Disability Management & Occupational Health & Safety Program Lead in Burnaby

The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 90,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. We trace our beginnings back to the early 1900s when provincial government employees formed an association to address their working conditions. Since then, our union has organized thousands of workers outside the government service. We’re continuing to grow.

The BCGEU believes that every worker is entitled to union representation and free collective bargaining without discrimination. Collective bargaining rights are human rights. We strive to eliminate barriers to members’ involvement and inclusion in union activity. All people are entitled to enjoy human rights, political freedom, quality public services, democratic government, and a sustainable environment, in a just society. The BCGEU commits to social justice, equality, workplace safety, decent wages and working conditions. We will pursue social, economic, and political justice as those are the goals upon which the labour movement was founded.

BCGEU offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide justice and fairness for British Columbians.

Job Summary: The Disability Management & OHS Program Lead ensures that the organization has an integrated approach to workplace health, wellness, safety and disability management across BCGEU. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, this role is responsible for two connected areas of work at the BCGEU:

• Overseeing the organization’s Disability Management program, including liaising with third-party benefits providers, staff and leadership to facilitate timely claim adjudication, coordinate return-to-work plans and implement accommodations in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code where needed.
• Overseeing our Occupational Health & Safety program, ensuring that the organization has the policies, procedures, and monitoring systems in place to promote a safe and healthy workplace, in compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary liaison between staff, leadership and the third-party benefits provider responsible for administering short-term and long-term disability (STD/LTD) claims.
• Monitor claims to ensure they are adjudicated in a timely, consistent, and fair manner, in line with plan provisions and organizational expectations.
• Track claim timelines and outcomes, escalating delays or concerns with the third-party benefits provider as needed.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with leadership across departments to ensure smooth communication, timely information sharing, and coordinated responses regarding staff on disability leave.
• Support employees navigating the disability claims process, ensuring they understand next steps and have access to appropriate information.
• Identify trends or recurring issues related to sick leave, claims handling and recommend improvements to policies, processes and relationships with 3rd party organizations.
• Collaborate with HR, department leadership, IT, facilities and union representatives to facilitate return-to-work plans, including clarifying functional limitations & restrictions and implementing accommodations, in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code.
• Utilize workplace check-in data and real-time monitoring systems to proactively identify potential safety risks, particularly for staff working remotely/in isolation.
• Oversee administrative support to ensure timely data entry, reporting and records management.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Rehabilitation, Health Sciences, Disability Management, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible experience in both disability management and occupational health & safety, including at least 2 years directly managing disability claims, return-to-work/accommodation processes, and OHS programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the B.C. Human Rights Code, Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and WorkSafeBC requirements, including experience supporting JOHSC activities.
• Professional certification in disability management, occupational health & safety, or a related field (e.g., CDMP, CRSP, or CRST) is required or strongly preferred; occupational first aid certification is an asset.
• Experience in a unionized, public-sector, not-for-profit, or complex multi-site environment, with experience developing policies, procedures, training, reporting/metrics, and coordinating staff or service providers; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of disability management, short- and long-term disability claims, accommodation, and applicable B.C. legislation, including the Human Rights Code.
• Strong knowledge of Workers Compensation Act, WorkSafeBC OHS Regulations, and OHS standards and best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills, including the ability to assess disability, sick leave, and OHS trends.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and discretion, with the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive/confidential information.

At BCGEU, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities and Disabled People, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process.