Reporting to the Leader, Disability Management, the DTA-Disability Management Advisor is responsible for specialized consultation and coordination on matters related to occupational and non-occupation illness or injury. The Advisor is accountable for managing the Duty to Accommodate (DTA) process including negotiation, approval and sign off of DTA agreements on behalf of the Employer and the case management of complex occupational and non-occupational claims. The Advisor provides complex disability case management services to the employee in coordinating all aspects of managing their absence including interpreting medical/clinical information, promoting return to work efforts, early identification of disability claims for the coordination of services and developing modified and/or alternate work opportunities to mitigate absences due to occupational and non-occupational injury and/or illness. Provides leadership to Management, Human Resources, Unions and Employees regarding the need for health assessment in determining work suitability to mitigate Employer/Employee risk and provides consultation and expertise on policies relative to general and specific medical absences and rehabilitation issues. Represents the Employer in third party proceedings and/or assists counsel/HR Advisors in case preparation. Contributes to the development and implementation of related HR policies and procedures and educational programs and training materials.

Education
Baccalaureate degree in a health related discipline such as Occupational Health Nursing, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy five (5) to seven (7) years' recent related

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of collective agreements and applicable legislation and regulations and their application to disability matters as well as demonstrated ability in legislative interpretation.

Ability to organize work of self, identifying and managing multiple and complex priorities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Demonstrated technical expertise and interpersonal skills to facilitate consultations and liaison with management, union representatives and with external legislative agencies.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Effective analytical and problem solving skills and abilities to outline recommendations to Leaders and outside agencies.

Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution techniques.

Demonstrated teaching skills utilizing adult education principles.

Ability to work effectively, independently and in collaboration with others.

Ability to develop and maintain working relationships at all levels of the organization.

Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex problems.

Ability to provide leadership and advice to others on disability management and the DTA process.

Demonstrated ability to operate related office equipment and computer programs.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Utilizes a medical case management model to assess, evaluate, plan and assist the Employee in coordinating all aspects of managing their absence due to occupational and non-occupational illness or injury, including Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD). This encompasses early intervention initiatives, evaluation of treatment plan for disabilities and coordination of all aspects of the rehabilitation plan.

Interprets medical information provided in conjunction with job specific requirements and makes decisions regarding work suitability of each case. Challenges medical evidence as appropriate. Establishes relevant medical questionnaires to send to the physician for clarification of medical evidence provided as necessary.

Determines if third party medical assessments are necessary and makes referrals for the same.

In accordance with the collective agreement provisions and PHC policy, coordinates the Enhanced Disability Management Program.

Manages the Duty to Accommodate (DTA) process to ensure the Employee's return to productive work is the result of a partnership between the Employee, Leader, Union and Insuring Agency. Meets regularly with Union representatives to review DTA files. Approves and signs off DTA agreements on behalf of Providence Health Care.

Case manages complex WorkSafeBC claims, up to and including Return to Work (RTW) initiatives.

Provides leadership to management, Human Resources, Unions and Employees regarding the need for health assessment to determine work suitability to ensure bona fide occupational requirements are met thereby mitigating risk for both the Employer and Employee. Indications are pre-employment, post hire and RTW after extended absence, including LTD and DTA requests.

Coordinates with the designated Leader and Human Resources Advisor to conduct a physical and mental demands analysis of job to assist with functional assessment.

Provides consultation and expertise to the Leader, Management, Union Representatives and Employees on case management; policies relative to general and specific medical absences and rehabilitation issues based on knowledge of the WCB Act, Human Rights legislation, collective agreement provisions and PHC policy and procedures.

Represents PHC in court proceedings (e.g., ICBC cases) and human rights tribunals as required including liaising with legal counsel. Works with HR Advisors and/or legal counsel to gather and prepare evidence to support the Employer's position in arbitral proceedings regarding sick leave, GRTWs and accommodations and/or meets with arbitrators to review HEU files in situations where the Employee is challenging an accommodation decision.

Develops and/or updates occupational health policies and procedures in collaboration with the Lead to maintain a safe and health work environment based on current research and/or recommendations of federal and provincial authorities.

Develops, implements and evaluates educational programs and training materials for Managers, Leaders, Supervisors and staff in relation to attendance enhancement, return to work initiatives and duty to accommodate responsibilities.

Collects and analyzes data on sick absences and prepares applicable reports and proposals for internal and external use.

Participates in internal and external groups and meetings as required to share and provide information.

Maintains current knowledge in the field if disability management through the review of literature as well as liaising with appropriate professional groups.

Performs other related duties as required.