Ability Management Specialist (26-184)

Job Title: Ability Management Specialist
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Language Requirement: English Essential
Vacancy Status: Existing vacancy

Who we are
Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall! Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.

Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Manager, Labour and Employee Relations Programs and within established policies, procedures, guidelines and legislation, the Ability Management Specialist is dedicated to leading and coordinating both occupational and non-occupational disability cases. This includes managing and administering Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims, medical and modified work programs, Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), Return to Work (RTW) processes, absenteeism and Workplace Accommodations.

This role serves as a key advisor within the Human Resources team, working collaborative with employees, managers, union representatives, and external interest-holders to ensure timely, safe and sustainable work and accommodations outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and administer occupational and non-occupational cases, including WSIB, STD, LTD, and complex accommodations.
• Monitor and evaluate absenteeism trends by generating reports and collaborating with management, union representatives, and employees to effectively address and resolve concerns
• Develop, monitor and revise individualized RTW and workplace accommodations plans in collaboration with supervisors, unions, and treating professionals.
• Represent the organization in discussions with external agencies, insurers, and legal representatives on disability-related matters.
• Provide expert consultation to senior leadership, managers, and union representatives on disability related legislation, collective agreements, policy interpretation, and case resolution.
• Primarily responsible for the management of the full lifecycle of disability cases, including intake, documentation, communication, follow-up, and resolution with all involved parties.
• Utilize software to manage and track disability claims, generate reports, and ensure compliance with documentation standards.
• Collaborate with directors and managers to implement effective disability management practices that comply with legislation and internal policies, including setting goals for successful return-to-work outcomes and identifying appropriate accommodations.
• Liaise with internal business units following workplace incidents to support safe and timely return-to-work planning.
• Manage WSIB claims, including filing, investigation, documentation (e.g., Form 7s, accident/injury reports), and cost monitoring through regular claims reviews.
• Facilitate and coordinate accommodation and return-to-work processes in accordance with legislation, collective agreements, and organizational policies.

Position Requirements

Education & Certifications:

• Completed post secondary education or program in Human Resources, Occupational Heath, Disability Management or a related field.

Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressive experience in disability management, including managing both occupational (e.g., WSIB) and non-occupational (e.g., STD/LTD) cases.
• Experience in a multi-unionized environment is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Certification as a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or equivalent designation is an asset.
• Experience in developing and implementing return-to-work and accommodation plans in both unionized and non-unionized environments; familiarity with working alongside external providers such as insurance carriers, healthcare professionals, and WSIB representatives.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of relevant legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to build trust and collaborate with diverse interest-holders, and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in case management systems and Microsoft Office Suite is also expected.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office and onsite at various municipal facilities, with occasional travel required.
• Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed for training sessions or health assessments.
• Potential exposure to various workplace environments and conditions.
• Cognitive demands include critical thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution and managing sensitive health-related information in a confidential manner.
• Physical demands include extended periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

If selected for this role, you will need to provide:

• Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
• Proof of Certifications

Additional Information:
The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person.

To see the full job posting, please visit: https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/careers.aspx