Benefits Consultant

8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Monday – Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours required, as necessary. Hours per week 40 FLSA Status FLSA Status Exempt Division Division Business Affairs Department Department Human Resources (Adm) Work Location Work Location King Building Salary Range Salary Range $61,000 - $66,000 Primary Purpose of Department Consults with employees, managers, departments, governing bodies, vendors, and other stakeholders on matters related to employee benefits and services. The unit administers leaves of absence, retirements, onboarding and offboarding processes, and other assigned benefits programs that support the full employment lifecycle for more than 4,000 faculty, staff, and eligible temporary employees. Primary Purpose of Position The Benefits Consultant Generalist provides adaptable, cross‑functional support across core benefits functions. This role delivers consultations and case management for leaves of absence, retirement processing, onboarding and offboarding activities, and related benefits administration. The consultant manages high‑volume inquiries, time‑sensitive casework, and ensures accurate application of federal, state, and university policies. By providing coverage during peak workloads, staff absences, and overlapping deadlines, the generalist helps maintain timely, compliant service and consistent support for employees throughout the employment lifecycle. Summary of Position Responsibilities Leave of Absence ( LOA ) – 30% Guide LOA options, eligibility, benefits, and required processes. Review applications and medical documentation, determine eligibility, and complete forms, notifications, and system entries. Consult with employees on continuation, conversion/portability, waivers, and accelerated benefits. Coordinate with Employee Relations when appropriate. Monitor case data for accuracy, compliance, timekeeping, and billing; produce related reports. Support additional LOA tasks as assigned. Retirement – 30% Consult employees on retirement options, eligibility, and benefit calculations for: Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System ( TSERS ), including Law Enforcement Officer ( LEO ) benefits Optional Retirement Plan ( ORP ) Phased Retirement Incentive programs such as the Faculty Incentive Retirement Program ( FRIP ) Guide related retirement benefits, including retiree health insurance, Medicare Parts A and B, NC Flex, and UNC System benefits. Consult on supplemental retirement plans ( UNC System 403(b), 457(b), NC 401(k)), including contribution limits, plan rules, and enrollment changes. Process retirement forms, documentation, communications, and system entries; ensure accuracy and timely completion. Support additional retirement tasks such as pension‑spiking reviews, special separation allowance calculations, and presentations. Onboarding / Offboarding – 30% Conduct orientations and benefits consultations for prospective, new, and transferring employees. Assist with benefits enrollment, documentation, and platform tasks, including compliance with mandatory retirement plan elections. Guide termination‑related benefits, including continuation/portability, COBRA , and vendor contacts. Monitor separation reporting, end deductions, and process adjustments or exception requests as needed. Support Reduction in Force ( RIF ) actions, including Discontinued Service Retirement ( DSR ) requests for eligible TSERS participants, employee consultations, and required payroll and platform updates. Other Benefits Support – 10% Provide general benefits support, including processing HR service cases through HR Connect. Research and interpret benefits policies and collaborate with internal partners as needed. Maintain process documentation and support process improvements. Process qualifying life events and related system entries. Assist with open enrollment, events, and other benefits duties as assigned. Related Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of HR benefits experience; or Equivalent combination of training and experience (degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions). Advanced Excel Skills Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience Broad benefits administration experience, including state programs, leave of absence, retirement, and on/off‑boarding support Strong Excel skills with solid systems proficiency Public sector experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication, including delivering presentations to diverse audiences Necessary Certifications/Licenses Preferred Certifications/Licenses #J-18808-Ljbffr