POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general direction, the international student advisor will provide essential services to prospective and current international students while serving as a designated school official for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP is part of the National Security Investigations Division). The International Student Advisor is responsible for advising international students on complex immigration regulations as well as academic, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns. The International Student Advisor must possess current knowledge of federal, state, local and university regulations that affect international students and their dependents and must maintain unique training and knowledge related to United States immigration regulations. This position requires a familiarity with the university and its administrative structure in addition to a working knowledge of U.S. Customs and Immigration (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) F-1 and J-1 student regulations and procedures. The International Student Advisor will make referrals to appropriate campus and community resources, implement programs designed to help students achieve academic success and intercultural competence, and serve as an advocate for international students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for Case Western Reserve University. This role requires U.S. government adjudication and training and gives the advisor the independent authority to advise international students on a case-by-case basis on their legal immigration status in the United States. Stay current regarding knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations as they affect international students through specific and ongoing training and trends in higher education through involvement with professional organizations. 
2. Provide leadership in strategically important liaison roles, such as working with faculty and staff across campus. Educate the Case Western Reserve University community about the unique needs of international students. Develop and maintain partners outside of the Center for International affairs and make recommendations to enhance the international students’ experience at Case Western Reserve University. 
3. Serve as an academic advisor for students participating in curricular practical training, optional practical training, and STEM optional practical training extension, approximately 500 students per year. 
4. Advise international students on complex immigration-related issues such as visa issuance, travel and re-entry to the United States, employment eligibility, change of immigration status, course-load requirements, and transfers into/from Case Western Reserve University, as well as academic, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns. Use independent judgment when making referrals to other individuals/offices on campus to resolve problems. Be available, responsive, and able to exercise discretion in the event of a crisis.  
5. Plan and implement workshops and programs designed to keep international students well-informed about immigration regulations, academic success, and intercultural competence. Be a resource for faculty and staff about immigration policies and procedures as they relate to CWRU’s academic policies. Coordinate with academic departments and admissions offices to obtain applications for newly admitted international students. Evaluate applications independently to prepare government documents (I-20 and DS-2019 Forms) for visa eligibility and to ensure the university’s compliance with all federal immigration regulations. 
6. Evaluate and grant on-campus work permission and process international students’ applications for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)-approved employment authorization.  
7. Provide recommendations on priorities and objectives to further the goals of the Office of International Student Services and the Center for International Affairs. Serve on the Center for International Affairs committees and provide input to enhance customer service and student satisfaction.  

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with all departmental staff members to exchange information.

University: Frequent contact with academic departments and all admissions offices to gather information required in order to issue visa documents for newly admitted international students. Regular contact with Student Affairs offices when referring international students for services. Regular contact with Undergraduate Studies, Graduate Studies, Student Employment, and Payroll Offices. Periodic contact with faculty members and students’ academic advisors to exchange information.

External: Constant communication with international applicants and family members in order to explain admission procedures and direct their calls/emails appropriately. Frequent contact with community organizations providing services and activities for international students. Periodic contact with embassies, consular offices, and funding agencies regarding sponsored students’ financial certification. Periodic contact with international student advisors at other universities in regard to international student transfer procedures.

Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students to exchange information. Regular contact with an undergraduate student employee to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over student workers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience working in international education required.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of immigration regulations and Homeland Security reporting requirements related to F1 and J1 international students.
2. U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required as mandated by federal regulations.
3. Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate complex regulations.
4. Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, oral and written communication skills.
5. Knowledge of other cultures.
6. Ability to work in a collaborative environment, while being able to work independently with minimal supervision.
7. Proficiency in current software applications.
8. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions. Occasional evening and weekends required. This position is eligible for the staff hybrid work program.