Health and Wellness Specialist

At the Niagara Catholic District School Board, the well-being of our staff is an integral component in providing a quality Catholic Education. Reporting to the Health and Wellness Manager, the Health and Wellness Specialist (HWS) leads all disability case management, safe return to work, workplace accommodations, and early intervention strategies in partnership with all stakeholders for both occupational and non-occupational injuries/illnesses. The role balances compliance, employee well-being, operational continuity, and cost control. The (HWS) acts as a confidential case manager, liaising with employees, managers, unions (as applicable), healthcare providers, and third-party providers to drive timely, fair, and evidence-based outcomes .

WHAT WE OFFER

• Extensive benefits: health, drug, vision, dental, and health care spending account
• Enrolment in an exceptional Pension Plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Staff Wellness resources
• Competitive vacation days; plus, an additional two-week paid Christmas break
• Condensed summer working hours
• Flexible work arrangements
• Inclusive, high-performing culture
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Provide case management for all medical leaves, including return to work and work accommodations for all staff, including Occupational and Non-Occupational claims;
• Proficiently correspond in writing with health care professionals for clarifying and reasonable medical follow-up relating to functional capabilities and limitations for the purpose of supporting sick leave benefits and engaging in timely return to work planning;
• Facilitate return to work and accommodation meetings with all parties – employee, supervisor, union representative, and in some cases, third-party providers;
• Prepare, report, and provide recommendations on claim trends using a variety of employee data sources;
• Communicate with Principals/Managers to ensure appropriate accommodations are facilitated;
• Manage claims management reporting software;
• Process all employee reports of accidents; ensure the legislated reporting obligations are met on behalf of the employer, as it relates to all Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims and payments;
• Maintain on-going contact with ill/injured employees and facilitate an early and safe return to work wherever possible;
• Verify financial matters pertaining to WSIB;
• Review and facilitate any medical equipment-related accommodation requests.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in Disability Management, Occupational Health, HR, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Nursing or related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years' demonstrated disability case management experience in a unionized environment.
• Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or equivalent preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources practices and processes, legislation specific to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and Employment Standards Act.
• Knowledge and ability to operate basic computer software applications, such as Microsoft Office and other applicable software applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral/written/presentation skills, highly motivated, able to work independently with strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex issues with precision & clarity.
• Experience understanding physical and cognitive restrictions, and how they apply to the demands of the essential duties of the job. Empathy, discretion, judgment and professionalism in handling sensitive, confidential information, including personal health information.
• Solid critical thinking, analytical, decision making, risk assessment, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management across high case volumes and shifting priorities.

This is a full-time permanent position.

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

LOCATION: Catholic Education Centre, Welland, ON

Posting Status: Vacancy

We thank all candidates for applying; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Record Check, dated within the past six months of the hire date. This position requires completion of a Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. For more

information, please refer to 201.18 Police Record Check & Offence

Declaration AOP on the Board's website.

Niagara Catholic is committed to building a workforce

that reflects the diversity of our students, families, and communities we

serve. Guided by our Equity and Inclusive Education Policy, and in

accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code,

we actively work to identify and remove barriers, address

bias, and foster

fair, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming employment

practices.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities, and value the unique contributions each person brings to our Catholic learning environment.

Niagara Catholic is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process, and through all stages of employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities

Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and selection process are encouraged to notify Human Resources so that appropriate support can be facilitated.

Niagara Catholic does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.