Government of Saskatchewan Looking for Workers’ Advocate at Saskatoon, SK Full Time

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, Office of the Workers’ Advocate Branch is seeking a WCB Appeal Advocate.

The Office of the Workers’ Advocate (OWA) Branch aims to ensure that injured workers receive every consideration and every entitlement due to them under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act. We do this by providing legal advice and representation services for individuals with claims before the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

OWA is seeking an individual who is devoted to helping others and is results oriented. Your outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills will help you respond both timely and effectively with individuals in conflict and who are experiencing financial, physical, and emotional hardship. As part of our dynamic team, you will apply your knowledge and expertise to assist injured workers who disagree with decisions made on their WCB claims.

In this role, you will:

• Work on files from early resolution up to and including the WCB Board Appeal Tribunal;
• Give advice and educate workers, and worker organizations on WCB claims management and appeal processes;
• Co-ordinate multiple cases using a case management system;
• Investigate the factual, legal, medical and policy basis of WCB claim decisions by obtaining and analyzing relevant information and conducting interviews to assess for appropriate grounds of appeal;
• Advise and direct injured workers, survivors, their families and community partners regarding issues and evidence required for a successful resolution;
• Conduct research and analysis of evidence to substantiate and support an entitlement to WCB benefits, which often includes complex medical reports or other scientific information;
• Advocate and present cases on behalf of clients at all WCB appeal levels;
• Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings or appeals; and
• Make written and oral appeal presentations to WCB Appeals Department Officers and the WCB Board Appeal Tribunal members.

OWA is committed to providing high quality standardized advice and representation services. You will also demonstrate knowledge, proficiency and understanding about the underlying principles for problem solving based on administrative law concepts.

Typically, the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful in this position would have been obtained through a post-secondary degree or advanced training in law, disability management, or another relevant degree. Extensive experience in and/or knowledge of the Saskatchewan WCB Act, policies and procedures or an equivalent casualty insurance system such as Saskatchewan’s Personal Auto Injury No Fault Coverage is considered an asset. The Office will consider an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Candidates are asked to fully describe in their resume/covering letter how they have obtained the knowledge and abilities identified above.

There is a requirement for some travel.

Our core values include showing respect and integrity; serving citizens; practicing excellence and innovation; and acting as one team! We demonstrate these values in our daily behaviours.