Return-to-Work Specialist

Reporting directly to the Human Resources Director, the Return-to-Work Specialist will be the primary company liaison for employees on medical leave, ensuring a smooth and safe return-to-work process while driving continuous improvement in return-to-work and accommodation programs, with a strategic focus on our evidence-based early and safe return to work philosophy. The ideal candidate will be an initiative-taker who likes problem solving, is driven to identify continuous improvement opportunities and enjoys a challenge.

What We Offer:
•    A dynamic, safe, and rewarding work environment 
•    A flexible health, drug, dental and vision plan
•    RRSP matching program
•    Employee & Family Assistance Programs
•    Health & Wellness reimbursements include gym memberships and fitness classes 
•    Product purchase program
•    Maternity leave top-up program
•    Opportunities to take part in job-related training and development
•    Growth and progression opportunities within the large network of JD Irving group of companies
•    $55,000 - $70,000 (please note that this is an estimate and actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications and professional certifications.)
 

Key Responsibilities:
Full ownership of cases, driving timely follow-up, issue resolution & successful RTW outcomes
•    Manage the end-to-end Return-to-Work (RTW) and Stay-at-Work (SAW) processes
•    Complete case intake, assessment and file setup 
•    Initiate early contact with employees following injury or illness
•    Coordinate modified duties and accommodation opportunities with customers and operations 
•    Submit required WCB documentation within legislated timelines across multiple provincial jurisdictions
•    Request, review, and manage objective, function-based documentation
•    Develop, implement, and monitor RTW/SAW plans 
•    Maintain regular communication with employees throughout their recovery and return to work
•    Track case progress and proactively address barriers to successful return to work
•    Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential case files
•    Ensure compliance with legislative, policy, and reporting requirements
•    Collaborate with leaders, customers, insurers, workers' compensation boards and our Corporate Disability Manager
•    Escalate complex cases and accommodation challenges as appropriate
•    Monitor case outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
 

Education:
•    Diploma or Bachelor's degree in a related field such as: Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Disability Management, Health Sciences, or Business Administration (with relevant experience).
•    Experience in the following area will be considered an asset: Disability management, Workers' compensation legislation, Occupational health and safety, Human rights and accommodation obligations, Ergonomics, Case management, Mental health in the workplace, Vocational rehabilitation, and Labour and employment law.
•    Relevant certifications in Disability Management, Return-to-Work Coordination, Occupational Health, or Case Management are considered an asset
 

Qualifications:
•   2–5 years of experience in return-to-work coordination
•    Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent cases from intake through successful resolution
•    Strong understanding of workplace accommodation principles, functional abilities, medical restrictions, and return-to-work best practices
•    Working knowledge of workers' compensation legislation, reporting requirements, and claims management processes
•    Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, operational leaders, customers, healthcare providers, insurers, and regulatory bodies
•    Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize competing demands
•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate, confidential, and compliant documentation
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively drive cases forward with minimal supervision
•    Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify barriers and develop practical, employee-focused solutions
•    Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment while managing changing priorities and deadlines
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite 
•    Bilingualism (English and French) is considered a strong asset
 

Competencies:
•    Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple cases, track critical deadlines, maintain detailed documentation, and follow through on commitments with minimal supervision
•    Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
•    Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
•    Commitment to delivering positive employee experiences while balancing operational and compliance requirements
•    Results-oriented approach with a focus on timely case resolution and sustainable return-to-work outcomes