Roles and Responsibilities of Disability Management Professionals

Certified Disability Management Professionals (CDMP) may work internally within an organization or externally as a provider of services. Although they may provide direct services to workers with disabilities, as outlined for the CRTWC, they often perform executive functions, which may include administration of disability management services, development of policies and procedures, promotion of return-to-work concepts through education and training, consulting to joint labour-management committees, and program evaluation.

Specifically, they may:

Develop policies and procedures in conjunction with a joint worker-management committee and others
Maintain records and computer-based tracking of absences, costs and outcomes
Track and analyze the costs and benefits of the disability management program
Liaise with the employer's human resources department, occupational health and safety program, and wellness promotion programs
Plan and implement internal communication and education about the disability management program for all stakeholders
Maintain current information on service providers and community resources such as vocational rehabilitation counsellors, substance abuse programs and other support groups
Evaluate service providers and community resources including physiotherapists, pain clinics, ergonomists and podiatrists
Track changes in relevant legislation, collective agreements, employment contracts and benefit programs, and ensure that these changes are reflected in program practices

We're also putting tools on our website, such as a checklist of what to do when an employee submits a medical absence report, guidelines of what to ask employees, and a communication record.... We work together as a team. We have well-trained, knowledgeable people who believe that effective disability management is a cornerstone to our success. Katrina McArthur, Manager, Wellness Programs, Ontario Power Generation, Toronto, ON

See more information on certification for Disability Management Professionals