Employee Wellness Specialist

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University,Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university,is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.

It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of itsAcademic and Strategic Planand guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Manager, People Strategies, the Employee Wellness Specialist is responsible for organization-wide programs focused on employee wellbeing, leaves of absence, human rights-based accommodation and return-to-work in keeping with OCAD University’s (OCAD U) strategic and academic plans and values. 

The Specialist provides advice and guidance to managers, employees, and others within the People & Culture office, and develops organizational policies and strategies in consultation with university stakeholders. This role also supports the implementation of formal processes and procedures to support the success of all OCAD U employees, with specific regard for the success of equity-deserving groups. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

Leave, Accommodation & Disability Case Management 

• In concert with managers and academic leaders, administer medical leaves of absence for all employee groups, including collecting required medical documentation, monitoring leave timelines, preparing documentation for benefits provider(s) and coordinating return to work arrangements, as applicable 
• Provide end-to-end case management for leave, disability and accommodation matters, from intake and assessment through implementation, monitoring, return to work and case closure, ensuring timely communication, appropriate documentation and consistent application of university requirements. 
• Manage complex disability management cases from onset to return to work; identifying opportunities for early intervention and safe, sustainable return to work strategies.  Administer the full range of statutory, contractual, medical and University-approved leaves of absence for all employee groups, applying relevant legislation, collective agreements, employment terms and University policies consistently. Maintain awareness of client group needs and support the P&C Advisor with workforce planning while supporting leave management. 
• Coordinate and provide guidance on employee and applicant accommodation requests relating to disability and other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, in accordance with applicable legislation and University policy. 
• Facilitate the development of individualized accommodation plans based on an understanding of functional limitations and operational needs; implement, evaluate and modify accommodations as appropriate to support with successful re-boarding of employees. 
• Research and assess accommodation and return-to-work options; provide evidence-informed recommendations to managers and academic leaders; document case decisions and rationales; and escalate complex, disputed or high-risk matters as appropriate. 
• Negotiate and act on sensitive and complex issues pertaining to employee accommodations, initiating consultations and case conferences where necessary 
• Maintain complete, accurate and secure leave and accommodation records, protecting medical and personal information and limiting disclosure to information reasonably required to administer the leave or implement the accommodation. 
• In accordance with the university’s Accommodation in Employment Policy, coordinate applicant and employee accommodation needs; liaise with the Human Rights & Equity Office and Safety, Security & Campus Operations where appropriate  

Employee Wellbeing 

• Research best practices, trends and new initiatives in employee wellness to inform and improve current programs 
• Support in-house training initiatives related to wellness, human rights and equity, including assisting with development of annual training plan and facilitating information sessions, as required 
• Participate as management-designated representative on the Joint Health & Safety Committee, as needed 
• Develop and implement related policies, tools and training 
• Evaluate, measure, and report on the effectiveness of wellness programs; make recommendations for changes 
• Provide high-level customer service by ensuring seamless coordination of work with other People & Culture staff 
• Manage related budget(s) and make recommendations for effective allocation of funds 
• Assist the Manager, People Strategies in related functions and projects contributing to the successful operation of the People & Culture office  

Research & Policy Support  

• Prepare internal and external reports as required; liaise with other departments and P&C staff to coordinate and collect related employee leave related data     
• Maintain and analyze leave and accommodation case data to monitor service delivery, identify systemic trends and barriers, support workforce planning, and recommend improvements to policies, processes and preventative strategies. 
• Conduct various cyclical audits to gain insights and establish needs as it relates to leave and accommodation management across the university  
• Maintain an accurate electronic filing system as it relates to leaves and accommodation, and perform related tasks to ensure records are easily accessible to appropriate staff and kept in accordance with guidelines    
• Conduct employee research and analysis in leave and accommodation best practices across the post-secondary sector.   
• Using the content management system, review and update P&C section of the OCAD U website and respective SharePoint site, ensuring compliance with AODA standards   
• Serve as a backup for other administrative and coordination functions within the People & Culture team, as needed    

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with special consideration for the professional and community-based experience of equity-deserving groups 
• A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation is preferred 
• Minimum of four (4) years of work experience in accommodations, disability management, and return to work programs or related functions, preferable within a unionized environment and/or a post-secondary or public sector organization 
• Sound Knowledge of HR policies and practices, collective agreements, and relevant employment legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act (ESA), Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA), Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 
• Knowledge of both HR trends, and academic issues is preferred.  
• Demonstrated approach that centers around employee wellbeing and legal responsibilities with a demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion 
• A collaborative and consultative working style with an ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships in a manner that gains trust, respect and cooperation 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and judgement, with a demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with discretion  
• Qualities that include integrity, openness, fairness, resourcefulness 
• Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications and well-developed internet research skills; knowledge of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Mode of Work:Hybrid

Compensation: Hiring Range - $42.81 to $49.08 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $42.81 to $56.26 per hour.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract with an expected duration of 6 months.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) by selecting "Apply Now" below. The review of applications will beginWednesdayOctober 14th and will continue until the position has been filled. 

 *Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

  OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCADU’sAccommodation in Employment Policy.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.