Role Responsibilities

Make a meaningful impact by advocating for employers and navigating complex WCB decisions.

Reporting to the Manager of the Employer Advisor Branch, the Employer Advisor provides consultation, education, representation, and advocacy services to employers. This includes seeking reviews and filing appeals of WCB entitlement decisions.

This role requires strong technical knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA), as well as related legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. Formal representation at various levels of appeal involves presenting well-founded arguments based on the analysis and application of WCB legislation and policy to the evidence on file.

As an Employer Advisor, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Reviewing WCB claim files or employer account information.
• Analyzing the evidence and decisions made on the claim or account to determine if the WCA and policies have been fairly and properly applied.
• Consulting with clients in order to discuss and identify potential appeal issues, then determining the appropriate course of action under the appropriate legislation and policies.
• Coordinating and conducting background research and analysis on appeal cases including obtaining stakeholder input, relevant similar board decisions, court cases and legislative interpretations.
• Collecting information through investigation and research to support appeal issues.
• Approaching the WCB’s Customer Service Department or Employer Account Services in order to seek resolution of issues prior to appeal by providing further evidence or alternate interpretation of policies.
• Representing clients at the two levels of the WCB appeals process—the WCB’s Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body and the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation. This involves developing and presenting evidence and arguments in accordance with the rules and procedures of the hearing bodies.
  
  

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Systems Thinking: Considers how approaches and decisions impact other programs and areas. Understands how work contributes to Advisor Office goals and recognizes the interrelationships between stakeholder perspectives.

Creative Problem Solving: Breaks down complex issues into manageable components to identify actions. Seeks to understand issues by asking questions and constructively challenges existing procedures where improvement opportunities exist. Draws on approaches used by others to inform solutions.

Agility: Identifies and supports alternative approaches in complex and uncertain situations. Remains calm and composed under pressure, maintains a positive outlook, and persists in finding solutions. Anticipates emotional responses and barriers to change, and stays focused on goals.

Drive for Results: Clarifies objectives and ensures roles and contributions are understood. Applies past experience to planning and adjusts as needed. Identifies root causes of outcomes and takes action to improve results. Takes accountability for outcomes and delivers on priorities aligned with Government direction and public expectations.

Developing Networks: Builds relationships by understanding the perspectives and needs of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions. Shares relevant information in a timely manner and considers the impact of communication to effectively influence others.

Building Collaborative Environments: Contributes to a respectful and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Shares information openly, listens to others, and engages in honest, non-defensive dialogue. Addresses conflict constructively by identifying common ground and supporting collaborative decision-making.

Developing Self and Others: Builds relationships and trust with stakeholders to support work outcomes. Reflects on strengths and development needs and seeks opportunities to enhance skills. Stays current on emerging trends and practices and contributes to team learning through active participation and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (commerce, social sciences, public administration, etc.) supplemented with arbitration, legal, business or insurance courses plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
  
  

The position requires the following knowledge and experiences:

• In-depth knowledge and application of the following:
  • Workers' Compensation Act, related legislation, Regulations, policies, procedures, systems and applications
  • The Interpretation Act
  • The laws of natural justice, tribunal processes and the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation rules and regulations.
    
    
• The ability to access and interpret additional legislation for specific appeal issues.
• General knowledge of the OH&S Act and labour standards.
• General knowledge of records management and information management principles (e.g. Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA).
• Strong ability to review and interpret WCB claim files and apply the Workers’ Compensation Act, policies, and related legislation to provide sound advice and guidance.
• Demonstrated strength in decision-making, advocacy, and problem solving, supported by effective communication, influence, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely. Experience delivering formal presentations, including at appeals processes, and responding effectively to questions and opposing arguments.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and rapport with clients and stakeholders through empathy, professionalism, and a client-focused approach to improving outcomes.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations, de-escalate conflict, and respond effectively to emotionally charged or stressful interactions.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, initiative, flexibility, and creativity when navigating complex and evolving situations.
• Highly organized with strong self-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing demands in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and compliance with the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and related privacy legislation.
  
  

Assets:

• Training in negotiation or arbitration and experience in presenting to tribunals, panels, or courts.
• Experience within the WCB system including adjudication or case management experience or equivalent.
• Work experience in the field of law, health and safety, union, medical, or employer representation.
• Prior experience writing and delivering persuasive arguments and presentations.
  
  

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

This is a permanent onsite full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The position is in Edmonton.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required.

As part of the interview process, applicants may be required to complete a written assignment.

The final candidate may undergo pre-employment checks and reference checks.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.