Manager, Disability & Risk Management

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.