Immigration Specialist I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

17d • Onsite

About The Position

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is seeking an Immigration Specialist I to assist with processing and advising for the ISSS office and clientele, including prospective, current, and former international students and scholars, along with family members of our international community, University faculty and staff, as well as community and government representatives. This essential role in ISSS will primarily assist with supporting our student population by processing immigration requests and advising. We are seeking an experienced professional to provide thorough, accurate, and timely customer service related to immigration and other matters. We are looking for an individual who promotes and can demonstrate teamwork and respect for people in the workplace and in all interactions with internal and external clientele. If you can communicate complicated information effectively and diplomatically, you are interested to learn about the U.S. immigration system as it pertains to higher education, and you enjoy a fast-paced and high-volume work environment, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity. Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience. Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section. Other Requirements and Factors: Must be able to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service with ISSS clientele. Must be able to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of the records retention process. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for certification as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be willing to work on and off campus. Required to handle protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA regulations in accordance with Texas A&M System policy. Required to complete HIPAA training as a condition of employment, within a reasonable timeframe after the individual’s hire date, and on an as-needed basis thereafter. Travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of Immigration Services or related experience.
• Must be able to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service with ISSS clientele.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of the records retention process.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for certification as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing to work on and off campus.
• Required to handle protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA regulations in accordance with Texas A&M System policy.
• Required to complete HIPAA training as a condition of employment, within a reasonable timeframe after the individual’s hire date, and on an as-needed basis thereafter.
• Basic familiarity with immigration laws.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate technical information effectively and diplomatically.
• Ability to relate well with the student population.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience working at an institution of higher education.
• Experience with advising or supporting international students.
• Experience working with people of different backgrounds.
• Experience processing high-volume records, requests, and tasks.
• Experience using computer software programs, such as SEVIS, Banner, PeopleSoft, ISSM, Terra Dotta, Sunapsis, and/or other immigration, student information, or customer relationship management systems.
• Active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and/or other international or academic organization.
• Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Knowledge of TAMU policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers at the same time.

Responsibilities

• Supports international scholars through the processing of immigration documents and requests.
• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with the U.S. Department of State.
• Maintains international scholar records, handles confidential (FERPA and HIPAA-protected) information, and navigates intricate immigration matters with multiple deadlines involved.
• Produces accurate and efficient document processing within office processing timelines and in compliance with regulations.
• Supports prospective, current, and former international scholars, students, and their dependents through the delivery of immigration advising.
• Advises accurately and efficiently via email, phone, front counter, virtual-drop-in advising, and appointments.
• Provides limited assistance with scholar emergencies as needed.
• Triages and escalates complex matters to the appropriate staff member and/or supervisor as needed.
• Provides information and advising to Texas A&M departments and external agencies related to immigration matters.
• Exercises independent judgement to resolve problems regarding international scholar records.
• Communicates verbally and in writing.
• Learns, maintains knowledge, and keeps abreast of applicable Federal, State, University, and ISSS regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Actively participates in internal and external training to advance knowledge, particularly with respect to immigration document processing and advising for international scholars.
• Assists with the review, revision, and interpretation of complex rules, regulations, procedures, and policies relating to immigration.
• Researches and references internal policies and procedures, the NAFSA Adviser’s Manual, as well as federal government regulations and guidance when processing documents and advising scholars and students.
• Represents ISSS as needed in some capacity, such as by giving presentations, helping with Q&A during events, serving as office liaison to other units, representing the office on committees, or by traveling to meetings, conferences, or other campuses.
• Assists as needed with projects designed to support the needs of the office and/or international scholars.
• Serves as a liaison for international scholars to campus departments, community members, and other organizations.
• Travels occasionally off campus to fulfill office business responsibilities.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level