Workplace Health and Ability Specialist

Essex, ON, Canada

Full Time

Human Resources

Experienced

Workplace Health and Ability Specialist

Department: Human Resources
Location: County of Essex – Administration Building (Essex)
Salary Band: Band 5 | Non-Union | 35 Hours/Week
Compensation Range: $89,777 - $110,222
Vacancy Status: This is a permanent full-time position.
Posting #: COE-19-26
Opening Date: June 5, 2026
Closing Date: June 22, 2026

Role Snapshot (Our Elevator Pitch!)

Are you an experienced disability management professional who thrives in complex workplace environments and enjoys balancing employee support with legislative compliance?
The County of Essex is seeking a Workplace Health and Ability Specialist to lead occupational and non-occupational disability management programs across the organization.
In this specialized role, you will provide expert guidance on workplace accommodations, attendance support, WSIB administration, and return-to-work planning from a compliance perspective. Working closely with leaders, employees, unions, healthcare providers, and Human Resources, you will help ensure the Corporation meets its obligations under applicable legislation while supporting positive employee outcomes.
This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys navigating complex cases, interpreting medical information, mitigating organizational risk, and helping create practical workplace solutions.

Why Work With Us?

The County of Essex is an upper-tier municipality serving 193,000 residents and delivering shared services across Windsor-Essex. Located in Ontario’s southernmost region, the County offers an affordable blend of urban and rural living, unmatched recreational opportunities, and proximity to Windsor and Detroit.
With competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture rooted in respect and inclusivity, we are committed to building strong teams and helping our employees thrive.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will be responsible for:

Disability Management and Accommodation
- Lead the administration and coordination of occupational and non-occupational disability cases, including WSIB, short-term disability, long-term disability, and medically supported absences
- Review medical information and assess functional abilities, restrictions, and accommodation requirements
- Develop and coordinate individualized accommodation and return-to-work plans
- Act as the primary contact for disability management matters involving employees, leaders, unions, healthcare providers, insurers, and external agencies
Legislative Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with the Human Rights Code, WSIA, ESA, OHSA, PHIPA, collective agreements, and County policies
- Support the organization in fulfilling its duty to accommodate obligations
- Coordinate independent medical examinations and requests for additional medical information where appropriate
- Prepare documentation and support organizational representation in grievances, arbitrations, WSIB matters, mediations, and legal proceedings
Leadership Support and Consultation
- Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on attendance support, accommodations, disability management, and employee communication
- Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and complex case reviews
- Partner with Human Resources and departmental leaders to support effective case management
Analysis and Continuous Improvement
- Monitor trends related to absenteeism, claims duration, accommodation activity, and WSIB costs
- Prepare reports, metrics, and recommendations for leadership
- Identify opportunities to improve disability management practices and organizational outcomes

What You Bring:
Education and Commitment to Growth:

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Health Sciences, Occupational Health, Social Sciences, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Certification such as Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRWC), or related disability management designation is considered an asset.

Experience and Expertise:

- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in disability management, workplace accommodation, attendance support, and claims management
- Experience managing WSIB and non-occupational disability cases
- Experience within a unionized environment is preferred

Skills and Abilities:

- Strong knowledge of disability management principles and accommodation practices
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information
- Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 and HR information systems

Other Requirements:

- Valid Class G Ontario Driver's Licence and reliable vehicle
- Ability to provide a Driver Abstract and Police Information Check

What We Are Offering

- A full-time, permanent position (35 hours per week) based at the County of Essex Administration Building and Sun Parlor Home
- A competitive salary aligned with Salary Band 5 of our non-union structure
- Participation in the OMERS pension plan
- Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance benefits
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A collaborative and respectful work environment committed to service excellence

The Application Journey

Your journey starts here. Submit your application online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by June 22, 2026. If selected, you will be contacted by our HR team to participate in our hiring process.

We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application Submission
Submit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by the closing date.
2. Initial Screening
Our hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.
3. Phone Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15-minute phone interview to discuss their background, interest in the role, relevant experience, and alignment with the County's commitment to employee well-being, service excellence, and respectful workplaces.
4. Comprehensive Interview Panel
Selected candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview. This stage will focus on your experience in disability management, workplace accommodations, attendance support, legislative compliance, and stakeholder collaboration.
Candidates may be asked to discuss their approach to complex workplace situations involving medical restrictions, return-to-work planning, accommodation obligations, and balancing employee needs with operational requirements. The panel will include representatives from Human Resources and organizational leadership to ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation.
5. Offer and Onboarding
If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer outlining the terms of employment. Upon acceptance, our onboarding team will work with you to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to your team, access to tools and systems, and a structured onboarding plan.

The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through [email protected]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.

Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.

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Do you possess a post-secondary diploma or degree in Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health, Health Sciences, Nursing, Kinesiology, Social Work, or a related field?*

Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of experience managing disability, accommodation, attendance support, or workplace health cases?*

Do you have practical experience applying Ontario legislation related to workplace accommodation and disability management, including the Human Rights Code and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act?*

Have you managed WSIB, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, or occupational injury/illness cases?*

How many years of direct experience do you have managing disability management, accommodation, or attendance support cases?*

Which programs have you administered? (Select all that apply)* WSIBShort-Term DisabilityLong-Term DisabilityAttendance Support ProgramsOccupational Injury ManagementNon-Occupational Accommodation

What is the largest active caseload you have managed?*

How much experience do you have working in a unionized environment?*

How comfortable are you reviewing medical information and translating restrictions and limitations into workplace accommodations?*

Briefly describe a complex disability management, accommodation, or return-to-work case that you managed and your role in achieving a successful outcome. (250 words maximum)*

This position manages multiple active cases simultaneously. Describe your approach to organizing and prioritizing competing demands. (250 words maximum)*

Are you legally entitled to work in Canada? **

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted? **

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