International Student Services Advisor

Title: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES ADVISOR

Req #:242183

Department:ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS

Job Location:Seattle Campus

Job Location Detail:Hybrid eligible 

Salary:$4,526 - $5,027 per month 

Other Compensation: 

Shift:First Shift 

Benefits:As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.

Job Description:

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. 

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

International Student Services (ISS) has an outstanding opportunity for an International Student Advisor. ISS, a unit within Academic & Student Affairs, supports the Provost as well as the University of Washington community. ISS serves over 8,000 undergraduate, graduate, professional, and exchange international students in F-1 and J-1 status. These students contribute to the institution's academic and research objectives and enhance the rich diversity and global character of the university.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director for International Student Advising, and part of the larger ISS team, the International Student Advisor provides guidance to students, staff, faculty, and campus partners on maintaining F-1 and J-1 visa status. ISS advisors process or authorize immigration benefits for students and help them navigate university and immigration policy as they work towards their academic and career goals at the University of Washington.

ISS advisors provide immigration advising on F-1 and J-1 federal regulations and University policies related to a student’s non-immigrant visa status. ISS advisors help students understand and comply with federal immigration regulations, policies, and procedures. Advisors also serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) as approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). ISS advisors assist international students maintain legal non-immigrant status while enrolled at the University, ensuring the UW is also federally compliant.

An ISS advisor must maintain and update individual student records in Terra Dotta’s ISSS, SEVIS, and UW student databases to ensure University compliance with U.S. federal immigration rules, regulations, and policies.  ISS advisors must understand and implement institutional policies and protocols allowing international students at the UW to accomplish their academic goals and ensuring the University is compliant with all federal regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise international students through in person and virtual appointments, emails, and phone calls about the responsibilities of their F-1 and J-1 visas. (50%)
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) to maintain F-1 student records in ISSS, SEVIS, and the UW student database. (15%)
• Assess eligibility for and authorize benefits related to F-1 status. (10%)
• Adhere to ISS best practices to ensure university and student compliance. (10%)
• Conduct educational training curriculum through in-person and online workshops, information sessions, web content development, and other informational materials. (5%)
• Serve as a resource and liaison with campus partners to provide outreach and training on immigration restrictions and regulations. (5%)
• Monitor developments in F-1 regulations and coordinate with other ISS staff on updating procedural changes or regulatory practices. (3%)
• Help advise and process benefits for international students on J visas as needed. (1%)
• Attend regional or national workshops and conferences as budget allows. (1%)
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 2 years of experience advising international students - OR - 1 year of experience as an authorized government F-1 Designated School Official (DSO) and 1 year of other professional experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn and communicate complex immigration regulations as well as university policy.  
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency required by federal regulations to serve as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years of experience as an International Student Advisor at a college or university.
• Previous DSO and/or ARO experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with public speaking.
• Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple deadlines simultaneously. 
• Desire to work with a team and with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated commitment to the field of international education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires a significant amount of time working on a computer, processing immigration benefits, and sitting at a desk. Advisors are expected to meet with students both in person and virtually, but also advise students through email. Advisors also conduct quarterly presentations on immigration topics and participate in orientation/welcome events throughout the year.

ISS hours of operations are Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Advisors are expected to be in person 3 days/week and can work remote 2 days/week. A telework schedule will be arranged with their supervisor once initial training/onboarding has been successfully completed.