Advisor, Ability Management (Disability Management)

Are you an excellent communicator with advanced knowledge in disability management? Are you compassionate, empathetic, and energized by helping others? If so, Health Shared Services has an opportunity for an Ability Advisor that may be perfect for you. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, whether it is the people we care for or those providing that care. We support our workforce so they can support patients, fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace where people can bring their whole selves to work and reach their full potential while providing high quality care. The Advisor provides disability management services to healthcare employees across Alberta, supporting occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries. This role delivers coordinated case management for medical absences, disability claims, workplace accommodations, and return to work planning, including WCB, short term disability, long term disability, and sick benefit files. Reporting to the Manager, the Advisor focuses on achieving safe, timely, and sustainable return to work outcomes while balancing operational needs. The Advisor supports employees unable to perform regular duties due to illness or injury by facilitating access to benefits and services and engaging stakeholders to address barriers to return to work. Working collaboratively with employees, leaders, unions, insurers, healthcare providers, and internal partners, the Advisor develops, coordinates, and implements individualized accommodation and return to work plans. In a fast-paced healthcare environment, the Advisor applies policies, collective agreements, and Alberta legislative requirements to manage multiple complex cases. The role provides consultation and recommendations to leaders and HR partners while fostering positive relationships and contributing to employee wellbeing and workplace outcomes.

This position has responsibility for application of specialized or complex protocols, policies & procedures related to Ability Claims Management such as: Contacting the employee & manager to explain ability management processes & gather information for assessment. Ensuring appropriate documentation is requested & received in a timely manner. Ensuring appropriate charting within the case management system. Ensuring appropriate case management documentation & file management. Managing situations according to policy & procedure. Determining when to request in-depth assessments in consultation with the Medical Consultant. Making decisions & recommendations regarding a client’s restrictions within the physical demands of a position. Determining if further medical is required &/or evaluating compatibility during the return to work or duty to accommodate process. Determining if further adjudication is required, while working with external carriers, unions & clients. Contacting treating physician or healthcare providers (oral & written) to obtain additional information on employee functional capabilities. Identifying & coordinating resources to support the employee to promote their return-to-work. Discussing HR accommodation strategies with Manager & developing return-to-work plans based on employee restrictions & limitations, as appropriate. Where appropriate, coordinating with external treatment providers related to Ability Management Programs to assist employees in the return-to-work process. Developing solutions based on a broad & complex knowledge base. Providing support & advice to Manager & HRBP on strategies including joint problem-solving, recommendations & solutions, as required. Coordinating with insurance carrier return to work plans. Providing active support for the return-to-work planning process between the employee & their supervisor.

A minimum of a post-secondary degree or diploma in a health or related field. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in disability management in an organization of significant size, complexity & diversity (healthcare experience an asset). In addition, the incumbent will possess strong written & oral skills, have strong influential skills, be an effective communicator, have strong organizational skills & be committed to providing quality service. A demonstrated clear pattern of professional & personal development. Equivalencies of education & experience may be considered.

The incumbent will possess a record of accomplishment in the following areas: Extensive knowledge of disability management and industry best practices. Significant experience in problem solving, concern resolution and investigation. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Effective communication with strong organizational skills along with client-focused orientation and commitment to providing quality services. Ability to relay or explain complex issues or difficult situations. Skills in negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution are required. Strong interpersonal assessment and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks under tight deadlines is a core competency to be successful in the role. Attention to detail and ability to take initiative.

Additional course work in occupational health, rehabilitation, legislation related to disability management, WCB, helping relationship skills, mediation, benefits, payroll, human resource management, disability insurance, psychological & workplace factors in disability would be an asset. Relevant licensing & designations, such as CDMP, CRTWC or CPHR, is considered an asset.