Worker Advisor

Posting Date: Nov 7, 2024

Location: Edmonton or Calgary, AB

Company: Government of Alberta

Job Information
Job Title: Worker Advisor 
Job Requisition ID: 64513
Ministry: Jobs, Economy and Trade
Location: Edmonton or Calgary
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: November 25, 2024
Classification: Program Services 4 Market Adjustment
Salary: $2,757.39 - $3,604.17/biweekly ($71,967 to $94,068/annually)
 

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx

Advisor Office

The Advisor Office for Alberta Workers’ Compensation has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Worker Advisor! 

The Advisor Office is an independent program of the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation.  The Advisor Office provides advice, advocacy, and representation to workers and employers in Alberta looking to appeal a Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claim.  

To learn more about the Advisor Office, please click here:  https://advisoroffice.alberta.ca/

Role Responsibilities

The Advisor Office has two independent Branches: one representing the interests of workers (Worker Advisor Branch), and the other representing the interests of employers (Employer Advisor Branch).

The position reports to the Manager of the Worker Advisor Branch. The Worker Advisor is responsible for providing advice, assistance, representation and advocacy services to injured workers or their dependents. This may include seeking a review and filing an appeal of a WCB entitlement decision. This role requires strong technical knowledge of the Workers' Compensation Act and associated legislation, Regulations, policies and procedures. Formal representation at the various levels of appeal requires providing arguments based on the analysis and application of WCB legislation and policies to the evidence on file.

Specific accountabilities include the following:

  • Reviewing the client’s WCB claim file.
  • Analyzing the evidence and decisions made on the claim to determine if the WCA and policies have been fairly and properly applied.
  • Consulting with clients in order to discuss and identify potential appeal issues, then determining the appropriate course of action under the appropriate legislation and policies.
  • Coordinating and conducting background research and analysis on appeal cases including obtaining stakeholder input to issues under appeal, relevant similar board decisions, court cases and legislative interpretations.
  • Collecting information through investigation and research to support appeal issues—this may require contact with medical professionals.
  • Approaching the WCB’s Customer Service Department in order to seek resolution of issues prior to appeal by providing further evidence or alternate interpretation of policies.
  • Representing clients at the two levels of the WCB appeals process—the WCB’s Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body and the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation. This involves developing and presenting evidence and arguments in accordance with the rules and procedures of the hearing bodies.
  • Other Comments: Advisors may be expected to mentor new hires to maintain consistency in the resolution and appeal process.
  • Advisors may be requested to or volunteer to take on extra work or project work to meet the goals of the Advisor Office.


A Worker Advisor solves issues ranging from simple to complex through their own initiative and research. This role must exercise strong decision- making abilities when determining strategies with the goal of resolution of issues. A Worker Advisor's work is not subject to review prior to presentation before the appeal body. Errors may lead to missed or incorrect entitlement decisions, missed time limitations, and costly delays of the appeal process.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

  • Systems Thinking
     
    • Considers the impact of an approach on other programs, understands how work contributes to Advisor Office goals, and appreciates the interrelationships among stakeholder perspectives. 
    • The delivery of services is required to recognize linkages across the workers’ compensation system, and Advisor Office’s business plan/goals.
       
  • Creative Problem Solving
     
    • Breaks down problems into manageable parts, asks questions to clarify issues, challenges existing procedures when improvement opportunities arise, and seeks insights from others or other units' approaches.
    • Many of the issues encountered are complex and unique requiring research, brainstorming and out-of-the-box thinking to propose viable solutions. This position will often be tasked with coming up with solutions to meet emerging needs. The ability to get the right people together to come up with a solution is key.

 

  • Agility
     
    • Identifies alternative solutions in complex situations, supports others in doing the same, remains calm and optimistic when dealing with highly emotionally charged situations, anticipates emotional triggers and obstacles, and stays focused on goals despite challenges.
    • Implementation and operational issues constantly arise without warning requiring this position to manage them immediately. Adjusting plans and adapting schedule or pivoting to other activities to address new priorities and issues is expected of this position. Ability to de-escalate conflict and manage stress is essential.
       

 

  • Drive for Results
     
    • Clarifies objectives and roles, adjusts plans based on past experiences, identifies causes of success or failure, takes responsibility for outcomes, and sets goals aligned with Advisor Office priorities.
       

 

  • Developing Networks
     
    • Seeks to understand the perspectives of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders; builds relationships through integrity and respect; communicates relevant information promptly; is aware of their impact on others; and interacts professionally.
       

 

  • Building Collaborative Environments
     
    • Fosters a collaborative work environment by encouraging diverse views, sharing information, and actively listening to others. Recognizes and respects differing perspectives, facilitates conflict resolution, and supports open, respectful discussions.
    • Collaboration with others within and outside of the Advisor Office is required to ensure technical, business project, and operational needs are met.
       

 

  • Developing Self and Others
     
    • Builds networks and trust with stakeholders to enhance evaluation capacity, reflects on strengths and development opportunities, stays current on new trends and technologies, and contributes to team learning through active participation in discussions.

Qualifications

Required:
 

  • A completed university degree in law, political/social sciences, justice, psychology, or related fields,
  • A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in providing advice, assistance, representation, and advocacy services, or in interpreting and applying legislation and policy.


A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required. 

Other requirements: 
 

  • Knowledge and experience working with government legislation, policies, procedures and practices, such as the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Occupational Healthy & Safety Act, the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act, etc.
  • Experience writing and delivering persuasive arguments and presentations,
  • Experience with adjudication or case management.


Preference will be given to those with:
 

  • Experience in in a claims environment, insurance, rehabilitation or other related fields
  • Experience with crisis intervention/management and the ability to deescalate stressful situations
  • Experience in presenting to tribunals, panels, or courts.


The following are considered Assets:
 

  • Legal experience
  • Previous Government experience and understanding of the Government of Alberta framework, Government of Alberta specific computer programs and applications such as 1GX (SAP Success Factors).


Equivalencies maybe considered – directly related education or experience on the basis of:

 

  • 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
  • 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.


Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a permanent position, and the hours of work are Monday to Friday – 8:15am - 4:30pm for a total of 36.25 hours.

The position location is Edmonton/Calgary.

The final candidate for this position will undergo an academic check, reference checks and provide a suitable security screening.

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education and experience. Please clearly state the employment dates on your resume with the month and the year.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Public Services Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca 
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
•    Leadership and mentorship programs

How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/job-application-resources#before for more information. Please visit Recruitment Principles, for more information.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)(https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information (https://canalliance.org/en/default.html).

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Lavanya Jothinataraj at Lavanya.Jothinataraj@gov.ab.ca