Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist

Unc-Health-Appalachian; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Employer 401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Wellness incentives

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian seeks a Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist to administer employee benefits, leave of absence programs, and related payroll processes with strict compliance. You will serve as the primary resource for benefits-related inquiries and support across payroll, HRIS, and leadership teams.

The role also manages the employee badge program and collaborates with Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, and Finance to maintain accurate processing and exceptional customer service in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or related field is preferred
• 3 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• 3 years of experience in employee leave administration

Responsibilities

• The Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist plays a key role in supporting the employee experience by administering employee benefits, leave of absence programs, and benefit-related payroll processes while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and organizational policies.
• This position serves as a primary resource for employees and leaders regarding benefits, leave administration, and payroll questions related to employee benefits.
• The role manages the organization’s employee identification badge program, including badge issuance, updates, replacements, and access coordination to support workforce security and operational needs.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or related field

Job description

Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist

Appalachian Regional HealthCare System · Human Resources

Non-Clinical Professional

Full-time , Days , 8:30 - 4:30

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Registered Nurse at UNC Health Appalachian, you will provide compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting the physical, psychosocial, and restorative needs of each individual. You’ll work alongside a collaborative care team in a mission-driven environment focused on safety, quality, and exceptional patient outcomes.

Compensation: Starting at $28.70/hour+, based on experience, education, and internal equity

Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts

Position Summary

The Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist plays a key role in supporting the employee experience by administering employee benefits, leave of absence programs, and benefit-related payroll processes while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and organizational policies. This position serves as a primary resource for employees and leaders regarding benefits, leave administration, and payroll questions related to employee benefits.

In addition, this role is responsible for managing the organization's employee identification badge program, including badge issuance, updates, replacements, and access coordination to support workforce security and operational needs.

The Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist partners closely with Payroll, Employee Well-Being & Benefits, Employee Relations, HRIS, Information Systems, Finance, Recruitment, and leaders across the organization to ensure accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, confidentiality, and a commitment to providing a positive employee experience while supporting the mission, vision, and values of UNC Health Appalachian.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or related field is preferred

Experience

3 years of experience in payrolland benefits administration

3 years of experience in employee leave administration

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Full knowledge of all legal, policy and procedures within the benefit and payroll functions

Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations that impact compensation and benefits such as ERISA, COBRA, ACA, IRS and DOL requirements, FLSA, Wage and Hour.

Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the organization.

Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians

Physical Demands

Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 30 pounds

Manual dexterity and mobility

Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking

Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning

Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

May be exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases

Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.

May be subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies

Continuous sitting, standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift

Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day

Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 30 lbs.

Frequently bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches

Frequently uses hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity

May be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Ongoing education, certification support, and advancement opportunities
• Impactful Work: Deliver high-quality, relationship-based care that improves patient lives
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone, NC offers outdoor recreation, culture, and a strong sense of community
• Mission-Driven Culture: Join a team committed to compassion, safety, and excellence in care

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, [e-mail].