Return to Work Specialist

At Karis Disability Services what you do matters.  Since 1965, our team has come alongside people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to celebrate each person’s unique gifts as we promote communities where everybody belongs.  Driven by our values which are firmly rooted in the Christian faith, together we serve more than 1,500 people each year across Ontario and Saskatchewan, supporting them wholistically - body, mind, soul and spirit.  Believing each person is made in the image of God, we welcome everybody to find the personalized supports they need to thrive.  Beyond Canada, our global work impacts over 300,000 people across 70 communities in six countries. Learn more about Karis Disability Services at www.karis.org.

At Karis Disability Services, we recognize that every employee's journey is unique. As our Return-to-Work Specialist, you'll help employees feel supported, valued, and empowered as they navigate medical leaves and return-to-work plans, contributing to a workplace culture centered on dignity, inclusion, and respect.

Permanent / Full-time

Return-to-Work Specialist

40 hours/week

Waterloo, Ontario

At Karis Disability Services, we believe people are at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Return-to-Work Specialist to support employees as they navigate medical leaves, workplace accommodations, and safe, sustainable returns to work.

In this role, you will collaborate with employees, supervisors, Human Resources Business Partners, disability adjudicators, and insurance providers to facilitate positive outcomes while ensuring compliance with legislation, organizational policies, and best practices in disability management.

If you are passionate about employee well-being, accommodation planning, and helping individuals successfully reintegrate into the workplace, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Disability Management & Return-to-Work Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor employee medical leaves, including Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Injury-at-Work (IAW) cases.
• Track and review case updates from disability adjudicators and insurance providers.
• Facilitate safe and sustainable return-to-work plans, including modified duties, graduated return schedules, and workplace accommodations.
• Partner with Human Resources Business Partners, supervisors, and employees to assess accommodation needs and develop individualized plans.
• Lead and participate in return-to-work meetings involving employees, supervisors, union representatives (where applicable), and external stakeholders.
• Support employees and leaders with information, resources, and guidance throughout the medical leave process.

Claims Administration & Employee Support

• Serve as a liaison between employees and third-party adjudicators to support effective communication and claims management.
• Ensure employee information, medical documentation, and leave records are maintained accurately and confidentially.
• Audit payroll reports and communicate leave status changes that may impact employee compensation.
• Coordinate transitions from Short-Term Disability to Long-Term Disability when applicable.
• Provide recommendations regarding policy enhancements, process improvements, and disability management strategies.

Training, Education & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and deliver training, tools, and resources to support supervisors in managing medical leaves and return-to-work processes.
• Promote Early and Safe Return-to-Work practices across the organization.
• Stay current on relevant employment legislation, accommodation requirements, and disability management trends.
• Gather stakeholder feedback and identify opportunities to improve employee and leader experiences.

Requirements:

• College diploma, preferably in Benefits Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certification in Disability Claims Management is considered an asset.
• Minimum 3-5 years of related experience in disability management, return-to-work coordination, accommodation planning, occupational health, or human resources.
• Strong understanding of:
• Employment Standards legislation
• Human Rights legislation
• Occupational Health and Safety requirements
• Workplace Safety and Insurance principles
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation abilities.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Why Should You Apply?

• Live out our shared values, help others, and find purpose in your work every day.
• Receive competitive wages.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package, 2 weeks of vacation and an Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
• Grow your leadership with mentorship, training, career development, and tuition reimbursement.
• Collaboration and Teamwork—Working together on a team, we tackle challenges, share insights, and support one another in fostering a thriving workplace culture.

Application Deadline: 9:00 am on November 9, 2026

Apply with a cover letter and résumé by 9:00 am on November 9, 2026, to the attention of the Director of Recruitment and Retention via the Apply Now feature.

Start Date: December 2026

Hourly Range: $30.07- $33.97

At Karis Disability Services we strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We remain dedicated to meeting all provincial human rights, accessibility, and employment standards. We seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities, consistent with our Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.