Description
District School Board of Niagara
Invites applications for the following position:
Wellness Advisor
Working at the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) means being part of a supportive, innovative community that works towards doing what's best for students and helping every individual achieve success. We proudly serve over 40,000 students across almost 100 elementary and secondary schools in Niagara, located between Lake Erie in the South and Lake Ontario to the North. DSBN students are at the heart of everything we do.
Reporting to the Manager of Wellness, the Wellness Advisor is responsible for the administration and maintenance of consistent attendance and disability claims management across the Board. This role employs best practice principles in disability case management, early intervention, safe return to work and workplace accommodation to work in partnership with employees, supervisory staff and union representatives. The Advisor must exercise considerable independent judgment, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external contacts.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary diploma/degree related to Business/Human Resources, Healthcare, or Kinesiology, or qualifications deemed equivalent by the Board.
- Professional designation such as but not limited to; Disability Management Professional (CDMP), a Return-to-Work Coordinator (CRTWC) or Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP/L), Human Resources Certificate, Disability Management Certificate/Diploma.
- Proficiency using Human Resources Information Systems; IPPS, Parklane or other Disability Management software considered an asset
- Five years' experience with direct claims management (occupational and non-occupational) preferred.
- Education sector experience and experience in a multi-union setting considered an asset.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize and successfully complete projects with conflicting deadlines and urgency.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills that facilitate effective interactions with staff, management, union representatives, healthcare professionals, and third-party insurer representatives regarding sensitive and confidential matters.
- Demonstrated experience in facilitating and charting claim documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create and implement workplace accommodation plans for both occupational (WSIB) and non-occupational claims, including consultation on worksite accommodations, ergonomic assessments, and the provision of assistive devices as needed, in alignment with collective agreements and best practices.
- Liaising with WSIB and Health Professionals as needed i.e. Specialty Clinic Assessments, FAE providers
- Review vocational and functional assessments to determine employee's fitness for work and alternate work assignments.
- Assess, and understand medical restrictions, communicate options to facilitate early, safe return to work (RTW).
CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
- Maintain contact with the employee and their supervisors while participating in a Return-to-work plan
- Outsource and/or contract services and equipment, when required.
- Maintain confidential information as legally and ethically required.
- Lead and facilitate RTW meetings with the employees, WSIB, LTD carrier, Union representatives, and Supervisors/Principals.
The preferred candidate will demonstrate strengths in the following areas:
- Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Thorough knowledge of, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), other related employment laws and regulations
Salary range: $79,030 - $92,378. Includes a competitive benefits plan through a provincial benefits trust plan (extended health, dental, life insurance, AD&D). Enrolment in OMERS pension plan. This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position and is part of the Board's union-exempt Administrative Management Group.
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter via Apply to Education by 4:00p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The District School Board of Niagara is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of its employees, who reflect the diversity of our community and students we serve. We encourage and welcome submissions from candidates from diverse backgrounds to build a supportive and inclusive workplace. DSBN welcomes applications from: Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, women, persons with visible and non-visible disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. The DSBN is committed to “Achieving Success Together” and recognizes that increasing the diversity of its workforce supports this objective.
DSBN will provide interview and employment accommodation during the selection process, based on any of the human rights protected grounds. Please notify us in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants are thanked for making known their interest in working for the District School Board of Niagara. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
Personal information on this form is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.2, as amended, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. R.S.O 1990, c.M. 56, as amended and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility of the above-noted position and any similar or related purpose(s). Questions about this collection, use and disclosure should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, District School Board of Niagara, 191 Carleton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7P4 905-641-1550.
Land Acknowledgement
The land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, M é tis, and Inuit peoples acknowledging this reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.
