Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

The ISA advises international students and/or scholars regarding immigration, personal and cultural adjustment, and university processes and policies.  International student advisors are responsible for understanding, interpreting, explaining and applying federal immigration regulations pertaining to international students and scholars and for directly updating and maintaining the US government’s SEVIS database of international student and scholar records.  ISAs also have responsibility to assist with one or more of the following specific areas: orientation, programming and student club advising, J Scholar Program, or Sponsored Student Program. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus two years’ directly related experience or equivalency required.

Previous experience in an advising, counseling or teaching environment is preferred.  Applicants must be US citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, per federal regulations for SEVIS Designated School Officials.

Preferences

Master’s degree in a related field and 2 years experience as a DSO, PDSO, RO or ARO and knowledge of USCIS regulations pertaining to F and J visa holders.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Advise international students and scholars regarding immigration, cultural, interpersonal, and/or educational issues, and assist students in identifying& accessing other resources as needed. Proactively identify and resolve serious and complex issues related to immigration laws, crisis situations, educational and interpersonal needs while maintaining sensitivity to diverse cultures and language ability.
2. Serve as a member of the University of Utah Designated School Official and /or Responsible Officer team, updating and maintaining SEVIS records to preserve university compliance with federal immigration laws and requirements and assign student/scholar benefits.
3. Assist with developing and communicating office and university policies and procedures pertaining to international students and scholars
4. Conduct outreach to disseminate information on immigration and other international student/scholar related topics on campus; plan and conduct related workshops and seminars for the campus community.
5. Serve as a member of one or more pan-office teams: web team, orientation team, assessment team, professional development team, etc.  
6. Supervise one or more peer advisors

Problem Solving

The incumbent has the authority to identify and propose solutions for problems that arise concerning immigration issues, federal immigration regulations, academic and procedural questions, crisis situations and intercultural challenges involving students, faculty, and staff. Decision outcomes often impact the University as a whole as well as individual international students’ and scholars’ ability to live, work and study in the United States.   S/he acts a liaison between internal and external constituencies involved in program activities. Problems arising from these coordination efforts will be addressed by the incumbent who will refer to the manager for issues outside of program policy and procedure guidelines.  This position supervises and directs the work of one or more peer advisors.  

Ability to understand and apply complex, at times vague federal immigration regulations to frequently changing situations where application substantially affects international student/scholar ability to live, work and study in the US and/or the University's ability to admit and host international students and scholars.

US citizen or Permanent Resident per federal law for SEVIS Designated School Officials and Responsible Officers

Experience in advising, counseling or related fields requiring application of rules/regulation to complex individual situations. Experience completing detailed tasks in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and sound judgment are critical. Experience with and sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and language skills is appropriate.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.