At Unity Health Toronto, we are committed to fostering a culture of compassion, inclusivity, human dignity, and excellence. The Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness department at Unity Health Toronto works to promote, protect and maintain the health, safety and wellness of Unity Health employees in a manner consistent with professional practices, organizational values and policies, and government legislation. Rooted in our core values and our strategic goal of cultivating Joy in Work, the Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness team are seeking a dedicated Abilities Specialist - Attendance Support to join our team.

In this vital role, you will support our mission of improving the health and wellbeing of our staff by helping team members stay well and working. Through proactive support, compassionate case management, and collaboration across departments, you will contribute directly to creating a healthy, engaged, and resilient workforce that thrives in delivering exceptional care. Join us in building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work every day.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management

• Manage a caseload of complex, disability management cases with a lens on attendance support from intake to resolution.

• Provides proactive disability management services to employees for occupational and non-occupational illness or injury

• Review job demands and identify suitable work

• Develop and monitor individualized return-to-work plans in collaboration with the employee, union representatives and cross-departmental stakeholders.

• Collaborate with workplace parties to resolve barriers to successful and sustainable return to work plans

• Manage and lead the temporary and/or permanent accommodation in the workplace for medical reasons process in collaboration with

  the employee, union representatives and cross-departmental stakeholders

• Analyze attendance patterns and identify root causes of absenteeism to inform case management and program development decisions and plans.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in alignment with organizational, professional practice and legal standards.

Policy Application and Interpretation

• Apply collective agreement language, attendance policies, and relevant legislation (e.g., Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act) to case management.
• Provide guidance to leaders and staff on rights, responsibilities, and entitlements related to sick leave absences and medical accommodation.

Communication and Conflict Resolution

• Act as a liaison between employees, union representatives, health professionals, leadership and other external stakeholders (e.g. WSIB).
• Facilitate regular case conferences with stakeholders to ensure timely updates and shared decision-making.
• Participate in the grievance process which may include case review, development of a case summary, preparation with legal counsel, and participation in mediation or arbitration proceedings.
• Address conflicts or misunderstandings in a respectful, proactive, and solution-oriented manner.

Education and Capacity Building

• Deliver education sessions to WHSW colleagues, managers and teams on attendance support programs, processes, and best practices.
• Support a culture of wellness, accountability, and psychological safety.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners such as employees, union representatives, human resources, leadership, WSIB, and TAHSN.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track metrics and trends related to disability case management to inform leadership and guide program improvements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the attendance support program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in a regulated health profession required;

• Current registration in good standing with relevant professional College required;

• Certified Disability Case Management Professional (preferred);

• Previous experience in managing complex cases within the context of an attendance support program

  required;

• Previous experience in complex non-occupational and occupational disability case management required;

• Previous experience in managing and leading accommodations in the workplace for medical reasons required;

• Previous experience working in a unionized environment;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills tailored to various audiences;

• Proficient computer skills - experience working with Parklane is an asset

Major Skills and Competencies

Communication

• Strong verbal and written communication skills tailored to various audiences.
• Ability to explain complex or sensitive issues with clarity and empathy.

Conflict Resolution

• Demonstrated ability to manage and de-escalate conflict in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations.
• Skilled in mediation and facilitation techniques.

Collaboration

• Proven ability to work across disciplines and departments, including with unions, occupational health, human resources, and front-line leadership.
• High degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competence.

Organization and Prioritization

• Ability to manage a high volume of cases efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and process adherence.

Analytical and Creative Thinking

• Ability to assess complex, multifactorial situations and develop customized, forward-thinking solutions.
• Innovative problem-solving mindset while maintaining compliance with policies and legislation.

Knowledge of Applicable Laws and Agreements

• In-depth understanding of Ontario labour law, human rights legislation, WSIB, disability management, and collective agreements.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

• Ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and professional roles.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all interactions and decisions.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.