Ability Management Specialist - Calgary Co-op, Calgary

About this opportunity

Calgary Co-op is looking for an Ability Management & Wellness Specialist to join our Human Resources team. In this role, you will manage WCB claims and non-occupational injury cases, support employees through return-to-work and accommodation planning, and help lead wellness and disability management programs across the organization. You will be a trusted advisor to leaders and employees alike, helping people get back to work safely while keeping our HRIS records and compliance requirements on track.

Key duties

Your responsibilities span strategy, case management, partnerships, advisory services, and training:

• Administer occupational and non-occupational disability programs, including WCB, illness, short-term disability, long-term disability, and leave of absence claims.
• Conduct case management activities such as medical review, functional abilities assessment, claim monitoring, accommodation planning, and return-to-work coordination.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individual return-to-work and accommodation plans that support employee recovery while meeting operational needs.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and claim documentation, ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, privacy, and organizational requirements.
• Monitor disability trends, absenteeism, and claim costs, and recommend strategies to improve outcomes and reduce organizational risk.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of disability management, attendance, accommodation, and wellness programs.
• Partner with employees, leaders, healthcare providers, WCB representatives, insurers, legal counsel, and union representatives to support successful case outcomes.
• Provide expert guidance to leaders on disability management, attendance, return-to-work practices, Human Rights obligations, and Duty to Accommodate requirements.
• Lead complex case discussions and appeal processes, including preparing submissions and representing Calgary Co-op at WCB appeal hearings as needed.
• Contribute to Occupational Health, Safety & Environment, psychological health and safety, wellness, and food safety initiatives.
• Design and deliver education and training programs related to disability management, accommodation, mental health, wellness, and Workers' Compensation.
• Coach leaders on early intervention, employee wellness, and accommodation planning best practices.

Skills and experience

To qualify for these administration jobs Calgary applicants must meet the following required criteria:

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Nursing, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in disability management, occupational health, claims management, return-to-work coordination, or human resources.
• Strong knowledge of Workers' Compensation legislation, Human Rights legislation, Duty to Accommodate requirements, and privacy legislation.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering training and presentations to leaders and employees.
• Strong case management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and case management documentation.

The following qualifications are considered nice to have:

• Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC), Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP), or similar designation.
• Occupational Health and Safety certification (NCSO, CRSP, or equivalent).
• Experience managing psychological injury, mental health disability, and complex accommodation cases.
• Experience in a unionized environment, including grievance or appeal processes.

About the company

As a member-owned co-operative and one of Calgary's largest employers, Calgary Co-op has been proudly serving our community since 1956. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, a defined contribution pension plan, and team member discounts, along with real opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the communities we serve.