Wsib/health & Safety Rep I

SEIU Healthcare is a union of more than 60,000 members who are frontline healthcare workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and homecare agencies in communities throughout Ontario. We advocate with our members by launching progressive member driven programs, adapting best practices, and encouraging new and innovative ideas. We strive to create a society where workers are valued and rewarded for their work. As a result, thriving workers have a greater opportunity to participate and lead in building healthy communities. We provide a strong voice through collective bargaining, labour relations, and political action to ensure frontline workers are heard and respected when decisions about healthcare are being made.

: This position is full-time working at our Office in Richmond Hill, and reports to the Chief of Staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Prepares and presents cases for injured and/or ill members at the WSIB Appeals Services and/or Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT).

• Gathers the necessary evidence to suppose appeals (ex. writes to health care providers, ergonomists, occupational health clinics, hospitals, etc.) Prepares members, witnesses, and other stakeholders to testify at WSIB and WSIAT hearings.

• Prepares and presents written and oral submissions for WSIB and/or WSIAT appeals.

• Communicates with members, witnesses, and other stakeholders.

• Researches WSIB and WSIAT jurisprudence, epidemiology, medical terminology, and/or other medical reference documentation.

• Provides advice on WSIB, WSIAT, and/or health and safety to internal stakeholders.

• Educates and trains members on matters related to WSIB and/or health and safety.

• Attends WSIB return-to-work meetings with members, WSIB staff, and employers.

• Creates, maintains, and closes WSIB files that have been opened by members in accordance with established internal processes.

• Follows through on WSIB implementation of appeals decisions.

• Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct supervisory role, however, the position may occasionally supervise members that are participating in department programs. INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACT

• Discussions with WSIB and WSIAT personnel (Adjudicators, Case Managers, Nurses, Managers, Appeals Schedulers, Appeals Administrators, Appeals Resolution Officers, WSIB Sector Directors, WSIAT Vice-Chairs).

• Contact with outside healthcare providers to request medical documentation.

• Contact with occupational health and safety clinics regarding medical, ergonomic, and hygiene referrals.

• Discussions with employer representatives and/or lawyers about member appeals.

• Contact with SEIU Healthcare stewards, members, Occupational Health and Safety Committees, return-to-work committees.

• Discussions with SEIU Healthcare staff to provide advice on specific members cases, WSIB, and/or health and safety issues. EDUCATION BACKGROUND

• Successful completion of WSIB Level I, II, III (Appeals), IV (Medical Orientation), V (Return-to-Work & Duty to Accommodate), VI (Occupational Disease), WSIB ODRT Instructor Training, and Occupational Health and Safety Levels I and II.

• Registration as a licenced Paralegal or Lawyer in the Province of Ontario is highly desirable. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A minimum of two (2) years experience in Workers Compensation representation and/or completion of post-secondary Paralegal program that provides for licencing in the Province of Ontario.

• Extensive knowledge of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and previous versions of that legislation, as well as WSIB operational policies and adjudicative resource documents.

• Extensive knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

• Working knowledge of the Canada Pension Plan Disability process.

• Working knowledge of the sections of the Ontario Labour Relations Act related to establishment of bargaining rights by certification, termination of bargaining rights, unfair labour practices and all related processes established by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on their Rules of Procedure.

• Knowledge of searchable workers compensation caselaw databases.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy as it relates to physical and mental health conditions and/or occupational disease. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED :

• Proficiency in languages other than English is an asset.

• Advanced Interpersonal skills.

• Excellent written communication skills that include the ability to create legal arguments for submissions to WSIB and/or WSIAT.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft word, outlook and excel.

• Ability to navigate, adapt and resolve conflict situations LICENSES.CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• WSIB Level I, II, III (Appeals), IV (Medical Orientation), V (Return-to-Work & Duty to Accommodate), VI (Occupational Disease), WSIB ODRT Instructor Training, and Occupational Health and Safety Levels I and II.

• Registration as a licenced Para