Lead Benefits Specialist

State of North Carolina; Wake Forest (NC); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina seeks a Lead Benefits Specialist to oversee planning, administration, and communication of employee benefits programs. This role acts as a subject‑matter expert, providing guidance to HR and staff, and may lead a small team responsible for benefits operations.

The position emphasizes compliance with regulations, competitive benefit offerings, and effective support for employee needs across the DHHS system.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with 2 years HR experience or 3 years progressive HR experience.
• Experience with HR systems and processes.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with tact and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, administration, and communication of employee benefits.
• Ensure offerings are compliant, competitive, and aligned with regulations.
• Provide guidance to HR and employees; may lead a small benefits team.

Skills

State HR systems knowledge

Federal & state laws knowledge

Relationship building & discretion

Education

Associate’s degree in HR or related field

Job description

About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Agency

Division

Job Classification Title

HR Technician III (NS)

Position Number

Grade

NC09

About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

Description Of Work

The Lead Benefits Specialist oversees the planning, administration, and communication of employee benefits programs. This role ensures that benefit offerings are competitive, compliant with regulations, and effectively support employee needs. The Lead Benefits Specialist serves as a subject‑matter expert, provides guidance to HR and employees, and may lead a small team responsible for benefits operations.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $ 41,206 -$ 72,113

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The following Management Preferences are not required, but applicants that possess these skills are preferred.

• Working to considerable knowledge of State HR systems and processes.
• Basic to working knowledge of federal and state laws, and State policies, procedures and practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to handle confidential matters with tact and discretion; to express ideas clearly and concisely; to exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions within area of responsibility; able to learn and apply rules, procedures, and practices for various human resources management activities or personnel actions.

Position is eligible for a hybrid-teleworking schedule to include weekly onsite work hours

Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date

About The DHHS Division Of Human Resources

The DHHS Division of Human Resources is responsible for strategic and tactical human capital management within DHHS including compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations affecting employee relations, recruitment/selection, job evaluation, salary administration, benefits, workers compensation, safety, and core staff development.

Compensation And Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: .

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education And Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate’s degree, typically in Human Resources or relevant field from an appropriately accredited institution and 2 years of experience required; or 3 years of progressive experience in Human Resources; or equivalent combination or education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.