Leave Administration Consultant

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Hybrid: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy.

The Division of Finance and Operations at UNC-Chapel Hill encompasses a broad range of departments (Facilities Services, Finance, Budget & Data Analysis, Real Estate & Campus Enterprises, Human Resources, and Organizational Strategy and Performance) that serve and support the University's teaching, research, and public service mission through dedicated, innovative work processes and high-quality customer service.

The Benefits & Leave Administration Department strives for continuous excellence in service to help advance the mission of the Office of Human Resources at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 'our purpose is our people'. Benefits & Leave Administration is responsible for the administration of benefit and leave plans, programs and policies authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly, University of North Carolina Systems Office and the University to more than 15,000 employees. Benefit and leave plans include:
Medical & health benefits
Life, accidental death & dismemberment plans
Disability plans
Retirement & savings plans
Flexible spending accounts
Education benefits

The Leave Administration Consultant serves as a subject matter expert responsible for the administration of employee leave and disability programs and the delivery of consultative services to employees, supervisors, Human Resources partners, and university leadership. This position independently administers and manages a caseload involving multiple concurrent leave programs, disability benefits, and return to work situations, including Family and Medical Leave Act ( FMLA), disability programs, Workers' Compensation, Paid Parental Leave, Voluntary Shared Leave, faculty leave programs, military leave, and other university, state, and federally governed leave benefits. The consultant reviews leave requests, determines eligibility, evaluates medical and supporting documentation, and provides guidance on leave-related processes, benefits impacts, and return-to-work requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, UNC System policies, and university procedures.

The Leave Administration Consultant serves as the primary point of contact for leave-related matters and provides expert interpretation of leave policies, regulations, and procedures. The position manages highly sensitive and confidential information, coordinates with healthcare providers, disability vendors, Payroll Services, University Compliance Office, Employee Management & Relations, Environmental Health and Safety, the Office of University Counsel, and other stakeholders to support effective leave administration and return-to-work processes. The consultant assists in resolving complex employee situations, supports risk mitigation efforts, and ensures the timely administration of required notices, documentation, and case records.

This position is responsible for maintaining accurate leave data and documentation, monitoring regulatory and policy changes affecting leave administration, and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and compliance practices. The consultant analyzes leave utilization trends and operational metrics and provides recommendations to leadership regarding operational enhancements, compliance practices, and program effectiveness.

In addition, the Leave Administration Consultant provides guidance regarding the impact of leaves of absence on retirement, health, welfare, disability, and other benefit programs and supports departmental initiatives related to benefits, leave, and employee well-being. The position develops and delivers training, presentations, and educational resources to employees, supervisors, HR Representatives, and campus partners to promote understanding and consistent application of leave and benefit programs across the university.

Bachelor's degree and two years of progressively responsible professional human resources management experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

* Demonstrated experience administering employee leave, benefits, disability, workers' compensation, or other related human resources programs.
* Working knowledge of federal and state leave laws and regulations, including the Family and Medical Leave Act ( FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA), Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ( USERRA), and other applicable leave and disability programs.
* Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and program requirements to complex employee situations while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
* Experience reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating documentation to determine eligibility and ensure compliance with leave and benefits programs.
* Strong case management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and a high-volume workload while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, healthcare providers, and other internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong consultation, customer service, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex policies, procedures, and program requirements to diverse audiences.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with employees, management, HR partners, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and support organizational objectives.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research issues, evaluate options, identify trends, and recommend appropriate solutions.
* Experience maintaining confidential records and managing sensitive employee information in accordance with privacy requirements and professional standards.
* Proficiency with Human Resources Information Systems ( HRIS), case management systems, and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
* Ability to adapt to changing regulations, technologies, priorities, and organizational needs in a dynamic work environment.

* Experience administering leave and disability programs in higher education, state government, healthcare, or another complex regulatory environment.
* Experience independently managing complex leave cases, including intermittent FMLA, disability benefits, workers' compensation, and return-to-work coordination.
* Knowledge of North Carolina State Human Resources policies, UNC System policies, and university leave programs.
* Familiarity with State Health Plan, TSERS, ORP, disability income plans, and other State employee benefits.
* Experience developing and delivering training or presentations related to leave, benefits, or HR programs.
* Experience analyzing data, preparing reports, and supporting process improvement initiatives.
* Experience using PeopleSoft HCM, ConnectCarolina, Kronos, or similar enterprise HR systems.
* Bachelor's degree and/or relevant professional certifications ( PHR, SPHR, SHRM, CEBS, CLMS, CPDM, CDMS).

Ability to perform computer-based work; analyze and interpret complex information; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders; manage multiple priorities; maintain accurate records; and handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.