News

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and Prevention Link values the diversity and intersectionality of the people it hires. At the OFL / Prevention Link diversity means fostering a workplace where individuals’ differences are recognized, respected, appreciated and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents, strengths, and passion to better the lives of all workers. The OFL / Prevention Link prioritizes hiring members from equity deserving groups and recruits, employs, and promotes, regardless of race, colour, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, age or national origin. The OFL is an equal opportunity employer, applicants from equity seeking communities are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Job Summary

Prevention Link has a vacancy for a contract Administrative Support position. The Administrative Support position is a limited term contract, covering a leave until September 11, 2026. The Administrative Support position is covered under the terms and conditions as outlined in the collective agreement with COPE 343. This position is headquartered out of the OFL Offices in North York, Ontario.

As a team member of Prevention Link, the Administrative Support position reports through the General Secretary to the Officers of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

POSITION: Contract – Prevention Link Administrative Support (Leave)
LOCATION: North York, Toronto
START DATE: August 2025
HOURS OF WORK: Approximately 35 hours per week
REMUNERATION: $1,557.54 weekly, plus benefits in accordance with the COPE Local 343 collective agreement.

The successful candidate will provide a variety of administrative support, including:

• Performing all administrative functions in support of the Prevention Link team;
• Assisting with scheduling Prevention Link courses, and handling all registration requirements;
• Assisting with printing and shipping requirements of course participant and instructor resources and materials;
• Composing substantive correspondence and written material, formatting reports and documents;
• Cross-training on printing, document assembly and other print room functions;
• Processing financial documents and logging / deposit cheques;
• Editing and proofreading correspondence and course curriculum and materials for spelling and grammatical errors;
• Working with the Prevention Link databases, Thorntree and Action Network;
• Managing the registration processes related to Prevention Link’s learning management software (LMS), Canvas;
• Assisting in the administration of courses, conferences and other events;
• Maintaining appropriate filing systems, and
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

The qualified candidate must have:

The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and computer skills. The candidate must be a team player and able to work in a challenging and fast paced environment.

• A minimum of 5 years of directly related work experience;
• Experience in managing competing priorities, including proven time management and organizational skills, with limited supervision;
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
• Demonstrated proficiency with WordPress, Action Network or equivalent Contact Management Software,
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud Solutions (InDesign), and others;
• Robust attention to detail;
• Advanced language and editing skills;
• In‐depth understanding of office operations;
• Dedicated ability to keeping and maintaining confidentiality;
• Flexibility, problem solving skills, with good judgement; and
• Knowledge of the Ontario Workers Compensation system is considered an asset.

* Proficiency in other languages, particularly French and a diploma/ degree from an accredited college/university in office/ business administration will be considered an asset.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications including a resume and cover letter can be sent to Prevention Link General Secretary Rob Halpin at RHalpin@preventionlink.ca by August 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Please include your name and “Prevention Link Administrative Support” in the subject line of your email.

DATE POSTED: August 11, 2025        
REMOVAL DATE: August 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST

Prevention Link Administrative Support

On this National Day of Mourning, Prevention Link remembers and pays respect to the many Ontario and Canadian workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness because of work-related incidents. We also honour the many families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies.

In 2023, according to the most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 1,057 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, with 297 in Ontario. The same year, 240,131 claims were registered with Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) with 179,024 claims allowed (including both lost time and no lost time injuries). Sadly, a vast body of research suggests that half of work-related injuries and illnesses are not accurately reported and the numbers are much higher. “Somewhere between 40 and 60 per cent of potentially compensable conditions are typically not reported to provincial compensation authorities in Canada,” said Cameron Mustard, former Institute for Worker & Health (IWH) president and senior scientist.

These numbers not only represent individual tragedies, but also families, friends, colleagues, and communities whose lives are deeply affected and possibly changed forever. One workplace death or injury is one too many. Occupational health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must collaboratively strengthen our resolve to ensure every Ontario worker gets home safe.

Prevention Link stands firmly behind our vision of a province where occupational illnesses and injuries are eliminated. We need healthy, safe, and accommodating workplaces for all workers in every community across Ontario. Prevention Link remains committed to working with employers, workers, and our health and safety partners to make this vision a reality.

From the first day they start a job, it is vital for every Ontario worker to know their health and safety rights in the workplace. Our Lighthouse Initiative aims to do just that by helping newcomers to Ontario’s workforce, young workers, and long-time workers in any sector learn more about their rights and the laws that guide them as a worker in our province. The Lighthouse Initiative offers critical information in 21 languages, via downloadable information guides – with tips, quizzes, and links – to help guide workers through their rights and obligations in Ontario workplaces.

Occupational injuries and illnesses are a preventable workplace epidemic that continues to cost tens of thousands of lives and impact many working families in Ontario. We must continue to work collaboratively to ensure every working Ontarian gets home safe.

Prevention Link staff will be commemorating National Day of Mourning events across communities and in our classrooms. We encourage you to also join a Day of Mourning event in your community or observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on April 28. A comprehensive list of Ontario-wide events is available on the Workers Health & Safety Centre website. By sharing the messages from the Day of Mourning, you are reminding more people to put health and safety at the forefront of their work and helping to prevent further work-related injuries and loss of life.

Honour the fallen. Make the injured whole. Make work safe.
We renew our pledge to building safer workplaces for all workers.

Day of Mourning resources:

• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• Threads of Life
• Workers Health and Safety Centre
• Worker Memorials in Ontario communities
• Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada
• Workplace Safety Insurance Board

We added more courses to our 2025 schedule and can’t wait to see you in our virtual and in-person classes. Ensuring that injured, ill, and disabled workers are protected in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. This challenge requires education, awareness and commitment from workers, unions, employers and the community at large. Prevention Link offers comprehensive training programs beneficial to workers, union and employer leadership.

Who should attend: WSIB representatives, Workers’ Compensation activists, RTW specialists, union leadership and union stewards, H&S representatives and activists, supervisors, human resources specialists, employers and young workers.

Choose from a variety of core curriculum or  topical courses below. We made it easier for participants to register for our core curriculum training. Once you complete Level 2, you can take any level, in any order, afterwards. Topical courses are usually shorter and do not require any prerequisite. Sign up today OR we can provide training just for your members, staff or workplace! Contact us to schedule at your convenience at info@preventionlink.ca

CORE CURRICULUM

LEVEL 1: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS – Virtual and in-person
Prerequisites: None.
» January 29 – February 12 (Virtual)
» February 24-25 (In-person)
» April 1-15 (Virtual)
» June 2-6 (In-person; combined with Level 2)
» September 3-17 (Virtual)

The first of six core certification courses offered within Prevention Link’s disability prevention curriculum.  This introductory course begins by exploring the history of Ontario’s compensation system and the development of legislation and the general principles of the system.

Participants learn the basics of a disability prevention framework, including:

• Types of workplace injuries and occupational illnesses;
• The legal tests applied by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) when considering entitlement;
• The method to report an injury;
• The steps to initiate a claim;
• Reporting strategies, including time limits and potential penalties.

LEVEL 2: BENEFITS AND SERVICES – Virtual and in-person
Prerequisites: Level 1.
» February 19 – March 5 (Virtual)
» March 3-4 (In-person)
» April 16-30 (Virtual)
» June 2-6 (In-person; combined with Level 1)
» October 9-23 (Virtual)

In the second of six core certification courses, offered within Prevention Link’s core curriculum, participants will become familiar with the significance of legislation (WSIA), regulations, and policies, including the history of legislative change and Bills that have amended the WSIA.

Participants will:

• Explore changes to the legislation and their effects on benefits and services;
• Discuss the benefits and services available under three district eras;
• Explore benefit calculations including Non-Economic Loss (NEL) and Loss of Earnings (LOE).

LEVEL 3: APPEALS & DISPUTE RESOLUTION – In-person
WORKER ADVOCATE EDITION
Prerequisites: Level 1 & Level 2
» May 4-9

An interactive and analytical course, Prevention Link has developed a holistic and intuitive course meant to build participants into mock hearing settings. Using case file examples and mock hearings, this intensive course will provide participants with the practical skills to prepare and present oral hearings before the Workplace Safety Insurance Board as well as the Workplace Safety Insurance and Appeals Tribunal.

We will examine reviewing of the file; gathering additional evidence; researching law; policy and precedent; preparation of witnesses; and questioning, cross-questioning and re-direct at a hearing.

LEVEL 4: RETURN TO WORK – In-person
Prerequisites: Level 1 & Level 2
» March 23-24

This course is designed for those who will or currently assist injured workers individually or collectively through a therapeutic return to work (RTW) and provides workplace parties with the tools necessary to develop strategies that ensure successful outcomes.

» Tools for workplace parties to develop return-to-work (RTW) strategies
» Leading research, law, and evidence-based best practices
» Duty to accommodate, both provincial and federal
» Precedent-setting cases
» Practical tips for preparing and participating in RTW
» Roles, rights, and responsibilities of the parties
» Hierarchy of RTW job opportunities
» Dispute resolution and penalties

 

TOPICAL WORKSHOPS

RETURN TO WORK 101 – Virtual
» January 28
» May 14
» June 19
» December 2 

This workshop provides participants with the tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively; and return them to long term healthy and productive employment. The workshop will review noteworthy case law and Human Rights legislation.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION LAW – Virtual 
» January 29
» May 21
» June 26
» December 3 

With a focus on the protected ground of disability and the social area of employment, this workshop will advance a participant’s understanding of human rights legislation and the Duty to Accommodate. The definitions of discrimination will be explored, the requirements for requesting and responding to accommodation needs will be outlined, and what constitutes “undue hardship” will be examined. This workshop provides participants with the resources and tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively, and support return to long-term healthy and productive employment.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH & SAFETY AND RETURN TO WORK – In-person
» September 28 – October 3

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada and workplaces that have a strong commitment to psychological health and safety, demonstrated by the behaviours of the workplace, have more success in Return to Work (RTW). This training provides participants with the resources and tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively, and support return to healthy and productive employment.

Who should attend: WSIB and Benefits Representatives, RTW Specialists, Health and Safety Representatives, Human Resources, Workplace Leadership and Union Stewards.

HEARINGS IN WRITING – Virtual
» January 30

This workshop will help participants understand the goals and challenges of legal submission writing and how to address them. In accordance with the WSIB’s Practice and Procedures and with WSIAT’s Practice Directions, participants will learn how to organize and structure submissions to be clear and reader focused. Using various outlines and templates, the traditional structure of a submission is examined with attention given to strategies and guidelines to produce an effective written hearing submission. Participants will explore making facts and law persuasive and the technical components of writing, including referring to and attaching documents and a professional format will be reviewed.

 

Building on over 30 years of success, the Prevention Link Program is one of Ontario’s only comprehensive prevention programs. Prevention Link is relying on the experience and success of a network of workplace-based occupational disability prevention champions to enhance primary and secondary prevention of workplace injury and illness and prevent re-injury after return to work. Learn how to improve outcomes for workers and their workplaces by attending our training.

Who should attend: WSIB representatives, Workers’ Compensation activists, RTW specialists, union leadership and union stewards, H&S representatives and activists, supervisors, human resources specialists, employers and young workers. We will be happy to see you in our in-person and online classes.

Please note that Prevention Link can also provide and schedule training just for your members or workplaces!

CORE CURRICULUM

LEVEL 1: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Duration: 12 hours. Prerequisites: None.
» September 9 – September 10 (in-person)
» November 5 – November 19 (virtual)

The first of six core certification courses offered within Prevention Link’s disability prevention curriculum.  This introductory course begins by exploring the history of Ontario’s compensation system and the development of legislation and the general principles of the system.

Participants learn the basics of a disability prevention framework, including:

• Types of workplace injuries and occupational illnesses;
• The legal tests applied by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) when considering entitlement;
• The method to report an injury;
• The steps to initiate a claim;
• Reporting strategies, including time limits and potential penalties.

Cost: $449.00. Register early to get a $40.00 discount!

LEVEL 2: BENEFITS AND SERVICES
Duration: 12 hours. Prerequisites: Level 1.
» September 25 – September 26 (in-person)
» November 21 – December 5 (virtual)

In the second of six core certification courses offered within Prevention Link’s core curriculum, participants will become familiar with the significance of legislation (WSIA), regulations, and policies, including the history of legislative change and Bills that have amended the WSIA.

Participants will:

• Explore changes to the legislation and their effects on benefits and services;
• Discuss the benefits and services available under three district eras;
• Explore benefit calculations including Non-Economic Loss (NEL) and Loss of Earnings (LOE).

Cost: $449.00. Register early to get $40.00 discount!

LEVEL 4: RETURN TO WORK
Prerequisites: Level 1 & Level 2
» September 25 – September 26 (in-person)

TOPICAL WORKSHOPS

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION 101
» October 2 (in-person)

This workshop introduces participants to the compensation system in Ontario, the history and principles of compensation legislation and third party rights of action. Information on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), including time limits for dealing with issues are discussed and the process flow for claims and appeals are presented.

Participants will learn:

• Injury reporting;
• How claims are filed;
• The responsibilities of the workplace parties;
• The role of medical professionals; and
• Benefits and services available to injured and ill workers.

RETURN TO WORK 101
» October 9 (in-person)

This workshop provides participants with the tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively; and return them to long term healthy and productive employment. The workshop will review noteworthy case law and Human Rights legislation.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION LAW
» October 16 (in-person)

With a focus on the protected ground of disability and the social area of employment, this workshop will advance a participant’s understanding of human rights legislation and the Duty to Accommodate. The definitions of discrimination will be explored, the requirements for requesting and responding to accommodation needs will be outlined, and what constitutes “undue hardship” will be examined. This workshop provides participants with the resources and tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively, and support return to long-term healthy and productive employment.