researching, analyzing and interpreting laws and regulations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plan policy projects by developing a project plan which involves: scoping out the issue/problem, setting project goals and milestones, identifying deliverables and associated timeframes for completion; setting priorities and changing priorities when required, developing alternatives, complete with pros and cons, and then deciding on course of action; working collaboratively across business areas to establish relationships and access knowledge resources; monitoring progress of project by comparing completed tasks to predetermined milestones; identifying obstacles, developing and assessing alternatives to resolve problem; identifying best solution; and modifying the project plan as necessary to ensure successful completion and that deadlines, set by political agenda or senior management, are met.

2. Conduct extensive research by collecting, analyzing and synthesizing information/data in order to formulate and cost policy responses/solutions which consider/reflect the current government philosophies, the WSIB’s strategic plan, corporate goals, initiatives and programs and the competing interests and views various stakeholders. This may include:

• Reviewing statutes, regulations, case law (trends in WSIAT);
• Conducting a jurisdictional review of other workers’ compensation legislation and policies;
• Conducting a literature review and critique of pertinent scientific research;
• Accessing and/or requisitioning data from the WSIB’s information systems and/or responsible business areas and/or external sources;
• Consulting with intradivisional areas and operating areas as well as influential stakeholder groups.

1. Develop and present expert policy advice/responses using a wide variety of formats and media tailored to a diverse policy information audience; such formats include discussion papers, option papers, briefing notes, Ministry of Labour House Notes, executive summary charts, correspondence, e-mails, web site announcements, oral presentations and telephone inquiry responses.

2. Develop and write policies that are legally binding on WSIB decision-makers and WSIAT and used by external clients/stakeholders to support the understanding of the basis of decisions and/or definition and support of WSIB programs by:

• Identifying emerging policy issues through analyzing new information to determine impact if any on current or proposed policy projects while addressing any problems and/or policy issues that arise.
• Integrating new information into policy development/implementation while revising project plans to reflect these updates.

1. Act as a branch representative and/or a WSIB spokesperson and provide expert advice, guidance and education on all matters relating to policy issues to WSIB management and staff including internal steering committees and to external WSIB stakeholders (workers and employers) and interest groups (e.g. unions, employer representatives, advocacy/lobby groups, health care provider associations and safe workplace provider associations).

2. Facilitate, co-ordinate and collaborate with the business areas to identify and address policy implementation issues (i.e. impacts relating to systems, work processes and human resources), and provide expert policy advice to assist the operating areas to ensure appropriate implementation of policies; review formulated process; vet/approve policy content for training and communications materials; vet/approve implementation tools (review of procedures/forms).

3. Consult with operating areas and external stakeholders on policy development matters and consistency of policy application to:

• Ensure agreement and plan for improved service delivery as well as identify policy deficiencies in current program delivery models.
• Build consensus/support from external stakeholders and interested parties throughout the policy development process while ensuring that their views/interests are considered.
• Ensure that the final policy product is responsive, fair, workable, evidence-based and cost-effective.

8.Maintain currency on WSIB strategies, initiatives and programs as well as provincial, national and international workers’ compensation developments by liaising with WSIB staff/management, participating on various committees such as program steering committees, project steering committees, etc. by liaising with other provincial/state workers’ compensation agencies; by reviewing legislation, policies, articles as well as attending conferences and educational programs.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned or required.