Leave Administration Consultant

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.