International Services Specialist

Position Overview

The International Services Specialist oversees the immigration and compliance process for international students, scholars, and employees (including health care compliance, international insurance). They serve as the University’s Designated School Official (DSO) for all USCIS and immigration matters. The International Services Specialist oversees operations to ensure University compliance with (1) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting requirements and (2) federal regulations mandating provision of legal advising services to F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant students and faculty. They are responsible for retaining the University's legal authority to enroll non-immigrant students and invite exchange faculty for purposes of international academic collaboration. This is an in-person position with possible remote work on a weekly basis (provided candidate is local and can report to the office on a weekly basis).

Essential Functions

• Serve as the University’s Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO)
• Collaborate with Admissions regarding the eligibility of admitted students. Review financial documents of admitted students prior to I-20 issuance.
• Complete and analyze all required documents for prospective and current  students/employees relative to study and employment in the US. Monitor Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 issuance for admitted students and meet expected turn-around timelines.
• Comply with SEVIS requirements and oversee the database, including redesignation of the J-1 program and recertification of the F-1 program. Ensure registration of all students.
• Collaborate with International Student Engagement regarding arrival, orientation, and ongoing advising of international student concerns/issues.
• Complete the annual IIE Open Doors survey
• Maintain current information on regulations relative to foreign nationals enrolled at (or employed by) the university
• Assist students and alumni with completion of OPT/STEM OPT applications.  Assist students with applications for certain immigration benefits (economic hardship work authorization, reinstatement).
• Manage relationship with the health insurance provider for international students, monitor and bill insurance charges.
• Coordinate services for students with respect to social security numbers, tax programs, tax treaties, OPT/CPT, etc.
• Coordinate with Registrar to ensure students maintain minimum physical presence requirements. Ensure that students with tax treaties complete the required federal forms and submit to Student Financial Services.
• Serve on University committees as needed
• Participate in Student Affairs Divisional trainings and retreats

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) unless professional experience sufficiently demonstrates ability to perform job duties.
• Proficient computer skills, ability to use MS Office. Experience with Datatel/Ellucian and SEVIS preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; demonstrated familiarity with and sensitivity to cultural diversity concerns and anti-racism; intercultural education
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required
• Prior experience as a PDSO (including recertifications)
• Prior experience maintaining and coordinating SEVIS (recertifications, redesignations, J1 visa, etc)
• Preferred qualifications: relevant international education experience such as international study or work; knowledge of the H-1B visa process; experience in retention programming and assessment; previous professional experience working in higher education

To apply for this position, please complete the online application located at http://www.evansville.edu/offices/hr/employmentApp.cfm.