College or university education in Social Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Relations, or Legal, or equivalent experience; nursing experience is a plus.
3-5 years of experience as an OH&S steward, labour relations officer, or practicing lawyer with knowledge of occupational illnesses and the Workers' Compensation system.
3-5 years of advocacy experience, including case research, medical legal opinions, and representation in hearings.
Ability to interpret the Workers Compensation Act and related legislation, with knowledge of nurses' employment issues.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, with a focus on conflict resolution and collaboration.
Strong project management skills and experience working with diverse partners.
Willingness to travel and possess a valid driver's license.
Responsibilities
Perform duties of a Labour Relations Officer focused on WCB Advocacy.
Collaborate on developing and implementing a comprehensive WCB Compensation strategy.
Stay updated on legislative changes and identify trends in workers' compensation benefits.
Analyze legislation and develop policy papers and recommendations for WCB compensation strategy.
Build relationships with workers compensation representatives and external organizations.
Provide technical expertise on WCB matters to LROs and other departments.
Facilitate workshops and presentations for stewards, members, and staff.
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
Professional development opportunities.
Supportive work environment with a focus on collaboration.
Access to resources for ongoing education and training.
Full Job Description
Job Title:
Labour Relations Officer - Workers Compensation Policy
Regular Full-Time
Reporting to:
Coordinator, WCB/LTD Appeals
Posting #:
USW-036-26
Bargaining Unit:
USW 2009
Pay Grade:
5 level 1 ($107,162.52 annually, plus $8,420 salary
differential per year)
Posting Period:
Open till filled
Position Overview
Researches and analyzes legislation, Workers Compensation law and policies and the impacts of developments on members. Works with BCNU leadership to develop a strategy to address issues related to advancing Workers Compensation law and policy. Serves as the union's in-house technical expert on WCB compensation matters. Advocates on behalf of members with Worker's Compensation appeals. Consults with internal and external partners and experts. Identifies opportunities to advance BCNU's goals and objectives.
This position may involve representing BCNU at policy forums.
Key Responsibilities
Is able to perform the duties of a Labour Relations Officer - WCB Advocacy.
Collaborates on the development, implementation and evaluation of a full WCB Compensation strategy and plan, which furthers the goals of the BCNU.
Is knowledgeable and current on legislative and Board policy changes. Identifies trends and developments regarding workers' compensation benefits. Ensures OH&S stewards are kept informed.
Analyzes relevant legislation and WCB compensation law and policy. Develops policy papers, prepares submissions, and provides recommendations on the WCB compensation strategy.
Establishes relationships with workers compensation representatives and other external parties and organizations to enhance communication on relevant and topical issues.
Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on WCB compensation matters.
Serves as the union's in-house expert on WCB matters and works with other staff and departments collaboratively.
Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on WCB matters.
Works with other staff on complex cases involving return to work and/or accommodations.
Provides input into the operational plan and collaborates with team members to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
Refers and/or escalates issues out of scope to appropriate BCNU resources.
Participates in team meetings and projects.
Orientates new staff as required.
Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.
Facilitates workshops and makes presentations to stewards, members, and staff as assigned.
May be responsible for appeal case files.
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have:
College or university education in approved Social Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety/Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Relations, and/or Legal or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Nursing experience would be an asset.
Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) as an active OH&S steward, labour relations officer, or practicing lawyer with a good understanding of occupational illnesses and diseases and the Workers' Compensation system and appeals process.
Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in advocacy work including researching cases, requesting medical legal opinions, preparing written submissions and representing workers in oral hearings.
Demonstrated ability to interpret the Workers Compensation Act and policies and utilize statistics to inform decision making. Ability to interpret relevant collective agreement provisions and applicable legislation i.e.: Human Rights Code. Good knowledge of nurses' employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and BCNU's values.
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills; skill and comfort in working with conflict and diversity; good judgement in navigating a political environment; and a desire and ability to work collaboratively with others, within and beyond the department.
Strong project management skills, and the ability to work with internal and external partners in an inclusive, open and collaborative manner.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing environment/initiatives.
A willingness to travel throughout the province, carry a valid driver's license, and access to a vehicle to attend off site BCNU business when required.