Disability Management Officer

Claims Management – monitors STD (short term disability) sick leave, LTD (Long term disability) and WSIB claims

• Researches, analyzes information/data, prepares and presents arguments with facts and rationale as required to dispute a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claim or appeal a WSIB decision
• Manages caseloads for employee in various stages of absence continuum
• Recommends the use of independent examiners to assess the suitability for RTW
• Recommends the use of the Functional Ability Evaluations (FAE) to determine the employee’s ability to perform job tasks
• Manage claims in collaboration with WSIB to ensure resolutions and closure of active claims.

Documentation -- Reviews medical information and verifies that the documentation supports the medical reason for absence in relation to the demands of the job.

• Maintains confidential information as legally and ethically required.
• Documents accurately, all medical and non-medical information regarding all claims and ensures new work related claims or recurrences are e-filed with WSIB using Parklane System. Hard copy HR files are also kept updated in the same manner.
• Ensures updated data for statistical purposes is inputted and maintained in the Parklane system and shares/collaborates with Human Resources Department to keep their system updated

Return to Work -- Determines issues to address when an employee returns to work.

• Contacts the health care providers to determine the need for further medical clarification/documentation.
• Assesses information received regarding an employee’s functional abilities and decides the appropriate intervention approach;
• Works with Supervisors and ill/injured employees to help identify accommodations to address physical and emotional needs, to make referrals, where applicable, to internal or external resources to ensure appropriate treatment is being sought, as per physician’s recommendations. Based on information obtained, formulates realistic rehabilitation goals, and provides support and counselling to ensure a successful RTW/SAW.
• Lead and facilitate RTW meetings with the employee, WSIB, LTD carrier, Union representatives, and Supervisors/Principals.

Grievances/Appeals/Tribunals

• Assist Senior Manager of Labour Relations and Labour Relations Officer by providing case material (specific to grieved action and background) and reviewing grievance responses related to DM
• Initiate a WSIB appeal by preparing comprehensive objection letters to appeal a decision and requesting access to file
• Coordinates the compiling of documentation such as witness reports, statements in preparation for appeals, tribunals/responses to WSIB in review of questionable and complex cases

Communication – Assists senior management and HR staff in identifying needs, assessing, and understanding medical restrictions, communicates options to facilitate an early, safe return to work (RTW) and stay at work (SAW) plans.

• Maintains contact with the employee and his/her Supervisor while participating in a RTW/SAW plan
• Develops and implements RTW plans, provides consultation on worksite accommodation, including investigating the need for ergonomic assessment and/or acquirement of assistive devices, if required.