Job Description

As the Disability Management Specialist, you will be responsible for providing leadership in the ongoing development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s disability management services and programs.

In this role, the Disability Management Specialist will champion a collaborative, integrated approach to support employees experiencing illness, injury, or reduced work capacity. The focus will be on early intervention and facilitating safe, sustainable return-to-work (RTW) plans. You’ll also design and deliver training to employees and leaders, ensuring a clear understanding of disability management processes, programs, and updates.

The Disability Management Specialist will manage individual disability cases, offering expert guidance and support to ensure timely and appropriate RTW outcomes. This includes coordinating workplace accommodations and maintaining strong relationships with external benefit providers and healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Proactively analyzes and identifies issues and trends in disability and recommends appropriate action.
• Track and report metrics to senior leadership related to the disability leave program.
• Review, evaluate, revise and make recommendations to the Manager regarding disability case management and overall program delivery.
• Provide accurate and timely information as well as maintaining a close working relationship with departmental management, stakeholders (Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU), Employee & Labour Relations, Benefits Administration, etc.), external agencies (Workers Compensation Board (WCB), Manulife) and employees in developing and implementing strategies for case management.
• Consult, provide recommendations, and assist management and employees with occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Review initial and subsequent information provided by health care practitioners and requests additional medical as required.
• Assist management and supervisors with attendance and absenteeism management related to a disability, injury or illness.
• Liaise with Employee Relations on complex cases and Corporate Safety where physical safety or psychological safety concerns are suspected specific to the workplace and employee work activities.
• Oversee the accommodations process for employee recovery, return to work planning and/or accommodation needs on an individual employee basis.

Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Commerce, Human Resources or a related discipline such as business, nursing, psychology, social work, or medical rehabilitation.
• A professional designation such as the Certified Disability Management Professional or Certified Return to Work Coordinator or designation in a related case management discipline is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum five years related experience in Human Resources managing complex employee disability cases and accommodations.
• Experience in claims and case management for short and long term disability.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation, including the Human Rights Acts, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Health Act, FIPPA, PHIA.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support a corporate-wide program and interact successfully at all levels.
• Skill in mediation and conflict management, and ability to influence and/or convince multiple parties regarding return to work processes and duty to accommodate compliance.
• Experience interpreting medical documentation.
• Experience developing and administering return to work plans.
• Public speaking and facilitation skills in order to speak effectively and persuasively on matters of interest to employees and managers.
• Strong written communication skills to present information in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences.
• Evaluate complex information and make appropriate recommendations and decisions.
• Deal tactfully with sensitive issues in a confidential matter.

Employee Benefits

Health benefits

We offer a comprehensive health benefits program that includes:

• flexible health, dental and vision plans
• health spending account
• travel health coverage
• other extended health benefits such as ambulance, massage and physiotherapy

Financial security

In an effort to support financial security, we offer:

• registered pension plan
• group, dependent, and optional life insurance coverage
• critical illness insurance
• sick leave to cover short-term disability
• long-term disability

Wellness

We offer programs that focus on how to better achieve a balance between work and personal commitments, as well as maintain a healthy workplace culture. This includes:

• vacation entitlement
• flexible work arrangement for eligible positions
• maternity, parental and adoptive leaves
• bereavement and family responsibility leaves
• employee and family assistance program
• mental-health programming
• lunch-and-learn offerings
• discounted gym memberships and wellness account

Diversity and inclusion

Manitoba Public Insurance believes that diversity and inclusion strengthens us. We consider ourselves to be a barrier-free organization where individual values, beliefs and practices are respected and appreciated for the diversity they bring to our work life.

Employee recognition

It’s important to recognize our employees for their contributions. Not only do we recognize employees as they achieve milestone years in their careers, we also have several outlets for leaders and peers to reward each other for work well done.

Professional development

We want our employees to grow, which is why we offer support in keeping their skills up-to-date. We offer in-house training, professional development and an educational assistance program.

Safety and health

In an effort to encourage a safe and healthy work environment, we offer various safety, health and workplace policies and programs along with technical expertise and assistance to support employee activities in safety and health.