Deputy Registrar (Appeal Commissioner/Registrar)

About WCAT

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT) is a high-volume administrative tribunal with court-like authority.  It decides about 600 appeals annually and conducts about 350 oral hearings a year.  WCAT is governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act of Nova Scotia.  Independent from the Workers’ Compensation Board, it is the final level of appeal within the workers’ compensation system.  WCAT hears appeals regarding workers’ claims for benefits; hears appeals regarding employers’ assessments and penalties; and determines whether certain civil actions are statute barred.
 

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Appeal Commissioner, the Deputy Registrar carries out the dual functions of Appeal Commissioner and Registrar.  You will be primarily responsible for disclosure of documents to appeal participants where you must ensure both natural justice and privacy is protected as well as acting for the Registrar.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Processing, management, and scheduling of a high volume of appeals, many of which are complex and contentious.
• Communications with appeal participants and their representatives to ensure the Tribunal’s practices and expectations are understood.
• Conducting conference calls.
• Interpreting and applying complex legislation, regulations, policies, and case law, including Charter challenges.
• Managing disclosure of confidential information.
• Preparing a large volume of concise written communications for a diverse audience.
• Developing and maintaining an awareness of WCAT case law and workers’ compensation law generally.
• Contributing to the effective operation of WCAT by consistently meeting the demands imposed on a high-volume tribunal.
   

Qualifications and Experience

A post-secondary law degree and at least two years of experience in a relevant field such as health, disability management or law.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a position where they have demonstrated their ability to resolve disputes either in decision-making or case management.  Knowledge of workers’ compensation law and administrative law is an asset.  

The following core skills are necessary to perform the job functions:

The incumbent must possess excellent communication skills (both written and verbal); strong interpersonal skills and facilitation skills; strong judgement and analytical skills; ability to assimilate large amounts of written material; organizational skills; computer skills; ability to prioritize workload in a challenging environment and the ability to work both independently and within a team environment. 
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. 
• May be required to work overtime on occasion.
• Office environment
   

Additional Information

This is a two-year term opportunity.  Subject to Executive Council approval, this position may be renewed.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment.