Return To Work Specialist

Description:

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) plays a crucial role in supporting workers and employers across Ontario. When an injury or illness occurs on the job, WSIB ensures timely wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, and comprehensive support to facilitate safe and sustainable return-to-work (RTW) outcomes. Covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces, WSIB is one of North America’s largest insurance organizations.

As a Return to Work Specialist, you will lead RTW activities for cases at risk, ensuring that every injured or ill worker receives tailored, effective, and sustainable support. The role requires exceptional communication, case management, and problem-solving skills to help employees and employers navigate the complex RTW process while promoting leading disability management practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide detailed information and education to injured or ill individuals and their employers about the return-to-work process, rights, and obligations.

• Identify barriers or obstacles to return-to-work and determine the appropriate interventions to achieve positive outcomes.

• Develop and implement individualized return-to-work plans aimed at restoring employees to their pre-injury roles, with or without accommodations.

• Offer professional vocational rehabilitation planning and coordinate return-to-work arrangements, which may include transition to alternate employment where necessary.

• Act as a brand ambassador for WSIB’s industry-leading Return-to-Work Program, adhering to best practices established by professional bodies such as the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

• Evaluate and interpret case needs through a holistic, customer-centric approach, identifying appropriate assessments and interventions.

• Lead workplace meetings and discussions to resolve issues impeding RTW, and ensure that all stakeholders are informed and accountable for follow-up actions.

• Manage caseloads efficiently using WSIB systems, ensuring that all case documentation, follow-up, and progress tracking are meticulously maintained.

• Coordinate internal and external resources, including healthcare providers, to ensure continuous communication and successful RTW plan implementation.

• Promote early and safe RTW principles and provide education on disability management best practices.

• Ensure compliance with WSIB standards, policies, and legal frameworks such as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: University degree (undergraduate level) in a field related to disability management, vocational rehabilitation, or return-to-work.

• Certification: Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) designation required, or completion within three years of employment.

• License: Valid Ontario G class driver’s license (or Class 5 in Quebec).

• Experience: Minimum 1 year (3 years preferred) in return-to-work, disability management, vocational rehabilitation, alternate dispute resolution, or clinical rehabilitation work.

• Education Equivalency: Additional years of experience may substitute for formal education on a 2:1 basis.

What WSIB Offers:

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

• Defined benefit pension plan.

• Opportunities for continuous learning, career growth, and recognition.

• Flexible hybrid work model (home, office, and field).

• Bilingual (English/French) roles eligible for language bonus payments.

• Commitment to employee health, well-being, and inclusion.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

WSIB values diversity and strives to create an inclusive, barrier-free environment that supports all employees. Accommodations are available upon request during any stage of the recruitment process in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

Applicants must disclose any real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could affect their objectivity, including political activity, outside employment, or personal relationships with WSIB employees or stakeholders.

Privacy Information:

All personal information collected during the hiring process will be used solely for assessing qualifications and recruitment purposes, in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (1997). For inquiries regarding privacy, contact privacy_office@wsib.on.ca.