Worker Adviser

Discover the rewards of making a difference by joining our caring, dedicated, and professional team!

The Office of the Worker Adviser is seeking an individual to represent workers on disputed Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As part of this professional team, you will:

• work on files from early resolution up to and including Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) appeals and hearings
• give advice and educate workers and worker organizations
• co-ordinate multiple cases using a case management system
• investigate circumstances of claim by obtaining and analyzing relevant information and conducting interviews
• advise and direct injured workers, survivors, their families and community partners regarding issues and evidence required for a successful resolution
• advocate and present cases on behalf of clients at all appeal levels
• prepare client and witnesses for hearings or appeal
• make written or oral presentations to Appeals Resolution Officers and WSIAT panels

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada and entitled to provide legal services in Ontario.
• OR you are currently employed with the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) or the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) and covered by the exemptions for the stated offices, as determined by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Technical Knowledge:

• you have demonstrated knowledge of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and related legislation
• you have knowledge of alternative dispute resolution and negotiation techniques to make successful arguments and promote early resolution
• you have knowledge of medical and legal terminology as it relates to workplace insurance matters

Research, Analytical and Problem Solving Skills:

• you have knowledge of research, analysis and evaluation techniques
• you can probe in interviews, gather and assess case information and develop case strategies and arguments

Team Work, Leadership, Relationship Management Skills:

• you are able to provide input in other cases and develop improved procedures
• you have leadership, relationship management, client service, and problem solving skills to ensure quality service and bring about successful conclusions to cases
• you are able to quickly establish working relationships and client confidence

Oral and Written Communication Skills:

• you have oral communication skills to provide advice and information, interview witnesses (questioning, cross-questioning) and present evidence and arguments at hearings
• you have written communication skills to obtain complex information from experts and create effective submissions to adjudicators
• you have relationship management skills to establish client trust and confidence and work effectively in a team environment
• you have an understanding of the client/consultant relationship with a respect for confidentiality

Case Management, Organizational and Planning Skills:

• you can manage a caseload and develop community outreach plans
• you can meet deadlines in a high volume environment

Computer Skills:

• you are proficient in the use of common office software (eg. spreadsheet, word processing, presentations, graphics, case management)

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, October 6, 2017 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.