Leave Administration Consultant

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. Education and Experience: * 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 ). Essential Skills: * 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. AA/EEO Statement: 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.