Consultant, Disability Management

Consultant, Disability Management

Workplace Health & Claims Management

Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Consultant, Disability Management (DM), reports to the Manager, DM, working in a matrixed human resources (HR) team, and is accountable to provide expert advice to HR colleagues and operational partners on the management of health related absences and facilitation of return to work initiatives for ill or injured employees through application of disability management best practices and PHSA policies and procedures. The Consultant, DM is a strategic partner to an assigned operational group, promotes and fosters a consultative and proactive problem-solving employee relations approach and contributes to the overall strategic design and implementation of work processes that enable operational groups to achieve their business outcomes. The Consultant coordinates return to work planning with Long Term Disability Rehabilitation Advisors and represents the PHSA and Programs’ interest in the management of all Workers’ Compensation Board (WorksafeBC) claims including initial reporting, decisions to protest, pursuing relief of costs, and recommendations to appeal. Liaises with Occupational Health Nurses, Injury Prevention staff and LR as needed. Represents the interest of the employer during communication on specific disability cases with various external stakeholders including Union Representatives, WorksafeBC Case Managers, Vocation Rehabilitation Advisors, Nurse Advisors, Health Benefit Trust, Canada Life Assurance Carrier, HEABC, Insurance Corporation of BC, as well employee’s Personal Physicians, Specialist, Occupational Therapists, and other health care providers.

The Consultant participates in the development of organization-wide Return to Work policies and procedures necessary for effective and efficient operation of disability claims management. Uses considerable creativity and problem solving to align disability claims management with the overall strategic goals and objectives of HR and the PHSA. The Consultant provides sound advice and guidance in a changing climate of Privacy and Human Rights Legislation, WorksafeBC regulations, and collective agreement short and long term disability benefits. The Consultant must be knowledgeable of the employer obligations in this area and aware as to when to seek advice from other Consultants such as Labour Relations.

What you’ll do

• Builds effective partnerships within assigned client groups including developing a strong understanding of the client's services, encouraging development of the client's business strategic plan to maximize the potential of available human resources. Promotes HR corporate initiatives and services to facilitate understanding and cooperation.
• Contributes to the development, implementation and maintenance of Employee Wellness and Safety policies and procedures based on accepted best practices as they relate to safe and early return to work planning and effective disability claim and benefit administration and management. Promotes best practices in early and safe return to work from sick leave absences. Collaborates with the Manager, Disability Management on complex cases and as a member of the Community of Practice for Disability Management.
• Provides expert advice to, HR, operational partners regarding both general and specific return-to work and rehabilitation issues. Provides expert advice on employer and employee rights and obligations in the area of disability case management applying the applicable policies, collective agreements, relevant Duty to Accommodate legislation, and WCB regulations. Provides specific case direction to the Assistant, WorksafeBC Claims Administration in the day-to-day effective administration of WorksafeBC claims arising in their portfolio.
• Applies due diligence in management of accommodation requests, obtaining clarification of medical limitations, restrictions, prognosis. Assists the leader and HR in matching this information against physical and mental demands of the position to determine if an accommodation is required and is possible, or if requirement to accommodate would constitute undue hardship. Coordinates with HR in identifying appropriate alternate employment or retraining requirements when employee is medically precluded from returning to their previous own occupation. Assists in the development and presentation of relevant training and information sessions.
• Reviews cases on a minimum quarterly basis with WorksafeBC and HBT to coordinate case management and return to work planning. Manages and monitors WorksafeBC claims in an effective manner, with timely follow up, referring claims to third party appeal service provider as necessary. Coordinates disability claim management with ICBC claims to support safe and early return to work as well as obtaining funding from ICBC where possible for graduated return to work plans.
• Utilizes operational partner feedback to continually improve delivery of services. Supports the development of HR related quality indicators in day-to-day operations such as continuous quality improvement. Models’ behaviour that is consistent with the strategic direction of the organization. Assists with development and reduction of relevant sick leave and disability benefit procedures, reports, and statistics.
• Remains current on Disability Management trends, issues and best practices through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations and attendance at seminars, workshops and educations programs.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years direct related experience in Disability Case and WCB Claim management within a unionized environment in an intermediate to large organization. Experience in providing these services in a health care setting is an asset.
• Expert knowledge in WorksafeBC Regulations and procedures, Human Rights Legislations, Freedom of Information and Privacy Legislation, and application of collective agreements. Possesses knowledge and understanding of disability management principles and best practices. Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities and manage a demanding workload, and being guided by policies and procedures, regulations, legislation, and collective agreements. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including verbal, written and presentation skills. Proven problem solving, decision making, consulting skills, and the ability to facilitate the resolution of issues. Models a commitment to service and being a strategic HR business partner within a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and engage others to ensure success in the workplace. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a team and to work independently. Commitment to the value of continuous learning and an open curiosity for new ideas and innovation. Ability to use related equipment including the HR information system, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Salary Range: $74,618 - $107,264 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G9
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)

Positions Available: Two (2)
Requisition # 164798E & 164801E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca  

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of May 9, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.