As a Director of Disability Management, you lead the development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive disability management programs across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for creating strategies that support employees with disabilities, manage accommodation requests, coordinate rehabilitation services, and ensure compliance with accessibility legislation and Treasury Board policies. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on human resources leadership, requiring you to work closely with managers, employees, unions, medical professionals, and external service providers to foster an inclusive workplace.
Your responsibilities include developing disability management policies and procedures, overseeing case management services, managing accommodation budgets and resources, and providing expert advice to senior leadership on disability-related HR issues. You will analyze workplace accessibility barriers, recommend systemic improvements, and track metrics related to employee retention, return-to-work rates, and program effectiveness. You also play a key role in promoting a culture of inclusion and preventing discrimination based on disability.
You work in a collaborative environment within the National Defence Headquarters or regional DND locations. Your role requires strong communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders, including employees at all levels, their families, healthcare providers, and government partners. You may travel occasionally to conduct consultations or deliver training across DND sites.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of disability management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the disability management team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this director-level position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, psychology, social work, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include the Canadian Disability Management Association (CDMA) Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) credential, or the Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) designation. Knowledge of Treasury Board policies, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Labour Code, and provincial accessibility legislation is essential.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged through the Public Service Learning Portal, workshops on accommodation law, disability management best practices, mental health awareness, and accessibility standards. DND may support attendance at national conferences and specialized training in areas such as ergonomics, return-to-work coordination, and inclusive workplace design. Many directors pursue additional credentials in organizational leadership and change management.
Entry Plans
Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through advertised competitions open to current Public Service employees or external candidates. Most candidates have progressed through earlier human resources roles, such as HR Advisor, Senior HR Advisor, or Manager of Labour Relations.
For external candidates, you may enter the Public Service through advertised competitions for Director-level positions or through the Public Service Commission's recruitment processes. Some candidates enter at lower HR classification levels (such as HR-03 or HR-04) and advance through internal development and promotions.
Internal candidates may access this role through lateral moves within DND or other federal departments if they have equivalent management experience and human resources expertise. Participation in DND's Management Development Program or formal leadership training can enhance your advancement prospects. Some positions may be filled through closed competitions restricted to Public Service employees with relevant experience.
Students or early-career professionals interested in this career path should begin with entry-level HR positions in the Public Service (typically AS-02 or HR-02 classifications) and pursue relevant certifications and advanced education while working.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Disability Management are typically full-time, as the role requires strategic oversight, stakeholder coordination, and ongoing responsibility for program delivery. However, flexible work arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on operational needs and departmental policy.
Remote or hybrid work options have expanded across the Public Service post-pandemic. Depending on your specific duties and organizational requirements, you may have the opportunity to work from home on certain days while maintaining regular presence at your assigned location for meetings, consultations, and collaboration with your team.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the director level are uncommon but may be considered in exceptional circumstances. If flexible work is important to you, discuss options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. All flexible arrangements must maintain program delivery and compliance with DND's operational requirements. As a manager, you are expected to model flexible work practices and support your team in balancing work and personal commitments.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
