Job Description

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is the fourth largest school board in Ontario and a major employer in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions. Our inclusive and diverse board serves 84,000 students and employs nearly 14,000 staff across the City of London, Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. We offer competitive benefits including a pension program and comprehensive mental health and well-being support. Best of all, every role at TVDSB directly supports the success of children and families in YOUR community. Join TVDSB to build each student's tomorrow, every day!

ACTING ABILITIES AND WELLNESS SPECIALIST
(Temporary one (1) year assignment)

JOB TITLE: Acting Abilities and Wellness Specialist
SALARY RANGE: $68,325 - $90,357
HIRING RANGE: $68,325 - $87,206
DATE OF VACANCY: Immediate
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2024 January 15

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Abilities and Wellness Specialist minimizes the adverse effects of disability and absences to individuals and the organization. The Specialist role is responsible for managing the day-to-day disability claims and accommodations for TVDSB staff. They will assist in facilitating recovery and promoting early and safe return-to-work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the management of assigned disability claims
Provide leadership, counsel, support and resources to all workplace parties regarding medical absence and accommodation
Write letters to inform all affected parties of decisions regarding disability cases;
Evaluate health care coordination programs and rehabilitation programs to ensure they have positive effects;
Interpret and assess an individual’s physical/cognitive function and develop an individualized case management plan
Coordinate and facilitate return-to-work meetings to implement safe return-to-work plans utilizing best practice, and participate in ongoing evaluations/adjustments to ensure a successful outcome
Utilize analytical thinking to identify and respond to emergent, confidential, complex and highly sensitive issues regarding medical absence and ensure appropriate documentation
Participate in human resources processes, including file data analysis in collaboration with administration recognizing the medical legal parameters
Develop and enhance return to work and stay at work procedures and processes
Perform training on Abilities and Wellness processes
Support Attendance Support Program
Coordinate and refer staff to benefit entitlements, referral programs and community resources as required
Chair early safe return meetings with union partners
Develop and analyze key metrics on disability management

QUALITIES/ SKILLS/ SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE:

Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and medical terminology
Solid understanding of mental health conditions, treatment, and return to work
Knowledge of community resources (treatment, investigation, supports, independent medical examinations)
Familiarity and experience with Disability Management, Case Management and Claims
Management
Strong time management, negotiation/mediation and conflict resolution skills
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws and collective agreements (WSIB/Charter of Human Rights/Labour, Duty to Accommodate)
Knowledge of Parklane computer database software an asset
Ability to identify concerns and problem-solve situations
Proficient in computer systems such as Outlook 365, MS Office Suite, etc.
Excellent interpersonal skills with effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
Ability to work both independently and part of a team

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Completion of a three-year post-secondary program in a related discipline
Three (3) years of related work experience is required
CHRL and/or disability management certification an asset
Occasional travel will be necessary. Valid driver’s licence and clean driver’s record required.

The recruitment process requires a criminal background check for work with vulnerable persons.

Please note it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is received by Human Resources on or before the deadline date.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas or degrees assessed against Canadian education standards. This will enable you to provide proof of Canadian equivalency when applying for a job. The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada is a membership organization that offers fair and credible academic credential assessment services in Canada. (NOTE: This is different from translating credentials into English).

The Thames Valley District School Board is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment of qualified staff who reflect and support the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of our students and school communities. The Thames Valley District School Board seeks to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free and will provide accommodations to applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please inform the Human Resources team member indicated below of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you require.

Please use the "APPLY FOR THIS POSITION" link below to submit your electronic application. Only applications submitted using this link will be considered.

A. Torchia, Staffing Specialist, Human Resources

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.