Benefits Consultant

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