Benefits Consultant at Appalachian State University - Office of Human Resources

Wayne State University; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian State University is seeking a Benefits Consultant to provide professional administration and consultation across employee benefits, leave, workers’ compensation, disability, and retirement programs. You will guide eligibility, leave processes, retirement planning, and return-to-work actions while ensuring regulatory compliance and quality service.

The role emphasizes accurate case management, staff education, and collaboration with campus departments to foster a positive employment

Qualifications

• 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.

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, providing guidance on benefits eligibility, leave administration, retirement planning, and return-to-work processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, UNC System requirements, and University policies.
• Support day-to-day benefits operations through claims administration, leave and disability management, retirement counseling, reporting, recordkeeping, and vendor coordination.

Skills

Complex laws interpretation

Analytical thinking

Oral and written communication

Customer service and consultation

Discretion and confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS

Payroll

Benefits administration

Reporting systems

Job description

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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