International Student Support Specialist

Defense Security Cooperation Agency • Monterey, CA

9d

About The Position

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU). The incumbent provides expert advice, guidance, and recommendations to leadership, staff, and faculty on accomplishing annual and long-range objectives for administering and managing international student programs. These programs include mobile and resident education and training, as well as related alumni outreach activities.

The specialist analyzes administrative requirements, plans and evaluates program activities, advises on international student support and training matters, and coordinates student services and Field Study Program activities. The role also supports budgeting and spending plans and manages international students’ arrival, residence, and departure processes, including documentation, travel, lodging, transportation, medical support, and other daily-living requirements.

The position is telework eligible and has a flexible tour of duty. Work is full-time, with occasional overtime. The incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce certification and complete continuing learning and Practitioner-level certification requirements. The position is subject to an initial drug screening and random testing thereafter.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Must meet the specialized-experience requirements for the applicable grade: one year equivalent to GS-11 for GS-12; one year equivalent to GS-09 for GS-11; or one year equivalent to GS-07 for GS-09.
• GS-12 specialized experience includes administering international student education or training programs; assisting with program budget formulation and execution; analyzing data and providing input on resolutions; and coordinating international student support services and orientation programs.
• GS-11 specialized experience includes administering and coordinating international education and training functions; applying policies and procedures; coordinating nominations, selection, travel, orientation, academic support, lodging, activities, and in/out-processing; analyzing data and preparing schedules, reports, and performance measures; and supporting budgets, expenditures, and travel claims.
• GS-09 specialized experience includes assisting with education or training program administration and coordination; supporting student in/out-processing, orientation, travel, lodging, transportation, and academic records; applying established policies and procedures; and maintaining program files, student records, schedules, correspondence, reports, and financial documentation.
• Education may substitute for specialized experience at GS-11 with a Ph.D., equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctorate in a directly related field; at GS-09 with a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. Education substitution is not permitted at GS-12.
• A combination of qualifying post-high-school education and experience may be used for GS-09 and GS-11, subject to the stated percentage and graduate-education rules.
• Must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements; Practitioner-level certification requirements must be completed within two years of entering the SC position, with 60 hours of continuing education every two years.
• The position is subject to an initial drug screening and random testing; a negative result must be received within 30 calendar days after the start date.
• Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements, including 52 weeks at the next lower grade level where applicable.
• Education used to qualify must be from an appropriately accredited institution, and transcripts or other required supporting documentation must be submitted by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Analyze administrative requirements for international student participation and establish program plans and milestones.
• Plan and conduct studies and projects to measure program effectiveness and achievement of objectives.
• Advise and collaborate with management and staff on international student support, administration, training modifications, and program management issues.
• Collect and analyze metrics on current and proposed program efforts to assess alignment with management objectives, funding and resources, and policy and legal requirements.
• Advise leadership, staff, and faculty on language, cultural, and religious differences, disciplinary matters, and other sensitive issues involving international students.
• Plan and coordinate Field Study Program activities, including transportation, lodging, meals, schedules, escort personnel, funds, and required documentation.
• Assist with forecasts and budget plans, validate spending priorities, and prepare the International Students Program spending plan for the Financial Office.
• Manage student arrival, residence, and departure processes, including passports, visas, security and other vetting, funding verification, travel orders, vouchers, lodging, transportation, medical support, and daily-living requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position status and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed