Ability Manager

JUST HR is recruiting for an Ability Manager to strengthen disability and absence management within a complex, unionized public sector organization. The organization is restructuring its absence management function and requires an experienced leader to oversee a team of three while bringing strong technical knowledge in disability management, return-to-work planning, and accommodations. This role will reduce risk, improve compliance, and help manage rising disability-related costs. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who can bring structure, sound decision-making, and process improvement to a developing function. The initial term is funded through August, with strong potential to become permanent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of three in absence and ability management
• Oversee gradual return-to-work programs and accommodation planning
• Manage complex medical leaves and independent medical evaluations
• Guide attendance and disability related processes in unionized environments
• Partner with Canada Life and benefits carriers on LTD claims management
• Support reporting and financial oversight related to disability and WCB costs
• Review and implement improved processes following recent operational reviews
• Shift administrative workload from senior leadership by taking ownership of technical case management
• Ensure compliance with collective agreements and employment standards
• Collaborate closely with HR leadership and staffing teams
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through proactive disability management
• Provide coaching and clarity on best practices in ability management

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in disability or ability management
• Strong experience managing return-to-work programs and workplace accommodations
• Experience working with LTD providers such as Canada Life
• Knowledge of WCB processes and disability reporting
• Leadership experience overseeing or mentoring team members
• Experience in unionized environments required
• Public sector experience strongly preferred
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex, sensitive employee situations with professionalism
• Solid understanding of compliance and documentation standards

**Only candidates eligible to work in Canada will be considered**

Just HR is a specialized Human Resources recruitment and search firm with seven practice areas: General HR, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Organizational Development, Labour & Employee Relations, HRIS, Health & Safety.