International Student Advisor Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14056)

Description

Position Summary  

The International Student Advisor (ISA) reports to the Assistant Director of International Student Advising and Support (ADISAS) in the International Education (IE) department and works closely with the advising and support team as well as the admissions team. To help international students achieve their academic and career goals, this ISA position is primarily responsible for providing quality academic and immigration advising and ongoing support to students enrolled in the Intensive English, Bridge Pathway, the International High School Completion (IHSC) programs, and limited caseload of College Credit program students. The ISA works independently within the scope and context of guidelines set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to perform all duties as the Designated School Official (DSO).  Duties include, but are not limited to, interpreting the regulations, F-1 student advising, determining eligibility for F-1 benefits, reporting accurately in a timely manner in the SEVIS system, and record keeping. In addition to daily advising, the ISA supports the department with occasional front-line customer service and cultural/educational events and activities.

This position is expected to work on-campus at least three days and work remotely two days a week until further notice. This may change based on the business needs of the college. The position may need to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed by the ADISAS.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $64,476/year - $86,640/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

International Education (IE) provides primary support for students on F-1, J-1, and some other non-immigrant visas who plan to enroll in college-credit classes, International High School Completion (IHSC), Bridge Pathway, International Business Professions (IBP), Intensive English, and short-term customized programs. IE services include international marketing and recruitment, admissions, advising (academic, F-1 visa regulations, and cultural), class enrollment, accident and sickness medical benefit matters, student engagement, and housing referrals. IE works with on and off-campus partners to develop and deliver international student programs that support student success, retention, and program completion. In addition, IE acts as a liaison between Bellevue College international students, faculty, administrators, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Essential Functions  

Academic and F-1 immigration advising and support:

F-1 Immigration Advising as the Designated School Official (DSO)

• Perform all required duties of a Designated School Official (DSO) and make timely updates in the SEVIS system.  Duties include, but are not limited to, quarterly SEVIS registration, termination, issuance of I-20 to reflect students¿ education level, program, and sponsorship change, program extension, transfer-out SEVIS records, authorization of vacation term, reduced course load and endorsement of on- and off-campus student employment. 
• Assess and advise out-of-status students about options to request regaining F-1 status, required documents, costs, approximate timeframe, suspension of all F-1 benefits, the need to maintain normal academic progress while case is pending and possible ramifications. Assist student with re-entry or reinstatement filing based on their decision.  
• Advise students on eligibility and requirements for F-1 employment options such as on-campus work, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training (OPT), Severe Economic Hardship, and Special Student Relief.  
• Respond to students¿ inquiries about travel, port-of-entry concerns, visa renewal, finding on-campus job, obtaining a social security number, applying for driver¿s license, etc. 
• Stay up on pertinent regulatory changes that impact F-1 students. 
• Manage all the quarterly Change of Education Level (COEL) system and I-20 updates for the Intensive English and Bridge Pathway students as well as others within the caseload¿s COEL updates.

Academic Advising

• Generate and review reports to determine priorities for student contact and support. 
• Connect with students who are identified at various levels of academic standing and apply appropriate intervention in a timely manner and monitor progress. 
• Working closely with the admissions team to retain new admits, initiate the pre-arrival outreach to all accepted International High School Completion students to schedule the First Quarter
• Welcome meeting to discuss degree planning, placement testing, and selecting courses.
• Assist, encourage and advise students regarding academic process, degree selection, quarterly registration, tuition payment and other student logistics.  
• Create an education plan based on student¿s intended degree/major and update as student progress.
• Respond to student inquiries about course selection, tuition and fee charges, appeal processes. 
• Schedule and facilitate class visits to the Intensive English programs to explain about transitioning to a different education level or to the College Credit programs. 
• Evaluate and interpret international high school transcripts and external test results to develop a personalized education plan, advise, track progress, ensure students satisfy both high school graduation and transfer associate degree requirements to earn both credentials 
• Guide students with university selection, applications, decision making, and transfer-out process.

Ongoing Supports

• Respond to students¿ requests such as enrollment verification, visa support letters, recommendation letters, etc. 
• Provide insight into process for cultural adjustment, share opportunities for campus community involvement and make referrals for options students are seeking.
• Identify particular concerns for referral to Title IX, CARE Team, Counseling, Disability Resource Center, Public Safety, Residence Life and other on and off-campus resources.
• Make referrals for resources such as Benefits Hub, the STEPP pre-payment plan, the International Student Safety Net, and BC Foundation annual scholarships to international students experiencing temporary financial hardship.

Quarterly New Student Orientation, Workshops, and Student Support:

• Working closely with the ADISAS and the admissions team, plan and facilitate quarterly new student orientation and present topics such as immigration, academic requirements, health and safety, etc. 
• Facilitate group drop-in sessions to assist new students with NetID, Multi Factor Authenticator set-up, ctcLink activation, new student check-in, change of education level records, and payments.
• Identify relevant touch-points of the IHSC student¿s academic-career life, organize and deliver the IHSC program specific presentations/workshops throughout the year including, but not limited to during the quarterly new student orientation, quarterly HD 103 (International Student First Year Experience) courses as a guest speaker, and the start of university freshman and transfer application seasons.
• Collaborate with the advising team to conduct workshops such as transfer planning, F-1 employment options under practical training, and major regulatory F-1 updates.
• Help promote and participate in various student engagement activities as a way of connecting with students.

Outreach for International Students and International Education:

• Participate in cross-campus meetings and training sessions with the Student Affairs, Academic Affairs or other campus partners to continue providing consistent services to support students  
• Participate in quarterly Association of Washington International Student Affairs (AWISA) conference to keep up with regulatory changes, learn best practices and network with colleagues in the regions. Occasionally participate in the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) conference with pre-approval of the ADISAS and the Director of IE.
• Develop and maintain training materials for the IHSC advising, international high school transcript review, and unique aspects of four-year university transfer requirements and processes.

Other duties:

• Act as a back-up to provide occasional front-line customer services.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; relevant years of experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Two (2) years of work experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the F-1 visa regulations and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated effective customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues and/or students in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to serve as a Designated School Official.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year experience in reviewing and analyzing international high school transcripts and external test results.
• One (1) year of experience as a Designated School Official.
• Two (2) years of experience in advising international students in an academic setting, preferably international high school completion population.
• Experience in the SEVIS system, student management system such as Terra Dotta, PeopleSoft (e.g., ctcLink), and/or Salesforce (e.g., Target X).
• Fluency in a second language.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 08/14/2024 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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