The Manager, Disability & Risk Management provides leadership and subject-matter expertise
for the organization’s occupational and non-occupational disability, workplace injury and claims
management programs. The Manager is accountable for the effective management of complex
claims, regulatory reporting, return-to-work and accommodation processes, appeals and hearing preparation, and the integrity of related data and reporting.
Working with employees, operational leaders, Human Resources, medical providers, insurers,
legal counsel and regulatory bodies, the Manager develops practical strategies that support fair,
timely and sustainable outcomes while managing organizational risk and ensuring compliance
with applicable requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic and operational leadership for occupational and non-occupational
disability and claims management, establishing consistent practices, priorities, service
standards and controls across the organization.
Manage complex, high-risk and disputed workplace injury and personal illness claims from
initial review through resolution, including assessment of causation, entitlement, medical
information, functional abilities, claim strategy and financial exposure.
Lead workplace accommodation and return-to-work planning in collaboration with
employees, leaders, Human Resources, unions and medical or rehabilitation providers,
with a focus on safe, timely and sustainable outcomes.
Oversee investigations and evidence gathering related to workplace incidents and claims,
including witness interviews, medical and operational information, chronology
development and preservation of complete and accurate claim records.
Lead the organization’s response to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
matters, including claim submissions, correspondence, objections, appeals and
reconsideration requests.
Prepare for and attend WSIB appeal proceedings and Workplace Safety and Insurance
Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) hearings on behalf of the employer, including developing case
strategy, reviewing the claim record, coordinating documentary and witness evidence,
preparing written submissions and working with legal counsel or external representatives
as required.
Assess hearing and litigation risk, be comfortable briefing others on material claims and
appeals, and recommend settlement, appeal or case-management strategies within
delegated authority.
Ensure all internal and external reporting is completed accurately and within applicable
regulatory, policy and administrative requirements following workplace accidents, injuries
and illnesses.
Maintain effective communication with employees, operational leaders, Human
Resources and other stakeholders regarding claim status, restrictions, return-to-work
plans, risks, decisions and required actions.
Build productive working relationships with WSIB representatives, insurers, medical
providers, legal counsel, industry associations and other external partners.
Lead the collection, quality assurance and analysis of incident, injury, disability and claims
data; maintain accurate databases and prepare regular and ad hoc reports, dashboards
and trend analysis for senior leadership.
Use claim, absence and incident trends to identify emerging risks and recommend
preventive actions, process improvements, training or policy changes.
Participate in relevant industry committees and forums to monitor developments, share
practices and support a consistent industry approach to injury prevention and
compensatory claims.
Oversee claim-related financial administration, including invoices, employee expenses,
reserves, recovery opportunities and other cost-control activities, in partnership with
Finance and internal stakeholders.
Develop and maintain disability and claims management procedures, tools, templates and
training materials, and provide guidance and coaching to leaders and Human Resources
team members.
Lead or support projects and continuous improvement initiatives related to disability
management, workplace injury claims, accommodations, data integrity and risk reduction.
Protect confidential and sensitive information and exercise sound judgement, discretion
and diplomacy in all matters.
Skills, Abilities and Experience:
Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational
Health, Health Sciences, Business, Law or a related discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and experience.
Extensive experience in disability and claims management, with demonstrated ability to
lead complex matters, exercise independent judgement, influence outcomes and provide
subject-matter guidance to stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience preparing employer submissions and evidence for WSIB
objections or appeals and participating in WSIB or WSIAT proceedings; experience
working with legal counsel and witnesses is an asset.
Strong knowledge of Ontario workplace safety and insurance legislation, policy and
appeals processes, together with applicable human rights, accommodation, privacy and
employment requirements.
Demonstrated ability to assess risk, analyze medical and factual evidence, develop
defensible recommendations and communicate complex issues clearly to senior leaders
and other stakeholders.
Experience leading programs, projects or process improvements and providing functional
direction, coaching or guidance to others.
Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, negotiation and presentation
skills.
Strong organization, planning and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple
complex matters, deadlines and competing priorities independently.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and experience using claims,
HR, case-management or reporting systems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leaders,
unions, regulators, insurers, counsel, medical providers and other stakeholders.
High degree of confidentiality, professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.
Sound judgement and a balanced approach that considers employee needs, legal
obligations, operational requirements and organizational risk.
Valid passport and driver’s license, with the ability to travel as required and no travel
restrictions.
