[Hiring] Specialist, Disability Management – Mental Health @Provincial Health Services Authority

Role Description

The Mental Health Specialist reports to the Manager, Workplace Health, and is accountable to provide expert advice to HR colleagues and operational partners on the management of complex mental health related absences and facilitation of return to work initiatives for ill or injured employees through application of disability management best practices and PHSA policies and procedures.

The Mental Health Specialist is a strategic partner to an assigned operational group, promotes and fosters a consultative and proactive problem solving employee relations approach and contributes to the overall strategic design and implementation of work processes that enable operational groups to achieve their business outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Build effective partnerships within assigned client groups.
• Provide expert advice and specialized knowledge regarding return-to-work and rehabilitation issues for complex mental health files.
• Build a therapeutic alliance with employees using strategies such as motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practice.
• Obtain clarification of medical limitations, restrictions, and prognosis for work.
• Work with employees to understand the impact of mental illness and plan short and long-term goals.
• Offer expert consultations to managers and supervisors regarding health issues in the workplace.
• Communicate with external agencies and third-party service providers regarding sensitive information.
• Conduct a task and physical job demands analysis.
• Support employees on return to work plans through job coaching.
• Remain current on Disability Management trends and best practices.
• Utilize operational partner feedback to improve service delivery.
• Participate in the development of operating budgets for rehabilitation services.
• Demonstrate support for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline with 5-7 years of experience in workplace rehabilitation or return to work programs.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples.
• Understanding of legislative obligations within Workplace Health & Claims Management contexts.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge in WCB Regulations and procedures, Human Rights Legislations, and application of collective agreements.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage a demanding workload.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including a municipal pension plan.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• Annual statutory holidays and generous vacation entitlement.
• Remote work friendly employer with flexible work options.
• Access to WorkPerks, offering discounts on various services.