Our priority is the health and wellness of employees and the people of Ontario. As such, this position may involve working from home for all or part of the duration of this position. The WSIB model mixes working from home, office and field. When it is safe to do so, this position may be asked to work in an office.

About the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

We’re here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information. We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario. For more information, visit wsib.ca.

At the WSIB, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• explore many career paths and follow your passion
• continuously learn and grow professionally
• be recognized for the great work you do
• participate in programs that support your health and wellbeing

You’ll also receive a competitive salary and may be eligible to participate in our health and dental plan.

Temporary opportunity up to 18 months in duration

Recruiting Unilingual and Bilingual in the following WSIB office locations: Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Windsor.  

Salary Grade:  215     

About The Role

The Appeals Resolution Officer is responsible for rendering the final decision of the WSIB on claims and employer accounts. Decisions of the Appeals Resolution Officer may only be appealed to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.

As an Appeals Resolution Officer  you would examine, hear and determine all matters delegated by the Board, and render the final decision of the Board by a hearing in writing, an oral hearing (in-person or through virtual channels), or alternate dispute resolution method.  Matters to be addressed include objections to such issues as initial entitlement and corresponding benefits, recovery and impairment, occupational diseases, serious injuries and fatality entitlements, workplace party noncompliance or misrepresentation, the re-employment obligation, and revenue issues.   

On a Practical Level, You Would

• Undertake a comprehensive review of the file upon receipt to identify all presenting underlying issues, determine whether further enquiry is required, review or determine the best method of resolution and determine whether the case is properly before the Appeals Services Division or should be returned to the referring program area with direction for future handling.
• When required, establish timely initial contact with the parties to explain the process, confirm the issues under objection or obtain agreement to address other presenting issues, discuss required information, and review or determine the most efficient and cost effective method of resolution.
• If an agreement is believed to be possible, clarify and confirm the issues and process.   Enter into discussions with the parties, elicit and offer options for resolution which are within the statute and Board policy, and advise the parties of the short and long-term implications of each option.  Confirm the final outcome of the agreement with all the parties in writing, which becomes the final determination of the Board on the issue in dispute.
• If an agreement is not possible, consider the other methods of dispute resolution.
• Where further enquiry is needed, manage the information gathering process to obtain necessary information in the most efficient and timely manner.   Ensure all parties have adequate time to prepare and have access to submissions within policy and procedure.
• Conduct oral hearings as required by travelling to WSIB offices throughout the province, explaining the oral hearing process, identifying and summarizing the issues, dealing with procedural and jurisdictional issues, ruling on the admissibility of evidence, hearing oral evidence from the parties and witnesses, receiving submissions regarding the issue under objection and ensuring procedural fairness and demonstrating impartiality.  
• Render sound and fair decisions as required within policy and statutory requirements, by preparing a written decision which includes analysis of information and supporting reasons for the decision.
• Review and consider requests for reconsiderations of decisions, and advise parties of the results of the review.  A decision to proceed with reconsideration entails going through the same process a second time.
• In the absence of Board approved policy, or where there is a substantive gap in policy, render decisions which may impact or drive the development or expansion of Board policy.
• Provide explanations and clarifications of decisions to the operating area and the workplace parties, as requested.

Your Qualifications

Education:

• University completion at undergraduate level.  Valid Ontario G class driver's license.

Experience:

• Seven years prior experience in adjudication (high level decision making involving complex legislation and policy in a related field e.g. employment/labour law, disability insurance etc.). Your experience may have been obtained through your role as a member at a Board or Tribunal. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We respect and value the diversity of our people. We strive to create an environment where employees can be themselves and where our differences are celebrated.

The WSIB is committed to being accessible and inclusive, and following barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when we contact you and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Disclosing conflicts of interest

As public servants, employees at the WSIB have a responsibility to act in an ethical way at all times to create a respectful workplace and maintain public trust. Job applicants are required to disclose any circumstance that could result in a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is any situation where your private interests may impair or be perceived to impair the decisions you make in your official capacity. This may include: political activity, directorship, other outside employment and certain personal relationships (e.g. with current WSIB employees, customers and/or stakeholders). If you have any questions about conflict of interest obligations and/or how to make a disclosure, please contact the Talent Acquisition Centre at talentacquisitioncentre@wsib.on.ca.

Privacy information

We collect personal information from your resume, application, cover letter and references under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. The Talent Acquisition Centre and WSIB hiring parties will used this information to assess/validate your qualifications, determine if you meet the requirements of vacant positions and/or gather information relevant for recruitment purposes. If you have questions or concerns regarding the collection and use of your personal information, please contact the WSIB’s Privacy Office at privacy_office@wsib.on.ca. The Privacy Office cannot provide information about the status of your application.

As a precondition of employment, the WSIB requires that prospective candidates undergo a criminal records name check any time before or after they are hired.