ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS

You’ll feel great about a career with March of Dimes Canada

At March of Dimes Canada, our collective work matters. As a leading national charity backed by a history of more than 70 years of impact, we’re dedicated to being Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. Our collective efforts are rooted in our Purpose, Vision, and Mission, which inform how we drive all our work forward.

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time permanent Associate Director, Health, Safety & Wellness.  As the successful candidate you will play a key role in driving the strategy, operations, and integration of health, safety, wellness and disability related program nationally across March of Dimes Canada (MODC).

This role bridges strategic compliance, organizational culture, and employee well-being.

Leading a national, multi-disciplinary portfolio that promotes a culture of prevention, psychological safety, and inclusive support you will ensure that legal compliance is adhered across all jurisdictions including modernizing systems, practices and enhancing the employee experience through holistic wellness and safe work environments.

This role also plays a critical part in MODC’s organizational transformation, embedding wellness, accessibility, and health & safety practices across hybrid, in-office, and front-line service environments.

Responsibilities

Health & Safety Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for MODC’s occupational health and safety program, ensuring compliance with provincial and federal legislation.
• Lead Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSCs), site audits, and hazard prevention initiatives to ensure compliance across all MODC locations.
• Investigate workplace incidents and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Wellness Strategy

• Design and lead a proactive, organization-wide wellness strategy encompassing physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
• Work cross-functionally with Internal Communications and Learning & Development to deliver accessible, engaging wellness resources.

Disability Management & Return-to-Work

• Oversee case management of occupational and non-occupational disability claims, including coordination with insurance providers, HR Business Partners, and managers.
• Lead development of safe and sustainable return-to-work and stay-at-work plans.

 Workplace Accommodation

• Lead organization-wide accommodation processes in alignment with human rights legislation and MODC’s equity commitments.
• Partner with managers and HR Business Partners to implement inclusive, effective accommodation strategies.

 Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC)

• Collaborating with the IPAC Specialist, manage MODC’s infection prevention and control framework, ensuring compliance with public health standards and internal risk policies.

Safety, Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response

• Integrate safety and emergency response into MODC’s business continuity planning program
• Oversee emergency response plans including fire safety, evacuations, natural disasters, and crisis management protocols.
• Conduct regular drills, update emergency procedures, and ensure site readiness and compliance.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to integrate emergency preparedness into property management across all program areas.

 Ergonomics & Remote Work Safety:

• Implement ergonomic assessments and recommendations for all work settings, including hybrid and remote workstations.
• Promote proactive strategies to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve comfort and productivity.

Psychological Health & Safety

• Champion psychological safety by addressing psychosocial hazards, workplace stress, and stigma associated with mental health.
• Ensure compliance with psychological health standards and contribute to policies that promote emotional well-being and workplace respect.

Safety Training & Compliance

• Ensure organization-wide compliance with mandatory safety training (e.g., WHMIS, workplace violence prevention, first aid).
• Maintain training records and certifications; provide reports on compliance and gaps.
• Partner with Learning & Development to deliver and embed safety content into onboarding and ongoing leadership training.
• In collaboration with training and development source HS training tailored to business units needs or in response to trends within the workplace

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree or diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources, Disability Management, Public Health, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional, Certified Professional in Disability Management, or other relevant designations preferred.
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid, Psychological Health & Safety, IPAC, or Emergency Management is an asset.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in occupational health & safety, disability management, or wellness in multi-site, unionized environments.
• Proven experience in developing and managing national programs and compliance in nonprofit, healthcare, social services, or public sectors.
• Experience managing crises, investigations, and liaising with external regulatory bodies (e.g., WSIB, Public Health).
• Strong track record in leading diverse teams and working collaboratively across organizational functions.
• Strong leadership, planning, and execution capabilities.
• Deep understanding of relevant legislation (e.g., OHSA, Human Rights Codes, EmploymeStandards, Accessibility Acts).
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Inclusive, emotionally intelligent leader who can navigate sensitive issues with discretion.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to use data to drive decisions and improvement.
• Proven track record in leading diverse teams and working collaboratively across organizational functions.
• Strong leadership, planning and execution capabilities.
• Deep understanding of relevant national legislation as it pertains to provinces and territories such has OHSA, Human Right Codes, Employment Standards and Accessibility Acts.

Important Details

Hybrid work arrangement with two days in our National Office at 99 Duncan Mill Way, Toronto ON

How to apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 22, 2025.

Questions about working at March of Dimes Canada?

For general inquiries, you can reach us at recruitment@marchofdimes.ca

We value the health & safety of our employees 

MODC is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment. We encourage all current and prospective employees to receive Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Public Health. This reflects our dedication to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our workforce.

Need accommodations? We're here to help!

MODC is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. In accordance with accessibility and human rights legislation across Canada, MODC will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities and other protected needs. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable, accessible, and barrier-free.

Our Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) approach

MODC is dedicated to building and advancing an inclusive and welcoming culture. It’s also why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and supporting diverse people. Thanks to our progressive practices, team members of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to access the opportunities and supports they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our READI approach is rooted in our shared belief that championing equity and empowering ability starts by investing in our team members— and in our shared culture — so that we all feel included, safe, and confident at work every single day.