Operational Policy Analyst

WSIB offices remain closed due to COVID-19. Our priority is the health and wellness of employees and the people of Ontario. As such, this position may involve working from home for all or part of the duration of this position.

1 Permanent Position, 1 Temporary Position (up to 12 months)

Job Summary:

The WSIB's Policy and Consultation Services Division is a key partner in the organization's strategic transformation initiatives with a commitment to an open and transparent consultation process in support of operational policy renewal and development. The Operational Policy Branch is involved in planning, developing, communicating, implementing and renewing WSIB revenue and benefits policies that are fair and support transparent decision-making.

This role involves conducting comprehensive research and analysis and, based on research findings, develop/revise policies which have significant corporate, strategic, financial and political implications for the workplace safety and insurance system. These minuted policies which are legally binding are used by

a) WSIB decision-makers and the external Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) to determine workers/survivors' entitlement to compensation benefits, programs and services, coverage under the WSIA, employer classification and other revenue related obligations which impact the premiums payable by employers;

b) by external clients and stakeholders to understand the basis of those decisions; and

c) to define/support WSIB programs.

To help achieve our vision and mandate, we are looking for an individual to lead policy projects, to research, plan, recommend options/solutions and ensure satisfactory completion of a wide variety of policy projects. The ideal candidate will have a passion for researching, analyzing and interpreting laws and regulations.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Plan policy projects by developing a project plan which involves: scoping out the issue/problem, setting project goals and milestones, identifying deliverables and associated timeframes for completion; setting priorities and changing priorities when required, developing alternatives, complete with pros and cons, and then deciding on course of action; working collaboratively across business areas to establish relationships and access knowledge sources; monitoring progress of project by comparing completed tasks to predetermined milestones; identifying obstacles, developing and assessing alternatives to resolve problems; identifying best solution; and modifying the project plan as necessary to ensure successful completion and that deadlines, set by government agenda or senior management, are met.
2. Conduct extensive research by collecting, analyzing and synthesizing information/data in order to formulate and cost policy responses/solutions which consider/reflect the current government priorities, the WSIB's strategic plan, corporate goals, initiatives and programs and the competing interests and views various stakeholders. This may include:
• Reviewing statutes, regulations, case law (e.g. trends at WSIAT);
• Conducting a jurisdictional review of other workers' compensation legislation and policies;
• Conducting a literature review and analysis of pertinent scientific research;
• Accessing and/or requisitioning data from the WSIB's information systems and/or responsible business areas and/or external sources;
• Consulting with intradivisional areas and operating areas as well as influential stakeholder groups.
3. Develop and present expert policy advice/responses using a wide variety of formats and media tailored to a diverse policy information audience; such formats include discussion papers, options papers, briefing notes, Ministry of Labour House Notes, executive summary charts, correspondence, e-mails, web site announcements, oral presentations and telephone inquiry responses.
4. Develop and write policies that are legally binding on WSIB decision-makers and WSIAT and used by external clients/stakeholders to support the understanding of the basis of decisions and/or definition and support of WSIB programs by:
• Identifying emerging policy issues through analyzing new information to determine impact if any on current or proposed policy projects while addressing any problems and/or policy issues that arise.
• Integrating new information into policy development/implementation while revising project plans to reflect these updates.
5. Act as a branch representative and/or a WSIB spokesperson and provide expert advice, guidance and education on all matters relating to policy issues to WSIB management and staff including internal steering committees and to external WSIB stakeholders (workers and employers) and interest groups (e.g. unions, employer representatives, advocacy/lobby groups, health care provider associations and safe workplace provider associations).
6. Facilitate, co-ordinate and collaborate with the business areas to identify and address policy implementation issues (i.e. impacts relating to systems, work processes and human resources), and provide expert policy advice to assist the operating areas to ensure appropriate implementation of policies; review formulated process; vet/approve policy content for training and communications materials; vet/approve implementation tools (review of procedures/forms).
7. Consult with operating areas and external stakeholders on policy development matters and consistency of policy application to:
• Ensure agreement and plan for improved service delivery as well as identify policy deficiencies in current program delivery models.
• Build consensus/support from external stakeholders and interested parties throughout the policy development process while ensuring that their views/interests are considered.
• Ensure that the final policy product is responsive, fair, workable, evidence-based and cost-effective.
8.Maintain currency on WSIB strategies, initiatives and programs as well as provincial, national and international workers' compensation developments by liaising with WSIB staff/management, participating on various committees such as program steering committees, project steering committees, etc. by liaising with other provincial/state workers' compensation agencies; by reviewing legislation, policies, articles as well as attending conferences and educational programs.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

How do I qualify?

Requirements:

• University completion at undergraduate level with a specialty focus in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Health Sciences or Law
• Four years prior experience in qualitative/quantitative research, analysis and policy development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence, persuade and build consensus among WSIB and stakeholders to ensure complex issues are understood
• Microsoft office (word, excel, PowerPoint)

Additional Information:

As a precondition of employment, the WSIB will require a prospective candidate to undergo a criminal records name check prior to or at any time following hire.

To apply for this position, please submit your application by the closing date noted above.

We appreciate the interest of all candidates. Due to the volumes of applications we receive, we are only able to contact candidates that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer.

The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodation for job applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you are an individual with a disability and you need accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact talentacquisitioncentre@wsib.on.ca. If you are invited to participate in the assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs at that time. Please be advised that you may be required to provide medical documentation to the WSIB's Corporate Health Department so that appropriate accommodation can be provided to you throughout the recruitment process.

Employees of the WSIB have important ethical responsibilities, including the obligation to place the public interest above personal interests. Job applicants are therefore required to disclose any circumstance that could result in a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. These may include: political activity, directorship or other outside employment and certain personal relationships (e.g. with existing WSIB employees, clients and/or stakeholders). Please contact TAC if you have any questions about conflict of interest obligations and/ or how to make a disclosure.

Privacy Statement

Personal information will be collected from your resume, application, cover letter and references under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 and will be used by the Talent Acquisition Centre and WSIB hiring parties to assess/validate your qualifications and/or determine if you meet the requirements of vacant positions and/or gather information relevant for recruitment purposes. If you have questions or concerns regarding the collection and use of your personal information, contact the WSIB Privacy Office, 200 Front Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 3J1 or 416-344-5323 or 1-800-387-0750 extension 5323. Be advised that information related to application status will not be provided.

Collection of Information

Your personal information is being collected and will be used to determine your qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for recruitment modernization initiatives. OPS Careers is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25 and this collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers.

Please do not provide more personal information than what is asked of you. For example, do not include your social insurance number, photograph, or banking information, etc. with your application. We strongly encourage you not to provide us with information beyond that which is requested in the job posting.

If you have any questions about the collection, use, disclosure, or retention of your personal information, please contact us.

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 Tuesday, June 8, 2021 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.