Abilities and Accommodations Specialist
COMPETITION NO. AD26-04
$87,240 to $109,049

About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the director, Organizational Effectiveness the Abilities and Accommodations Specialist will function collaboratively as a member of the Human Resources (HR) team in providing leadership and expertise in the administration of benefits programs, including employee leaves and return to work, as well as work related accommodations under the college policy, and as required by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The incumbent contributes to the advancement of an integrated model of employee health, safety, and well-being through providing expertise and guidance to administrators, managers, staff, faculty, unions and other stakeholders regarding disability management and support, return to work and accommodation. The incumbent liaises with internal and external partners to adjudicate and manage claims, and to facilitate the safe and timely return to work and/or accommodation pertaining to short term disability (STD), long term disability (LTD) and other medical disabilities.

The incumbent will be responsible for administering employee leaves, short and long-term disability claims, return to work plans, non-occupational accommodations, and the Employee and Family Assistance Program. The incumbent will liaise with health care professionals, benefits plan administrators, employees and supervisors, ensuring all requirements and documentation are in place for the various types of leaves, and specifically that the college’s policies on medical leaves, return to work plans and non-occupational accommodations are effectively implemented. The incumbent will prepare documentation and will proactively communicate necessary information to employees, supervisors, payroll, and the benefits plan provider ensuring the utmost confidentiality and privacy requirements are met. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for facilitating the return-to-work process for all types of leaves, including working with employees and all partners to facilitate returns from medical leave where return to work plans and accommodations are required.

As part of the HR team, the incumbent is responsible for providing professional advice to the College community while maintaining and communicating policies and procedures and legislative requirements regarding leaves and accommodations and identifying opportunities for improvement and team development. By working collaboratively with other areas of HR as well as external departments within the College, the incumbent will contribute to a positive working environment and culture that is committed to improving processes, efficiency and customer service.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have a diploma or degree in a related field such as Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, supplemented with education and has or working towards certification in disability management (e.g. Certified Disability Management Professional – CDMP, Certified Return to Work Coordinator – CRWC, Registered Kinesiologist, Occupational Health Nurse), along with up to five years of progressive human resources experience, including expertise in benefit administration in a unionized, multi-employee group, environment. Certification in mental health programs such as Mental Health First Aid and The Working Mind is an asset. The Abilities and Accommodations Specialist will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience on legislation and principles pertaining to disability management, STD, LTD, return to work (RTW) and accommodation.
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Proven ability to understand medical terminology, human anatomy, and effects of injury and disease on physiology.
• Strong case management skills for complex cases, STD, LTD, RTW or accommodation cases.
• Knowledge of incident/accident investigation, analysis and reporting.
• Highly effective written and oral communication, facilitation, mediation, and proven ability to interact effectively with a diverse population at all levels.
• Experienced in developing and delivering wellness training and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills; and ability to work in situations requiring tact, diplomacy and sensitivity.Ability to deal effectively and objectively in emotionally charged situations.Ability to work in a team-based environment.
• Attention to detail; excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands and creatively problem solve.
• Excellent computer and information technology skills, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on February 20, 2026. Competition number AD26-04.

Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON

Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.