International Student Advisor - Limited Term

ontariotechu • Oshawa, ON

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Student Advisor promotes the academic, personal and professional development of international students at Ontario Tech. This position is accountable for international student development and support, and for the development, coordination, communication and ongoing assessment of programs designed to ensure the successful transition and retention of this key constituency at Ontario Tech in alignment with the Ontario Tech internationalization strategy, Student Experience Centre and Student Life strategies, and Ontario Tech Strategic Plan.

Requirements

• Ability to provide quality, student-centered, ethical advising
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills including: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet applications
• Demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills; and the ability to communicate with a diverse population
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Initiative, organizational and time management skills
• Strong judgement, flexibility and adaptability
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships
• A minimum four-year Bachelor’s degree required with preference given to candidates with a professional or graduate degree in education, student development, higher education or educational leadership
• The incumbent must be registered and in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and accredited as a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this role
• Verification of Academic credentials may be required
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience
• Experience providing support and/or advising services to international students in a post-secondary setting
• Experience in a professional or para-professional role developing programs
• Experience in program evaluation and assessment
• Experience working with students of diverse backgrounds and/or substantial international experience
• Training and/or demonstrable experience in intercultural communications and competency development
• Knowledge of group dynamics and experience leading, planning and facilitating groups
• An understanding of student development theories (as they pertain to international students) and their implications on student learning and student development programming

Nice To Haves

• preference given to candidates with a professional or graduate degree in education, student development, higher education or educational leadership

Responsibilities

• Advocates for services for international students to meet unmet needs
• Recruits, trains, and supervises work study students, volunteers, and World University Services of Canada (WUSC) student group, who assist promotes the academic, personal and professional development of international students at Ontario Tech. This position is accountable for international student development and support, and for the development, coordination, communication and ongoing assessment of programs designed to ensure the successful transition and retention of this key constituency at Ontario Tech in alignment with the Ontario Tech internationalization strategy, Student Experience Centre and Student Life strategies, and Ontario Tech Strategic Plan with the development and delivery of programs and support for international students or WUSC sponsored student
• Supports students experiencing transitional difficulties and provide appropriate advice, referrals, intervention or resources
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures to address the evolving needs of international students
• Provide advising and support for international students regarding various topics like but not limited to accommodation, cultural adjustments, personal concerns, and other aspects related to adjusting to living and studying in Canada
• Staff advisor for World University Services of Canada (WUSC) student group and oversees and supports the Student Refugee Program (SRP) through WUSC
• Researches needs of international, exchange, and new immigrant students including engaging students, staff and faculty in collaborative assessment of supports, services, and programs
• Collaborates with campus stakeholders to develop student development activities on campus and articulate program outcomes for specific projects.
• Researches, designs, develops, delivers, and assesses outcomes-based educational programs and support services for international students including: individual advising, workshops and events, peer mentoring, community building, leadership, orientation and transition programming
• Utilizes professional standards to develop outcomes-based programs
• Evaluates and reports on initiatives to determine which efforts are meeting the student's needs and generating desired outcomes to make evidence-based decisions on future programming
• Develops and delivers workshops, trainings, and updates to promote an understanding of the international student experience and intercultural communication
• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate appropriate settlement programs and events organized to support new and continuing international students retention, success, integration and engagement
• Curates web content for current international students.
• Works with campus partners to ensure web content on all pages at Ontario Tech is accessible and relevant for international students making recommendations when appropriate based on feedback from students and relevant campus partners
• Creates and maintains the international student newsletter
• Creates and aids in additional forms of communication for the international office – website, social media, posters
• Develops content to be shared with students and staff on various immigration topics
• Develops and facilitates immigration information sessions for staff and students
• Communicates to the students regarding immigration changes as they arise
• Updates campus partners on regulation changes and how it impacts students
• Responds to student and staff inquiries about immigration topics
• Conducts one-on-one appointments with students pertaining to their immigration documentation and responsibilities
• Assists in working on ad hoc projects that relate to the internationalization of Ontario Tech as required; examples could be specialized grant applications, surveys, communication on the international Office to the campus community – website updates, social media etc.

Benefits

• The position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU.

What This Job Offers

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