Role Responsibilities

A Worker Advisor represents the interests of injured workers and their dependents and reports to the Manager of the Worker Advisor Branch.

A 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.

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 may not be 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.

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 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 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.
• Advisors may be expected to mentor new hires to maintain consistency in the resolution and appeal process.
• Advisors may volunteer or be requested to participate in project work to meet the goals of the Advisor Office.

This competition will be used to establish a talent pool from which candidates may be considered for both current and upcoming vacancies for the role.

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. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

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 schedules 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:

• University graduation in a related field such as commerce, law, political or social sciences, public administration, or comparable discipline. Supplementary coursework in arbitration, legal studies, business, or insurance is considered an asset.
• A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience providing advice, assistance, representation, and advocacy services, or 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, including the Workers’ Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, privacy legislation, labour standards, and records/information management principles.
• Experience writing and delivering persuasive arguments and presentations.
• Experience in adjudication or case management.

Assets:

• Experience within the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) system, including adjudication or case management.
• Related work experience in law, health and safety, unionized environments, medical or vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience in claims, insurance, rehabilitation, or other related fields.
• Experience with crisis intervention/management and the ability to de‑escalate stressful situations.
• Experience presenting to tribunals, panels, or courts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related systems such as Adobe.
• Legal experience.
• Previous Government of Alberta experience, including familiarity with GoA frameworks, policies, and systems such as 1GX (SAP SuccessFactors).

Equivalencies may be considered:

• One year of education for one year of experience; or
• One year of experience for one 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

There are multiple full-time positions available working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

These positions are located in Edmonton and Calgary.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

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

As part of the selection process, shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a written assignment prior to being considered for an interview.

The final candidate may undergo pre-employment checks and reference checks.

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 have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.