Occupational Return to Work Specialist

Russel Metals is one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America, with a growing focus on value-added processing. It carries on business in three segments: metals service centers, energy field stores and steel distributors. Its network of metals service centers carries an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous specialty metals. Its energy field stores carry a specialized product line focused on the needs of energy industry customers. Its steel distributors operations act as master distributors selling steel in large volumes to other steel service centers and large equipment manufacturers mainly on an "as is" basis. For a more detailed look into the Ontario facilities check out our YouTube page

Reasons to Join Our Team!

• Attractive Profit Sharing Plan
• Pension Plan
• Company Stock Purchase through payroll deduction
• Educational Reimbursement Program

We are seeking an Occupational Return to Work Specialist to support the management of occupational injury and illness claims as part of the Corporate Health & Safety function. This role combines strong administrative and case-management skills with knowledge of health sciences, occupational health, disability management, and functional abilities to support effective occupational claims management and return-to-work processes.

The successful candidate will work closely with managers, supervisors, workers, and our third-party disability management provider. Responsibilities include coordinating claims and documentation, reviewing medical and functional information, identifying matters requiring clarification or follow-up, and monitoring claims to ensure timely communication and alignment with organizational expectations.

This position is well suited to a candidate with a background in Nursing (RN/LPN), Health Sciences, Biomechanics, Occupational Health, Disability Management, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Sciences, or a related field .

Vacancy Status: Existing Vacancy

This is a full-time, salaried position offering the potential for remote work. The position is 40 hours per week and is open to candidates located anywhere in Canada.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the development and continuous improvement of occupational claims management processes and provide guidance and training to managers and supervisors..
• Initiate and coordinate occupational injury and illness claims with the third-party disability management provider and internal incident management system.
• Ensure branches provide complete and timely incident, injury, medical, and return-to-work documentation.
• Review medical and functional information, including Functional Abilities Reports, and identify discrepancies, inconsistencies, or matters requiring further clarification or assessment.
• Monitor active claims and identify emerging concerns, delays, or other issues requiring follow-up or intervention.
• Act as the primary liaison between branches and the third-party disability management provider, ensuring timely and appropriate information exchange and follow-up.
• Support the development of appropriate modified work and return-to-work plans based on functional restrictions and operational requirements.
• Monitor the third-party provider's management of assigned claims to ensure established processes, service expectations, communication requirements, and return-to-work practices are followed.
• Provide guidance to managers, supervisors, workers, and other stakeholders regarding occupational claims, functional restrictions, return-to-work considerations, and claims-management processes.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable provincial workers' compensation legislation, reporting requirements, claim-management practices, and appeal procedures.
• Coordinate work-from-home assignments where appropriate and serve as a primary point of contact for the injured worker throughout the assignment.
• Obtain and preserve video or other relevant evidence related to workplace incidents, where appropriate.
• Review incident information and trends to identify opportunities for corrective action, prevention, and education.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and well-organized claim documentation and records.

Qualifications and skills required:

• Post-secondary education in Nursing (RN/LPN), Health Sciences, Biomechanics, Occupational Health, Disability Management, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience in occupational claims, disability management, workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, insurance, healthcare administration, or a related field is an asset.
• Strong understanding of medical terminology, injury mechanisms, functional limitations, and workers' compensation/disability management terminology.
• Ability to critically review medical and functional information and identify matters requiring clarification or further review.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple active claims, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Working knowledge of applicable provincial workers' compensation legislation and reporting requirements, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with workers, managers, supervisors, healthcare/disability professionals, and external service providers.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism and in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify inconsistencies, follow up on missing information, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is strongly preferred.

We are an organization that is committed to the principles of Employment Equity which includes maintaining a fair, equitable and diverse workforce. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.