Health Advisor

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 131,000 students and 15,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.

The CBE understands the future of work is flexible. In this role, you are eligible to participate in a flexible work program that allows you to work remotely for up to three days a week. A minimum of two days must be in the office. At certain times, you maybe be required to work in the office more then 2 days per week based on operational requirements.

Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, EHRC this position provides advanced occupational health services to CBE with a view to ensuring early intervention and recovery, and promoting a culture of health and wellness within the CBE by addressing health from both an individual and organizational perspective. This position acts in a consultative role to both management and employees on health related issues including policies and procedures, benefit eligibility, program compliance and labour relations matters.

Responsibilities

Provides advice and support in an advisory capacity to management on matters related to disability management.

• Collects, analyzes and interprets medical information for the employer in order to determine the validity of the absence and eligibility for benefits under the collective agreement
• Provides expert testimony in grievances, arbitration, and legal proceedings associated with disability claims as required
• Provides technical expertise on matters related to interpretation of policies and practice, benefit eligibility, and non-compliance issues
• Advises management on fitness to return to work, non-compliance, re-deployment possibilities, required accommodations and alternate or modified work arrangements
• Works with HR in order to assist them in planning for recruitment activities or issues related to return to work and accommodations
• Acts as the primary contact between the carriers and management on issues related to disability management

Ensures effective application and administration of current policies, procedures, and contractual arrangements.

• Ensures a consistent approach to, and compliance with disability management programs and policies throughout CBE
• Recommends new or improved policies and procedures to ensure that the health management programs meet employee and business objectives based on best practice methodologies, and principles of prevention and rehabilitation practices into the program
• Maintains current and confidential records of employee health and disability information in a systematic and consistent manner
• Provides input into negotiations related benefits and health related issues

Collects, prepares and analyses statistical data in order to proactively evaluate program success.

• Develops ad hoc and routine reports to support improvements to policies and procedures and further Health and Wellness initiatives
• Ensures maximum financial entitlements from WCB and insurance providers through effective case management
• Identifies specific trends and gaps in order to determine the effectiveness of preventative and rehabilitative activities

Provides disability case management in accordance with CBE policy and legislative requirements

• Collects, analyzes and interprets medical information for the employer in order to complete pre-placement health assessments to determine appropriate placement at time of hire
• Refers employees for diagnosis, assessment, treatment and / or therapy as necessary
• Assesses ‘fitness to work’ including medical limitations, risk to students or others, and work restrictions based on available medical information from the employee, health care providers and key stakeholders
• Develops appropriate strategies for recovery and rehabilitation in consultation with stakeholders
• Plans, develops and manages the return-to-work phase for employees following an illness or injury

Manages consulting and contractual relationships

• Assesses and evaluates external health care providers, specialists and community resources to ensure acceptable service levels
• Maintains relationships with CBE’s list of preferred providers to ensure a effective pool of health service providers,
• Communicates and negotiates on a continuous basis with insurance carriers to facilitate rehabilitation and return to work for employee
• Reviews return to work initiatives, strategies, rehabilitation, and independent medical reviews in consultation with key stakeholders and health service providers to ensure appropriateness and compliance

Builds and maintains effective communication links with internal and external stakeholders

• Responds to employee and management needs and requests in a timely, accurate and professional manner
• Coordinates and interfaces with key stakeholders to ensure program and process efficiencies
• Maintain positive working relationship with employees, union representatives, CBE functional departments and health services providers

Develops, implements, and communicates programs to promote health and well-being.

• Supports evidence-based interventions for employees to prevent illness, injury, disease and stress, and promote health and well being
• Develops and implements education and training programs to assist stakeholders to understand policies and procedures related to health and wellness
• Design, develops and implements communications and activities that support positive work environment and healthy work life balance

Accountable for own professional development.

• Maintains current knowledge and understanding of trends and developments in the areas of occupational health and disability management to determine impact to systems and processes,
• Maintain an awareness of changes in practice and procedure within the professional field through the maintenance of professional memberships, and attendance at professional development courses and sessions
• Demonstrates professionalism in day to day routines and interactions
• Presents a professional image in written, verbal skills as well as appearance

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary degree in nursing or health sciences
• Membership in a relevant professional organization
• 3 – 5 years related experience
• An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered.
• Certification in Occupational Health Nursing, Occupational Health or rehabilitation is preferred
• Experience working in large, multi-site and/or unionized environments preferred

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of disability management, duty to accommodate, collective agreements, privacy laws, Workers Compensation, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health Act, FOIP legislation, and legal principles of consent
• Knowledge of benefits programs
• Certification in Occupational Health Nursing, Occupational Health or rehabilitation is preferred
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft and Medgate, or similar software systems preferred

Police Information Clearance: Applicants new to the Calgary Board of Education WHO ARE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT must complete and pass a police information clearance before employment is confirmed.