Placement Specialist in Winnipeg

The Manitoba government is seeking a skilled and collaborative Placement Specialist to join the Return to Work and Accommodation Services Unit (RASU) within the Workforce Relations Division of the Public Service Commission. RASU provides centralized return-to-work and accommodation services across the Manitoba Public Service. The Placement Specialist plays a critical role in supporting employees who require accommodation, workplace placement, or re-employment when return to the home position is not feasible.

Duties

• Reporting to the Director, RASU, the Placement Specialist leads the placement phase of return-to-work and accommodation files following formal transfer from a RASU Case Manager.
• Providing expert advice to management and senior leadership on the Reasonable Accommodation Policy, collective agreements, applicable legislation, and related accommodation, placement, and re-employment processes.
• Conducting transferable skills analyses and collaborating with employees, departments, unions, and other stakeholders to develop individualized accommodation, placement, return-to-work, and re-employment plans based on medical documentation and functional abilities information.
• Independently managing medical-related requirements following case transfer, including preparing and issuing medical information requests, determining the information required, interpreting medical and functional abilities information, and applying findings to accommodation, placement, and re-employment planning in accordance with PHIA, FIPPA, legislation, and policy.
• Facilitating accommodation and re-employment by identifying suitable opportunities, reviewing placement and availability lists, marketing employees to departments, and coordinating trial placements and re-employment arrangements.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with departments, unions, and decision-makers to advance placement efforts, resolve complex issues, and elevate significant or government-wide concerns to the Director, RASU, as appropriate.
• Assessing employee training and development needs, identifying appropriate learning supports, and evaluating outcomes to promote successful workplace reintegration.
• Supporting employees throughout the placement process through regular communication, job search assistance, workplace issue resolution, and guidance regarding expectations and available options.
• Monitoring accommodation, placement, and re-employment outcomes; maintaining accurate records; tracking timelines and progress; and contributing to training, awareness, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ensuring the secure handling, storage, and confidentiality of medical, placement, accommodation, and re-employment information in compliance with PHIA, FIPPA, and government policies and standards.
• Representing the employer as a management resource or witness in grievance, arbitration, appeal, or other proceedings related to accommodation, placement, and re-employment matters, as required.

This position plays a critical role in supporting employee reintegration, maximizing employment opportunities, mitigating organizational risk, and advancing a consistent and inclusive accommodation framework across government.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or diploma in health services, occupational health and safety, disability management, human resources, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Experience managing accommodation, return-to-work, placement, and re-employment cases, including developing and implementing individualized plans based on medical and functional abilities information.
• Experience requesting, analyzing, interpreting, and applying medical and functional abilities information to support accommodation, placement, return-to-work, and re-employment decisions.
• Broad knowledge of human resources and labour relations principles, including the interpretation and application of collective agreements, accommodation legislation and policies, human rights legislation, benefit policies, PHIA, and FIPPA.
• Thorough knowledge of disability management, accommodation, and return-to-work legislation, policies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, practical advice and recommendations on complex and sensitive accommodation, placement, and re-employment matters, exercising strong political acuity, judgement, discretion, and awareness of organizational priorities, stakeholder interests, and broader public service impacts.
• Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, mediation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts, assess options, and make appropriate decisions within scope.
• Excellent interpersonal, consultation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with employees, departments, unions, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, and a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Effective organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and complex caseloads.

Desired

• Experience using Smartsheet or similar case tracking/workflow tools.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience developing or delivering training related to accommodation, placement, or re-employment practices.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in French.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must provide and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and internal enhanced security check.
• Must be able to travel throughout Manitoba and have a valid driver licence.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.

Why Work For Manitoba Government?

The Manitoba government values its employees, recognizing the important role that each person plays in delivering exceptional services, programs and support to the province. Your important contributions are recognized with a comprehensive package of benefits, including an attractive salary, pension plan, health and wellness benefits, and other supports to encourage work-life balance.

• Financial Security
• Attractive salaries.
• Defined pension plan.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Long-Term Disability Plan.
• Benefit Plan
• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision.
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more.
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees.
• Commitment to Health and Wellness
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Paid time-off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days.
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service.
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options.
• Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow, and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as in-house training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.