Abilities Specialist, Abilities and Health

Corporate Health, Safety and Wellness at Unity Health Toronto works to promote, protect and maintain the health, safety and wellness of Unity employees in a manner consistent with professional practices, organizational values and policies, and government legislation.The Abilities Specialist provides case management and integrated disability management program for cases of occupational and non-occupational illness or injury including return to work.Major ResponsibilitiesResponsible and accountable for all claims management and adjudication of claims.Provides proactive disability management services to employees for occupational and non-occupational illness or injuryManage and lead the temporary and/or permanent accommodation processDevelop and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally such as employees, employee's health care professionals, third party providers e.g. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), LTD, Unions, employee's manager and Human ResourcesProvides proactive disability management services to employees for occupational and non-occupational illness or injuryTimely communication with the employee, as soon as possible, after being notified of an absence. Explain roles and responsibilities and discuss and offer early and safe return to work. Forwards appropriate forms for completion with timelines for completion.Receives, reviews and interprets medical documentation and based on this review approves or denies sick leave benefits.Critically analyzes case files for other health related factors which may influence recovery time, early and safe return to work, eligibility, and seeks further medical documentation if requiredFollow disability management guidelines for duration of absence and payment of benefitsMonitor progression throughout the program and obtain additional medical documentation when requiredCollaborate with workplace parties to resolve barriers to successful and sustainable accommodations and return to work plansReview job demands and identify suitable workManage and lead the accommodation process through planning, implementing and coordinating return to work programs with Employee, Manager, HR, Medical Team, Specialists (i.e. Ergonomists), WSIB RTWS, and Unions (if applicable)Develop, implement, evaluate and revise temporary and/permanent accommodation programs and communicates regularly with the employee, manager and union to ensure the plan is proceeding as planned and are not open-ended (i.e. end-date), with consideration to Legislation, Policy, and Collective AgreementsMonitors target dates for achievement of outcomes and/or requesting medical updatesParticipates in case file review to ensure efficiencies are met and sound decisions are made, decisions and processes are standardized and best practice sharedActively pursues second injury cost relief, where appropriate, with WSIB to help reduce insurance claims cost to the organizationProvides payroll coding recommendations to managementRefer their clients to paramedical services as appropriateParticipate in the grievance process with may include case review, development of a case summary, preparation with legal counsel, and participation in mediation or arbitration proceedingsSupport corporate Attendance Support ProgramLiaise with 3 rd party providers e.g. WSIB, LTDDevelop and implement improvement initiativesQualifications/Skills RequiredUndergraduate degree in a regulated health profession;Current registration in good standing with relevant professional College;Certified Disability Case Management Professional;Strong understanding of medical conditions, duration of recovery guidelines and resulting work restrictions;In-depth working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code as they apply to Disability Management, Occupational Health & Safety Act (OSHA), Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), and Employment Standards Act (ESA), AODA and their practical implementation in Disability Management, HOODIPExcellent understanding of disability management and early and safety RTW principlesPrevious experience in complex case managementPrevious experience working in a unionized environment requiredProven understanding of medical terminologyFamiliarity with STD/LTD policy wordings and Worker's Safety & Insurance Board Act and claims processTeamwork and co-operation, Flexibility, Analytical Thinking, Professionalism-commitment, reliability and integrityAccountability, non-adversarial approach, comfort in communicating with all customers, Adhere to hospital policies and proceduresExcellent interpretation and communication skillsProficient computer skillsUnity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.