Work Comp and Safety Specialist

Christensen Farms is one of the largest, family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and South Dakota. Christensen Farms owns four feed mills, manages 145,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow-finish sites. The company employees nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships.

The company is vertically integrated with a strong presence across the pork value chain - from farm to fork. Christensen Farms is the largest shareholder of Triumph Foods LLC, a producer-owned primary pork processing plant in St. Joseph, Missouri. In turn, Triumph Food members own 50 percent of Daily's Premium Meats, a specialty pork processor bacon and other premium pork products. Triumph Foods also holds a 50 percent partnership in Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC of Sioux City, Iowa, a primary pork processing plant.

Position Overview & Responsibilities:

The Workers Compensation and Safety Specialist is responsible for managing Christensen Farms workers' compensation program efficiently while also providing organization reporting on key performance indicators as well as project coordination/management of safety initiatives. A qualified person will have a solid understanding of workers' compensation regulations, OSHA regulations and experience in project management related to safety programs.

This position will be located in the Sleepy Eye office and will have some travel to meet the objectives needed.

Major Areas of Accountability:

1. Workers' Compensation Management:
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for all workers' compensation claims, ensuring prompt reporting and accurate documentation.
   • Coordinate with insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and legal counsel to facilitate the resolution of claims effectively.
   • Monitor claim costs and outcomes, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
2. Reporting and Analysis:
   • Compile and analyze data related to workers' compensation claims, safety incidents, and compliance metrics.
   • Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on safety performance, trends, and recommendations for management review.
   • Utilize data insights to drive continuous improvement efforts and enhance overall safety effectiveness.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Stay current on federal, state, and local regulations governing workers' compensation and safety practices.
   • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by implementing and executing appropriate policies, procedures, and training programs required by state and federal OSHA agencies.
4. Safety Project Coordination/Management:
   • May lead the planning and implementation of safety initiatives and projects aimed at reducing workplace hazards and promoting a culture of safety.
   • Develop project plans, timelines, and ensure adherence to established goals and objectives.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute safety projects, including coordinating training sessions, procuring necessary resources, and overseeing implementation.

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Business Administration, Risk Management, Occupational Health and Safety, or preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in workers' compensation management.
• Strong administrative and/or project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and track progress effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of workers' compensation laws and regulations.
• Certification in workers' compensation (e.g., CWCP) or project management (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish - ability to read, write and interpret highly preferred.