Salary Range: $88,990-$127,923/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Mental Health Specialist reports to the Manager, Workplace Health, and is accountable to provide expert advice to HR colleagues and operational partners on the management of complex mental health related absences and facilitation of return to work initiatives for ill or injured employees through application of disability management best practices and PHSA policies and procedures. The Mental Health Specialist is a strategic partner to an assigned operational group, promotes and fosters a consultative and proactive problem solving employee relations approach and contributes to the overall strategic design and implementation of work processes that enable operational groups to achieve their business outcomes and provides sound advice and guidance in a changing climate of Privacy and Human Rights legislation, WSBC regulations and short and long term disability benefits. The Mental Health Specialist represents the interest of the employer during communications on specific disability cases with various external stakeholders including Union Representatives, WSBC, Canada Life, as well as the employee’s Treatment Providers.
Duties/Accountabilities:
• Builds effective partnerships within assigned client groups including developing a strong understanding of the client's services, encouraging development of the client's business strategic plan to maximize the potential of available human resources.
• Provides expert advice and specialized knowledge to HR colleagues and operational partners regarding return-to work and rehabilitation issues for complex mental health files. Provides expert advice on employer and employee rights and obligations in the area of disability case management applying the applicable policies, collective agreements, relevant Duty to Accommodate legislation, and WCB regulations.
• Builds a therapeutic alliance with employee by using strategies such as motivational interviewing and trauma informed practice/language to assess, identify and refer to appropriate treatment with third party treatment providers.
• Obtains clarification of medical limitations, restrictions and prognosis for work; determines fitness to work based on careful analysis of medical restrictions and limitations and demands of job; applies due diligence in management of accommodations requests.
• Works with employees to better understand the impact of mental illness and provides practical ways to cope with the effects of mental illness;; works with employees to identify the occupations and activities that are important for daily and personal life; help to plan, initiate and track short and long term goals that enable participation in those activities.
• Offers expert consultations to managers, supervisors, HR and others with regards to physical and psychological health issues in the workplace. Provides education on the benefits of workplace rehabilitation through methods such as one-to-one or group discussions and/or provisions of program materials.
• Communicates with external agencies and third party service providers regarding sensitive information and utilizes strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively promote the interests of the employer while providing specialized knowledge regarding disability management best practices, occupational demands and PHSA policies and procedures.
• Conducts a task and physical job demands analysis to determine the appropriate job for various employee conditions. Recommends equipment, training, and/or other interventions and strategies to assist in employee recovery and return to work, and to mitigate or eliminate risk for re-injury in the future.
• Supports employees on return to work plans through job coaching. Examples of job coaching activities are: education on body mechanics, education on force reduction equipment, tips on symptom management, pacing strategies, ergonomics assessments and equipment recommendations.
• Remains current on Disability Management trends, issues and best practices through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations and attendance at seminars, workshops and educations programs.
• Utilizes operational partner feedback to continually improve delivery of services. Models behavior that is consistent with the strategic direction of the organization. Assists with development and production of relevant sick leave and disability benefit procedures, reports, and statistics.
• Participates in the development of operating budgets for additional rehabilitation services and case management support; prepares and presents service proposal to Manager for final sign off. Maintains records in accordance with established procedures and prepares/maintains service proposal data as required.
• Demonstrates support for professional growth/development by setting plans for own professional development and maintenance/updates of clinical knowledge. Reviews progress to ensure goals are achieved within established time frames.
Qualifications:
A level of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as counseling, occupational therapy or occupational health nursing from an approved and accredited post-secondary institution with a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years’ recent related experience in workplace rehabilitation or return to work programs and case management field in a large service organization. Master’s degree preferred. Eligible for membership or registration with appropriate professional licensing body.
Expert knowledge in WCB Regulations and procedures, Human Rights Legislations, Freedom of Information and Privacy Legislation, and application of collective agreements. Possesses knowledge and understanding of disability management principles and best practices. Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities and manage a demanding workload, and being guided by policies and procedures, regulations, legislation, and collective agreements. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including verbal, written and presentation skills. Proven problem solving, decision making, consulting skills, and the ability to facilitate the resolution of issues. Models a commitment to service and being a strategic HR business partner within a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and engage others to ensure success in the workplace. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a team and to work independently. Commitment to the value of continuous learning and an open curiosity for new ideas and innovation. Ability to use related equipment including the HR information system, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools.