Benefits & Leave Specialist

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

The Benefits and Leave Specialist supports all aspects of leave administration, benefits strategy, and initiatives associated with POET’s overarching people strategy.  This person understands/assists in areas of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), benefits administration, team member onboarding, leave administration, workers' compensation, and employment policies. This person is a valued team member with unquestionable character and integrity.   The Benefits and Leave Specialist reports to the Benefits Manager and assists in driving the importance of a comprehensive Total Rewards program that focuses on people at POET.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Assist team members with claims regarding Leaves of Absence/FMLA/Short and Long-Term Disability/Workers Compensation/ADA.

• Advise team members/leaders/ Administrative Coordinators at our Bioprocessing locations regarding the interaction of leave laws/POET paid time off policies, workers' compensation, and short and long-term disability benefits.

• Submit First Report of Injuries to POET’s workers compensation carrier and provide support to the business on workers compensation policies and practices.

• Work with the Benefits Manager to perform benefits administration, including enrollment, claims resolution, change reporting, billing, reconciliation, and communicating benefit information to team members.

• Coordinate the processing of team member life events and benefit catch-ups.

• Provide team member and leader support regarding benefits and onboarding.

• Conduct weekly benefits onboarding session for new team members.

• Complete assigned audits, reviews, and other location/department requirements.

• Support Benefits Manager with open enrollment preparation and execution, including traveling to Bioprocessing locations throughout the year to educate all team members on benefit initiatives, strategies, and topics.

• Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.

• Partner with Payroll regarding benefit updates and system changes as needed.

• Create and distribute monthly benefit newsletters.

• Protect the interests of team members and the company in accordance with company Human Resources policies, governmental laws, and regulations.

• Identify areas of process improvement and recommend remedies for continuous process improvement.

• Promote POET’s company culture.

• Lead by example in upholding the highest level of integrity and confidentiality in the organization.

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent in Business, Human Resources, or related field is required.

• Comprehensive understanding of benefits and leave administration, along with compensation programs.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

• Experience with Workday or a similar HRIS is preferred, but not required.

• Professional written and verbal communication. The ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and/or written form.

• Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.

• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.

• Commitment to best-in-class customer service.

• Demonstrated practice of discreetly handling confidential matters.

• A high level of personal integrity.

• Initiative in researching, gathering, and analyzing data for various projects.

• Organizational skills with superb time management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage and complete projects within the expected time frame.

• The ability to independently make decisions and/or recommendations to resolve challenges.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• The ability to embrace and promote change.

• An innovative mindset.

• The ability to think objectively.

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty.

• The ability to work in a team environment.

• Minimal travel with some overnight stays may be required, estimated to be up to 10% of the time.

• This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.