International Student and Scholar Advising in Penn State Global is seeking an experienced professional for the position of International Student Adviser (ISA) to support students at Penn State Berks, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and other campuses as assigned.

This position serves on a team of International Student Advisors. The ISA welcomes international students and supports their success by providing advising services on a broad range of immigration, academic, personal, financial, health, social, and cultural concerns, including requirements for a driver’s license and social security number.

Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) as authorized by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security charged with granting immigration benefits while ensuring compliance with federal laws and guidelines pertaining to international students.

Accountable for federal reporting by maintaining and updating student information in the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and other complex database systems to meet SEVIS compliance.

Develops and conducts educational workshops for students, faculty, and staff on immigration regulations, career considerations, health, and cultural matters.

Partners with Penn State Global and university colleagues on proactive strategies and programs to enhance the enrollment, retention, and overall success of international students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Typically requires a master’s degree or higher in an education or social science related discipline plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 3. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. Master's degree or higher in counselor education, student affairs, intercultural communication and experience working with or in another culture is preferred.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident to meet qualifications for appointment as a Designated School Official.

Full working knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations pertaining to F-1 visa status and possess the analytical skills to apply regulations is preferred. Must be comfortable with ambiguous situations.

Evidence of strong organizational abilities and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast paced, high-volume environment. In addition, the successful candidate must be able to contribute and collaborate effectively as a member of a team.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.

Excellent customer service and diplomacy skills and able to work effectively with faculty, students, University, and government officials from different cultural backgrounds while maintaining legal and ethical standards. Enthusiasm for working with students is essential.

Must have strong computer literacy. At minimum, the candidate must be proficient with database usage such as data entry, data queries and database maintenance. Experience maintaining student data and SEVIS records in Sunapsis is preferred.

The following background checks must be successfully completed for this position:

This position will require the successful completion of standard background checks. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies is available on the PSU police website, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Apply for this position (REQ_0000032490) on the Penn State HR website.