Benefits Consultant

Austincc; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian State University’s Human Resources seeks a Benefits Consultant to administer and consult on employee benefits, leave, Workers’ Compensation, disability, and retirement programs. The role guides benefits eligibility, leave administration, retirement planning, and return-to-work processes while ensuring compliance with regulations and university policies.

The ideal candidate has a four-year degree with HR experience and strong analytical, communication, and customer-service skills to

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with two years of professional human resources experience.
• All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional administration and consultation for employee benefits, leave, Workers’ Compensation, disability, and retirement programs.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, and campus departments, offering guidance on benefits eligibility and return-to-work processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, UNC System requirements, and University policies; support day-to-day benefits operations including claims administration and reporting.
• Develop and deliver employee training and presentations on benefits and related topics.

Skills

HR policy interpretation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Benefits administration tools

Reporting systems

Job description

You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Appalachian State Human Resources advances the university’s mission by attracting, developing, and retaining talent; empowering employees to reach their full potential; fostering safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces; and providing human-centered services and professional consultation that help employees thrive.

The Benefits Consultant provides professional administration and consultation for employee benefits, leave, Workers’ Compensation, disability, and retirement programs. Serving as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, and campus departments, this position delivers guidance on benefits eligibility, leave administration, retirement planning, and return-to-work processes while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, UNC System requirements, and University policies. The role promotes employee well—being and organizational effectiveness through case management, employee education, regulatory compliance, collaborative problem—solving, and responsive customer service. Additionally, the Benefits Consultant supports day-to-day benefits operations through claims administration, leave and disability management, retirement counseling, reporting, recordkeeping, vendor coordination, and other activities that contribute to a positive and engaging employment experience for the university community.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with two years of professional human resources experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, policies, plan provisions, and administrative procedures.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and case management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex information to broad audiences.
• Strong customer service, consultation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive employee matters with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of employee benefits, leave administration, Workers’ Compensation, disability, retirement programs, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Experience providing consultation and guidance on complex employee benefit and leave matters.
• Experience using HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, and reporting systems.
• Experience developing and delivering employee training and presentations.
• Experience working in higher education, state government, or other complex organizations.

Professional HR (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) or related certifications preferred