Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist
Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Monday–Friday, Standard Hours
Why You'll Love Working Here
As a Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll be a key resource for employees and leaders — administering benefits, leave of absence programs, and benefit-related payroll processes while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and organizational policy. You'll also manage our employee ID badge program, supporting workforce security and operations. You'll be part of a mission-driven health system committed to a positive employee experience, teamwork, and professional growth.
Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.
- Compensation: Starting at $28.70 per hour, based on education and experience.
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, retirement with match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.
What You'll Do as a Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist
- Administer employee benefits, leave of absence programs, and benefit-related payroll processes, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.
- Serve as a primary resource for employees and leaders on benefits, leave administration, and benefits-related payroll questions.
- Manage the organization's employee ID badge program, including issuance, updates, replacements, and access coordination.
- Partner closely with Payroll, Employee Well-Being & Benefits, Employee Relations, HRIS, Information Systems, Finance, Recruitment, and leaders across the organization.
- Ensure accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service across all benefits and leave functions.
- Support the organization's mission, vision, and values while maintaining strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
Qualifications
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or a related field preferred.
- Experience:
- 3 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration.
- 3 years of experience in employee leave administration.
- Licensure/Certifications:
- Skills & Abilities:
- Full knowledge of legal, policy, and procedural requirements within the benefits and payroll functions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of laws and regulations impacting compensation and benefits, such as ERISA, COBRA, ACA, IRS and DOL requirements, FLSA, and wage and hour law.
- Strong communication skills; ability to work within the chain of command using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques.
- Knowledge of the continuum of care provided within the organization.
- Exceptional customer service for employees, leaders, and colleagues.
Physical & Work Environment
- Prolonged sitting, with periods of standing and walking, often 8+ hours per day.
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
- Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition; near visual acuity and close eye work; speaking, reading, and writing for extended periods.
- Standard office environment.
What Sets Us Apart
- Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing development through our Career Pathways Program.
- Impactful Work: As a Benefits Administration & Leave Specialist, you'll be a trusted resource that shapes a positive employee experience — supporting the workforce behind our three community hospitals, 13 medical practices, and specialty centers like the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center.
- Community & Lifestyle: Boone ranks among the best small towns in America, offering outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.
Ready to be a trusted resource for our employees and leaders? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and make a lasting impact on our community.
About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact [email protected].
