Manager Occupational Health Safety and Wellness

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Manager Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness

Summary

The Manager, Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness advances and supports the development, maintenance and implementation of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) wellness, abilities management, and occupational health and safety programs and policies, with a focus on maintaining and improving employee physical and mental well-being. 

You Will:

• Provide informed advice and expertise related to occupational health, safety and wellness to Senior Leadership regarding the immediate and ongoing needs at all levels of the organization.
• Review and evaluate current occupational health, safety and wellness practices, identifying issues and making recommendations. Develop new long-term and short-term programs, policies, and initiatives that align with strategic business goals and support a healthy and engaged workforce.
• Manage the reporting requirements to the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Health to ensure that critical injuries and illnesses are reported in a timely and compliant manner.
• Perform cost and productivity analyses of employee health and wellness program initiatives and apply metrics to assess impact to the organization. Report to management and prepare quarterly updates and annual reports 
• Review contracts related to operations of the Branch; ensure adherence of third‑party providers to delivery standards.
• Responsible for overseeing the claims management of occupational and non‑occupational absences and the oversight of the coordination of the safe return‑to‑work program for ill or injured employees.
• Manage and oversee programs and services to reduce WSIB costs and short‑term and long‑term absence costs through effective and timely Early and Safe Return to Work (ESRTW) programs, and recognition of medical accommodation requirements 
• Challenge questionable disability and WSIB claims by thorough review of background and medical information provided, initiating third‑party intervention, and representing WRPS at follow‑up meetings and court proceedings.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Total Compensation & HR Systems, WRPS benefits providers and internal stakeholders to examine return‑to‑work implications/strategies, long‑term disability (LTD) settlement strategies, and specific case approaches
• Provide oversight to Service‑wide occupational health, safety and wellness programs and education campaigns
• Oversee the investigation of hazards, incidents and other health and safety‑related issues and review safety recommendations
• Approve all research conducted by staff to develop Directives and Safe Work Practices for the organization.
• Act as a liaison with the Ministry of Labour and external agencies and officials to resolve issues in relation to occupational health and safety.
• Conduct regular meetings with the Director of Psychological Services and other psychological providers regarding organization and individual member needs.
• Co‑chair the Wellness Committee and provide support to various other committees and working groups
• Support critical incidents and provide emergent intervention in times of crisis, arrange for psychoeducational debriefs and referrals to community partners or inpatient programming.
• Provide support to members in navigating health, safety and wellness information to increase their awareness and understanding of the resources available. 
• Monitor and oversee cost optimization for the Health, Safety and Wellness unit; make budget recommendations to the Director, Human Resources.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership through a positive, proactive, engaging and people‑first leadership style, achieved through effective coaching, advising, mentoring, communicating and educating employees within the team.
• Establish performance criteria, conduct employee performance evaluations, and review the overall performance of the team.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and collaborative team approach, manage conflict and address developmental performance progression and disciplinary issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

You Have:

• Expert knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation and principles, normally acquired through the successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in health science, occupational health and safety or related field. Regulated Health Professional designation is preferred.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation or certified in Safety Engineering is considered an asset.
• Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) is considered an asset.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience with occupational health, safety and wellness. Public sector experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Three (3) years managing people, resources and budgets; experience supervising the work of others, preferably in the hiring, performance development and training of staff members is required.
• A psychological examination and report satisfactory to the Chief of Police.
• Previous experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of claims management processes and proactive management of occupational and non-occupational claims, including WSIB claim preparation, administration and case management, return-to-work programs and non-occupational illness/injury claims management; and the adjudication/appeal process pertaining to WSIB claims or similar.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation and administration of Occupational Health and Safety. Ability to conduct investigations, audits and assessments based on recognized standards and/or best practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with senior leadership and with multiple stakeholders on organizational wide committees is required.
• Project or program management experience, especially as it relates to employee health and wellbeing, including the development, management and strategic implementation of short- and long-term policies, projects and initiatives is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the principles and application of occupational health, safety and wellness programs in a first responder environment is considered an asset.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills required to adapt to changing conditions and shifting priorities, while ensuring task deadlines are met and resources are appropriately utilized.
• Superior interpersonal skills required to respond to members with compassion and empathy during difficult conversations.
• Highly developed sense of discretion, judgement and political acumen to work with sensitive and confidential issues and to make decisions and develop effective solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify key areas to improve programs and initiatives, conduct data analysis, develop solutions and formulate recommendations to align with and advance organizational priorities.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills to deliver various training to multiple audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to articulate ideas and recommendations and present information to Senior Leaders, external parties and internal members.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations, such as the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, Workplace Safety Insurance Act and WSIB policies/processes, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and related legislation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and occupational health, safety and wellness platforms.
• A valid Class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License with no more than six demerit points required to travel within and outside of Region.

You Are:

• Able to meet police security clearance requirements and to maintain confidentiality.
• Responsible for the supervision and review of work for the Wellness Coordinator, Health and Safety Advisor, and Abilities Management Specialist. Provides advice and guidance to the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
• Required to maintain a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity in all interactions and correspondence to protect sensitive information. 
• Occasionally required to work extended hours to meet deadlines and/or attend meetings or functions
• Provided with a mobile device and may be required to respond to after‑hours calls as needed. 
• Working under the general direction of the Director, Human Resources, and are expected to operate independently while using your own initiative to resolve problems and achieve objectives.
• Required to manage employee relations issues that are often complex, require individualized approaches, lack clearly defined parameters, and involve interaction with numerous members or groups
• Working in accordance with the Police Services Act, Workplace Violence and Harassment legislation, WRPS policies and procedures, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Anti‑Racism Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and all other applicable legislation