Specialist, Disability Management – Mental Health
Workplace Health & Claims Management
Vancouver, BC
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Mental Health Specialist reports to the Manager, Workplace Health, and is accountable to provide expert advice to HR colleagues and operational partners on the management of complex mental health related absences and facilitation of return to work initiatives for ill or injured employees through application of disability management best practices and PHSA policies and procedures. The Mental Health Specialist is a strategic partner to an assigned operational group, promotes and fosters a consultative and proactive problem solving employee relations approach and contributes to the overall strategic design and implementation of work processes that enable operational groups to achieve their business outcomes and provides sound advice and guidance in a changing climate of Privacy and Human Rights legislation, WSBC regulations and short and long term disability benefits. The Mental Health Specialist represents the interest of the employer during communications on specific disability cases with various external stakeholders including Union Representatives, WSBC, Canada Life, as well as the employee’s Treatment Providers.
What you’ll do
- Build effective partnerships within assigned client groups including developing a strong understanding of the client's services, encouraging development of the client's business strategic plan to maximize the potential of available human resources.
- Provide expert advice and specialized knowledge to HR colleagues and operational partners regarding return-to work and rehabilitation issues for complex mental health files. Provide expert advice on employer and employee rights and obligations in the area of disability case management applying the applicable policies, collective agreements, relevant Duty to Accommodate legislation, and WCB regulations.
- Build a therapeutic alliance with employee by using strategies such as motivational interviewing and trauma informed practice/language to assess, identify and refer to appropriate treatment with third party treatment providers.
- Obtain clarification of medical limitations, restrictions and prognosis for work; determine fitness to work based on careful analysis of medical restrictions and limitations and demands of job; apply due diligence in management of accommodations requests.
- Work with employees to better understand the impact of mental illness and provides practical ways to cope with the effects of mental illness; work with employees to identify the occupations and activities that are important for daily and personal life; help to plan, initiate and track short and long term goals that enable participation in those activities.
- Offer expert consultations to managers, supervisors, HR and others with regards to physical and psychological health issues in the workplace. Provide education on the benefits of workplace rehabilitation through methods such as one-to-one or group discussions and/or provisions of program materials.
- Communicate with external agencies and third party service providers regarding sensitive information and utilize strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively promote the interests of the employer while providing specialized knowledge regarding disability management best practices, occupational demands and PHSA policies and procedures.
- Conduct a task and physical job demands analysis to determine the appropriate job for various employee conditions. Recommend equipment, training, and/or other interventions and strategies to assist in employee recovery and return to work, and to mitigate or eliminate risk for re-injury in the future.
- Support employees on return to work plans through job coaching. Examples of job coaching activities are: education on body mechanics, education on force reduction equipment, tips on symptom management, pacing strategies, ergonomics assessments and equipment recommendations.
- Remain current on Disability Management trends, issues and best practices through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations and attendance at seminars, workshops and educations programs.
- Utilize operational partner feedback to continually improve delivery of services. Model behavior that is consistent with the strategic direction of the organization. Assist with development and production of relevant sick leave and disability benefit procedures, reports, and statistics.
- Participate in the development of operating budgets for additional rehabilitation services and case management support; prepare and present service proposal to Manager for final sign off. Maintain records in accordance with established procedures and prepare/maintain service proposal data as required.
- Demonstrate support for professional growth/development by setting plans for own professional development and maintenance/updates of clinical knowledge. Review progress to ensure goals are achieved within established time frames.
What you bring
Qualifications
- A level of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a related discipline from an approved and accredited post-secondary institution with a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years’ recent related experience in workplace rehabilitation or return to work programs and case management field in a large service organization. Master’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Workplace Health & Claims Management contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Expert knowledge in WCB Regulations and procedures, Human Rights Legislations, Freedom of Information and Privacy Legislation, and application of collective agreements. Possesses knowledge and understanding of disability management principles and best practices.
- Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities and manage a demanding workload, and being guided by policies and procedures, regulations, legislation, and collective agreements. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including verbal, written and presentation skills. Proven problem solving, decision making, consulting skills, and the ability to facilitate the resolution of issues.
- Models a commitment to service and being a strategic HR business partner within a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and engage others to ensure success in the workplace. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a team and to work independently. Commitment to the value of continuous learning and an open curiosity for new ideas and innovation. Ability to use related equipment including the HR information system, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Regular, Full-time
Salary Range: $90,770 - $130,481/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G9
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 08:00-16:00 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition #: 203396E
What we do
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on September 2, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
