Student Services Specialist (International Student Services Coordinator) (0097740)

University of Hawaii•Hilo, HI

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public liberal arts and sciences university on the Island of Hawaii, recognized for its integration of cultural immersion and place-based research that leverages the island's extraordinary geological, biological, and cultural diversity. A comprehensive, regional campus within the ten-campus University of Hawaii system, UH Hilo offers high-quality undergraduate and select postgraduate education, with distinctive strengths in areas such as marine science, geology, astronomy, and Hawaiian language revitalization, while advancing research, scholarship, and creative activity that support community needs, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge systems, and workforce development priorities for the State of Hawaii. The UH Hilo Division of Student Affairs serves as the primary resource for student support, engagement, and development outside of the classroom. The division provides essential programs and services that foster student success, personal growth, and a supportive campus environment, including enrollment management services, career advancement, mental health counseling services, campus recreation and wellness, housing and residential life, student engagement, and basic needs support. The International Support Services Coordinator has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students. ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors: advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.; managing compliance for federal reporting requirements for students in the country on student visas; providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment; serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities; and advocating for international students and international education.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in any field and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for helping international students navigate through the process of studying in the U.S. and /or related functions; or equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of federal compliance with regard to international students as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with international students and international education.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and utilize database programs.
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence (required by federal regulations for certification as a Designated School Official)
Attention to detail and ability to prioritize, organize and handle a variety of tasks.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in an academic or university environment.
Experience in creating programing for students at a community college or university level
Experience with Banner, Ellucian, STAR, and/or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) databases.
Experience with Google docs, multimedia platforms, website management, and publishing Software.
Experience living and working outside of the United States
Fluency in another language
Knowledge of relevant University of Hawaii at Hilo policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Primary Designated School Official for the F-1 student visa program.
Review visa documents for completeness and accuracy and ensure compliance with SEVIS regulations and University policy.
Coordinate preparation of SEVIS student records for initial activation and SEVIS-status reporting at the beginning of each semester within SEVIS reporting deadlines and identify students with loss of SEVIS status.
Monitor changes to student records via regular data audits to identify discrepancies, and to ensure data is updated and consistent across multiple databases.
Certify student visa status for travel and employment purposes.
Keep abreast of current University policies and procedures and U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures affecting SEVIS and provide information on SEVIS and visa regulation changes and updates to appropriate offices on campus.
Ensure that all regulatory and procedural communication materials on the ISS website remain consistent and current.
Assist in the organization of and preparation for new student orientation, visa clearance, programs and events.
Assist international students in completing requirements for on-campus student employment.
Assist international students with required tax forms.
Assist international students in Optional and Curricular Practical Training applications and record keeping.
Work with the Advising Center and other departments to provide guidance for international students.
Manage the required health insurance plan for international students.
Other duties as assigned