As a Disability Management Assistant in the Department of National Defence, you play a vital role in supporting the health, wellness, and workplace integration of DND employees and Canadian Armed Forces members. You work within the Disability Management function, assisting with the coordination and delivery of programs that help injured, ill, or disabled personnel return to work or maintain meaningful employment. This position involves direct support to Disability Management professionals and collaboration with human resources teams, medical professionals, and employees throughout the organization.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include administrative support for disability management cases, scheduling appointments, maintaining confidential employee records, coordinating with medical service providers, and assisting in the development and delivery of accommodation and rehabilitation programs. You may help prepare documentation for accommodation assessments, track return-to-work progress, and communicate with various stakeholders to ensure employees receive the support they need. Your work directly impacts the quality of life and career prospects of our people.
You work in a supportive, collaborative environment that values discretion and empathy. Depending on your location, you may work in a DND office environment, potentially with opportunities for remote or flexible arrangements. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive personal information with professionalism and compassion.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver disability management services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for a Disability Management Assistant position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many candidates possess some college-level education in human resources, health services, administration, or a related field, though this is not always required. On-the-job training is a significant component of this role, as you will learn DND-specific disability management procedures, policies, and systems under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Professional development opportunities are available throughout your career. Many Disability Management Assistants pursue certifications such as the Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) designation after gaining relevant work experience, or enroll in part-time human resources or occupational health and safety courses. DND encourages continuous learning through internal training programs, workshops on accommodation best practices, and professional development in areas such as mental health awareness, equity and inclusion, and communication skills. You may also have access to tuition support programs to further your education.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career within the federal Public Service typically occurs through advertised competitions conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be conducted as either local or national selection processes, depending on departmental needs. You can monitor PSC job postings on the official Government of Canada job board (jobs.gc.ca) for Disability Management Assistant positions within DND.
Alternatively, you may enter through lateral moves if you are already a member of the federal Public Service in another position and meet the qualifications. Some positions may be filled through development programs or internal talent pools. DND also occasionally participates in bridging programs for recent graduates or individuals transitioning from the Canadian Armed Forces. To prepare for your application, familiarize yourself with DND's values, organizational structure, and commitment to supporting employee wellness. Building experience in administrative support, customer service, or health-related fields can strengthen your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Disability Management Assistant positions typically offer flexibility in work arrangements, though specific options depend on operational requirements and your location within DND. Many positions are available on a full-time permanent or term basis, but part-time opportunities may exist, particularly in certain DND locations or administrative centres. Remote or hybrid work arrangements have become more common since 2021 and may be available depending on the nature of your duties and management approval.
Given that some disability management coordination can be performed from various locations, you may have the opportunity to negotiate flexible hours or work-from-home arrangements with your manager, subject to DND policies and the continuity of services. Employees also benefit from federal statutory holidays, vacation leave entitlements, and the possibility of leave without pay for personal reasons. We encourage you to discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process or with your hiring manager, as arrangements vary based on operational needs and departmental directives.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
