Senior Specialist Workers Compensation - 12 month contract

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for managing the end-to-end lifecycle of employee disability claims, from initial intake through return to work, serving as the primary point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders. The role oversees all Return-to-Work programs at CN, working closely with the Manager, Workers' Compensation to identify and resolve barriers to successful and timely return to work. In addition to claims management, the incumbent is responsible for interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with applicable workers' compensation legislation, provincial policies, and internal business procedures, including managing CN's relationship and obligations with the respective provincial Workers' Compensation Boards. The role demands sound judgment, accuracy, and a thorough understanding of disability management principles in the administration of claims and the communication of information across all parties involved.

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for managing the end-to-end lifecycle of employee disability claims, from initial intake through return to work, serving as the primary point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders. The role oversees all Return-to-Work programs at CN, working closely with the Manager, Workers' Compensation to identify and resolve barriers to successful and timely return to work. In addition to claims management, the incumbent is responsible for interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with applicable workers' compensation legislation, provincial policies, and internal business procedures, including managing CN's relationship and obligations with the respective provincial Workers' Compensation Boards. The role demands sound judgment, accuracy, and a thorough understanding of disability management principles in the administration of claims and the communication of information across all parties involved.

Main Responsibilities

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Claims Management

• Review and process all new claims by entering available data into Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) within 24 hours of receiving notification of an injury.
• Investigate and validate each new injury claim by gathering supporting documentation and report it to the applicable provincial WCB in accordance with legislative requirements.
• Communicate regularly with employees, managers, and other stakeholders to facilitate the claims process, monitor treatment plans, and identify Return-to-Work opportunities.
• Review medical documentation throughout the life of each claim to confirm that the diagnosis and treatment continue to relate to the original injury and to assess readiness for return to work.
• Liaise with the provincial WCB on Return-to-Work planning, secondary reviews, appeals, and medical arbitration.
• Initiate, prepare, and represent CN in secondary reviews, appeals, and medical arbitration proceedings before Provincial Tribunals and Appeal Commissions, ensuring all submissions are filed within legislative deadlines.
• Maintain comprehensive claim files for all employees, including claim details, current statuses, action plans, and Return-to-Work progress.
• Research and interpret applicable WCB policies, legislation, and business procedures to ensure appropriate benefits are administered and that CN remains in compliance with all statutory obligations.
• Manage and resolve long-standing disability claims where an employee is totally and permanently disabled and all reasonable opportunities for accommodation have been exhausted.

Accommodation for Non-Occupational Injuries

• Obtain medical restriction profiles for employees from insurers, occupational health services, and treating physicians.
• Collaborate with regional stakeholders to identify and coordinate suitable accommodations consistent with documented medical restrictions.
• Record and maintain all relevant data in SAP for non-occupational claims.
• Develop and coordinate Return-to-Work plans, monitoring employee progress while on accommodated duties and adjusting plans as medical information evolves.

Policy, Legislation and Board Relations

• Monitor changes to provincial workers' compensation legislation, policies, and business procedures, and assess their impact on CN's claims management and Return-to-Work practices.
• Ensure CN's internal procedures align with current legislative and policy requirements across all applicable provinces.
• Act as CN's representative with each respective provincial WCB on matters of policy interpretation, compliance, and employer obligations.
• Participate as a member of each respective Regional Employer Group, representing CN's interests and contributing to industry-level policy discussions.

Account Management

• Manage a financial portfolio of between $5M and $10M in workers' compensation costs.
• Ensure efficient and accurate account management, including the review and validation of all invoices and associated costs.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and contribute to the overall financial performance of the function.

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN's hybrid work model. The role requires minimal travel (10%) to cooperate in return‑to‑work planning meetings and injury investigations. The role requires being available on‑call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines, with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management.

Experience

• Between 3 to 5 years of hands‑on experience in disability management, workers' compensation, or insurance claims administration
• Previous experience in workplace accommodation, return‑to‑work planning, and claim resolution
• Experience interpreting and applying workers' compensation legislation, policies, and business procedures
• Experience working with a federally regulated employer*
• Employment at a provincial workers' compensation board*
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in a related Healthcare Field, Social Science, Business, or Human Resources
• National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) Certification*
• Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education or training will be considered

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly
• Financial acumen
• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation
• Depth of analysis
• Build trust

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of disability management tools
• General knowledge of the railway industry
• General knowledge of Federally regulated employers
• Strong knowledge of applicable provincial Workers Compensation legislations, policies and business procedures
• Knowledge of Canadian and Provincial Human Rights laws
• Knowledge of ergonomic principles*

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).