Employer Specialist

The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) provides advice, education and representation to employers regarding workers' compensation matters under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, and unlawful reprisal issues under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1990. The agency is independent of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and separate from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Join our collegial, expert team of Employer Specialists to provide education, advice and representation to employers.

Why join the OPS?
Work among talented and diverse employees driven by a common purpose to do meaningful work in service of Ontario. We offer:
• comprehensive benefits that look after your holistic wellness needs
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?In this role you will support employers by:
• explaining their rights and obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (reprisal section) and related regulations, policies, procedures and processes
• helping with their interactions with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
• providing representation at negotiations, mediations and hearings (oral and written)
• promoting early resolution of disputes
• presenting information sessions
• the position will require travel within the designated service area to discharge regular duties

How do I qualify?Mandatory• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's license upon being hired.
• You are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario 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 Ontario.

Advocacy SkillsYou can:
• Effectively communicate the needs and best interests of the client.
• Develop and articulate clear and focused points and arguments.
• Apply knowledge of alternative dispute resolution and negotiation techniques to promote early resolution of disputes.
• Represent employers in negotiations, mediations and hearings.

Communication, Relationship Management and Customer Service SkillsYou can:
• Provide oral and written advice and information, interview witnesses and present evidence and arguments at hearings.
• Establish client trust and confidence and earn referrals from clients to their colleagues.
• Conduct information sessions for small and large groups of public, stakeholders and clients,
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Technical KnowledgeYou have:
• Knowledge and experience in administrative law theory and procedure.
• Knowledge and experience with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and related regulations, policies, procedures including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code and the Ontario Labour Relations Act.
• Advanced knowledge of legal and medical terminology.
• Basic understanding of the business operations and related issues.

Research, Analysis, Evaluation and Problem Solving SkillsYou have:
• Ability to probe in interviews, gather and assess case information and develop strong arguments.
• Ability to conduct complex legal/medical research (via the internet, medical dictionaries, etc.).
• Ability to conduct cost benefit analyses.

Organizational and Computer SkillsYou have:
• Planning and time management skills in order to independently manage a caseload, assignments and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of common office software (e.g. spreadsheet, word processing, presentations, case management, etc).

Additional Information:

How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

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 Tuesday, December 31, 2024 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

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

All Ontario Public Service external job advertisements are posted in English and French. To confirm the language requirements of a job, check the "language of position" information at the top of each job ad. For all positions, candidates will be assessed in English, the business language of the Ontario Public Service. For English/French designated bilingual positions, candidates will also be assessed through French-language proficiency testing.

Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario sont affichées en anglais et en français. Pour connaître les exigences linguistiques, vérifiez les renseignements sur la « langue du poste » figurant dans le haut de chaque offre d'emploi. Pour tous les postes, l'évaluation des candidates et candidats se fera en anglais, la langue usuelle de la fonction publique de l'Ontario. En ce qui concerne les postes désignés bilingues, la maîtrise du français des candidates et candidats sera également évaluée.

Note: The only website where you can apply on-line for positions with the Ontario Public Service is http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca

Apply Online