Occupational Health Nurse Corporate Health & Safety Services (Job ID: 8871)
Position Summary:
Unity Health Toronto (UHT), which includes Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph's Health Centre, and St. Michael's Hospital, is dedicated to improving health in urban communities and beyond. We provide a wide range of services, from primary care to post-acute, rehabilitation, palliative, and long-term care, while advancing research and education. We are seeking an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) to join our team and support our mission of putting patients and families at the center of all we do.
The Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness (WHSW) team at UHT focuses on maintaining the health, safety, and wellness of our workers, in alignment with professional standards, organizational values, and legal requirements. Reporting to the Manager, Abilities and Health, WHSW, the OHN will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to care for healthcare workers and promote a culture of safety.
In this role, the OHN will advocate for wellness, ensure safe and ethical nursing care, and provide case management for occupational and non-occupational illness or injury, including return-to-work support. The OHN will also contribute to nursing practice excellence through ongoing education and experience.
Major Responsibilities:
- Assist in the development and delivery of health and wellness programs tailored to the organization's workforce.
- Conduct health assessments (pre-placement), including immunization and Tuberculosis (TB) status, and musculoskeletal health
- Administer immunizations, including influenza and adult boosters and TB testing/reading
- Provide counseling on issues like substance abuse, and refer to EFAP
- Develop, implement, evaluate and revise temporary and/permanent accommodation programs and communicates regularly with the employee, manager and union to ensure the plan is proceeding as planned and are not open-ended (i.e. end-date), with consideration to Legislation, Policy, and Collective Agreements
- Manage surveillance of communicable diseases and coordinate urgent response to outbreaks
- Assess fitness for return to work and ability to perform duties
- Lead or assist in health-related outbreak management and/or emergency responses and workplace evacuations as required.
- Responsible for managing all aspects of claims related to workplace injuries or illnesses, including provision of first aid, completion of required reporting, coordinating offers of modified work and safe and timely return to work programs and participating in the appeals process, as required.
- Provide proactive disability management services for employees with occupational and non-occupational illnesses or injuries. This includes conducting health assessments, analyzing medical documentation, and determining the employee's eligibility for sick leave benefits.
- Lead or assist with the temporary and permanent accommodation process for employees, ensuring timely, safe, and sustainable return-to-work plans are developed and implemented. Collaborate with employees, managers, HR, medical teams, specialists, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board), and union representatives.
- Ensure timely communication with employees regarding their absences, roles, responsibilities, and return-to-work plans. Work with employees to facilitate early, safe returns to work and offer necessary medical forms for completion.
- Critically analyze medical files and documentation to assess recovery time, influence of other health factors, and the need for additional medical information to support return-to-work planning.
- Work closely with employees, healthcare providers, and workplace parties (e.g., managers, unions, WSIB) to resolve barriers to successful accommodation and return-to-work plans.
- Follow established guidelines for the duration of an employee's absence and the payment of benefits, ensuring compliance with relevant policies, collective agreements, and legislation.
- Monitor the employee's progression throughout the disability management program, ensuring that additional medical documentation is obtained as required and that return-to-work plans remain on track.
- Review job demands and identify suitable work for employees, ensuring they are able to safely return to productive tasks within their capabilities.
- Participate in case file reviews to ensure efficient decision-making and standardization of processes.
- Provide payroll coding recommendations to management for accurate and timely benefits payment related to workplace injuries and illness.
- Manage the coordination of modified work for employees injured or ill, ensuring that their capabilities are matched to available tasks.
- Assist in the grievance process, including case reviews, development of case summaries, preparation with legal counsel, and participation in mediation or arbitration as needed.
- Support the organization's health and safety initiatives by participating in health-related outbreak management, emergency response, and the continuous improvement of workplace safety standards.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee health information, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, such as the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Keep accurate records of medical evaluations, treatment plans, and employee health-related data in compliance with relevant safety and privacy regulations.
- Provide education on workplace safety, ergonomics, stress management, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Refer clients to paramedical services and provide support on occupational health issues.
- Contribute to policy development, quality improvement initiatives, and evidence-based practices that enhance both employee safety and organizational outcomes.
- Build and maintain collaborative, therapeutic inter-professional relationships
- Participate in hospital committees and support client care transitions
- Align behavior with UHT's vision, mission, and Code of Conduct
- Promote professional practice and engage in ongoing learning
- Mentor, teach, and coach students and staff
- Stay updated on changes to relevant legislation and best practices to ensure ongoing employee safety and compliance with Ontario's health and safety standards.
By ensuring compliance with relevant occupational health and safety regulations and promoting a safe and healthy work environment, the Occupational Health Nurse plays a key role in the well-being of employees while supporting the organization's overall health and safety goals.
Qualifications/Skills:
- Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario with a current license to practice (in good standing);
- Undergraduate degree in nursing is required;
- Certification as an Occupational Health Nurse COHN © is required; candidates who are working toward this certification will be considered
- Certificate or diploma in occupational health and safety certificate and/or disability management is preferred
- BLS is required
- Minimum 3 years of experience as an Occupational Health nurse in a health care setting is required;
- Minimum 2 years Disability Management (occupational and non-occupational) experience is required;
- Occupational Health Nursing experience working in a unionized environment is required
- Excellent knowledge is required of specialized nursing procedures as they apply to assessment of and first aid for injuries and illness;
- Proven skills in the provision of counselling services to employees;
- Strong understanding of relevant Ontario legislation, including the OHSA, WSIA, and PHIPA.
- Comprehensive knowledge of infection control practices and health surveillance and overall occupational health services;
- Ability to communicate with various levels of management, staff and union representatives;
- Ability to facilitate and lead group discussions;
- Ability to conduct Mask Fit testing;
- Ability to liaise with external agencies, partners and other organizations;
- Ability to develop and analyze relevant occupational health and safety statistical data;
- The incumbent is required to handle sensitive issues and to protect confidential medical information;
- Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of various software, including Parklane and Microsoft Office is required;
- Excellent Interpersonal and Communication skills;
- Very good attendance record;
- Good performance record.