Recruitment posting
Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers' Compensation
Competition #: 828
Ministry : Jobs, Economy and Trade
Opening Date : 2024/09/03
closing Date : 2024/09/30
Role : Part-time Appeals Commissioners
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.
The Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as Appeals Commissioners with the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers' Compensation.
Appeals Commissioner appointments are made by the Government of Alberta through an Order in Council for an initial term of 1 year, with re-appointment for terms of up to 3 years, to a maximum of 12 years of service. Commissioners are designated as either representative of the interests of workers or employers.
Interested individuals who would like to learn more about this opportunity and the Appeals Commission are invited to attend an information webinar on September 19, 2024 from 12pm to 1pm. To register, please email mallory.maier@gov.ab.ca.
The Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation is a quasi-judicial tribunal established under the Workers’ Compensation Act to provide a final level of appeal for workers and employers on workers’ compensation matters. We are independent from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), arm’s length from government, and report to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.
The Appeals Commission is committed to a fair, client-focused appeal experience, consistent with our values of respect, service, integrity and accountability. In serving our clients, we understand their needs, offer user-friendly resources, guide them through the appeal process, create a safe and respectful place to be heard and issue clear, timely, independent and unbiased decisions.
The Appeals Commission’s welcoming culture is inclusive to all individuals. We respect and value the unique perspectives and voices that are part of Alberta and strive to ensure our team is representative of the communities we serve.
Further information regarding the Appeals Commission can be accessed through its website at www.appealscommission.ab.ca.
The Appeals Commission conducts hundreds of hearings per year both remotely and from its offices in Edmonton and Calgary. Commissioners attend as members of three-person panels to hear and decide appeals of decisions of the Workers’ Compensation Board review body.
Commissioners complete extensive file preparation, participate in hearings, and review, weigh and address evidence and submissions within a framework of legislation and policy. Commissioners also assist in the review and approval of the written decision on appeal. The role requires experience in, or familiarity with, administrative proceedings and knowledge of the interpretation and application of legislation and policy in a quasi-judicial or similar setting.
The role of Commissioner offers opportunities for development and advancement, including extensive training, mentorship and the contribution to consequential matters affecting both workers and employers. Full-time Hearing Chairs may be recruited from the Commissioner pool.
Commissioners may be located anywhere in Alberta. Travel and attendance at Commission offices in Edmonton or Calgary is required as directed for activities such as in-person hearings and training sessions.
We encourage applications from all individuals who believe they have an equivalent combination of skills, training and experience that meets the following standards:
- Commitment to excellence in client service and teamwork.
- Familiarity with administrative proceedings.
- Demonstrated experience in or ability to read, understand, analyse and interpret legislation, policy and other complex documents.
- Demonstrated ability to apply complex criteria to unique circumstances, and to articulate, justify and communicate in light of those criteria.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and analyzing evidence, exercising judgment and solving problems.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate views and opinions while respectfully and inclusively working towards consensus in decision-making.
- Firm grasp of fundamentals of what it means to be a fair, impartial, objective and open-minded decision maker.
- Strong organization, time management and prioritization skills to manage a significant workload in preparation and hearings in order to meet time and quality performance measures.
- Capable of working in a computerized environment with demonstrable skills relating to Microsoft Office applications and virtual ways of working.
- Post-secondary education is an asset, however, is not required. Related experience and/or training in administrative law principles is beneficial but not required.
Background checks will be completed on the final candidates and may include reference checks, security clearance, and academic credential verification.
The workload of a Commissioner varies with the requirements of the Commission’s hearing schedule.
Generally, Commissioners will be scheduled to participate in (on average) approximately 30 to 40 hearings per year. Commissioners are expected to be available for hearings for a minimum of 3 non-consecutive days per month. However, hearings are not guaranteed; rather, they are assigned to part-time Commissioners at the sole discretion of the Commission and is based on, among other things, the needs of the Commission and the skill levels of the Commissioners available for scheduling at any particular time.
Remuneration is set by 2X Schedule 2, Part A of the Committee Remuneration Order (OC 466/2007).
In-person appeal hearings are primarily held in Edmonton or Calgary, although the majority of hearings are conducted virtually. Travel expenses are paid in accordance with the Government of Alberta's Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Policy.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography (see form HERE for details). Once your biography is completed, save it to your computer. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.