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 (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) 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
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.
