• Job Description

  Req#: R-056655

  Job Title

  Immigration Specialist I

  Agency

  Texas A&M University

  Department

  International Student and Scholar Services

  Proposed Minimum Salary

  Commensurate

  Job Location

  College Station, Texas

  Job Type

  Staff

  Job Description

  Our Commitment

  Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & identities. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

  Who we are

  International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students, scholars, and their families as they navigate the U.S. immigration system. We educate on policies and regulations and provide programs to enhance the student/scholar experience. We choose to embrace, encourage, and celebrate different viewpoints, perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. We are proud of our International Aggies who are changing the world!

  What we want

  International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is seeking an Immigration Specialist I to support prospective, current, and former international students and their dependents through the processing of immigration documents and the delivery of immigration advising. Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with U.S. Department of State. Maintains international student records, handles confidential (FERPA and HIPAA-protected) information, and navigates intricate immigration matters with multiple deadlines involved. Promotes teamwork and respect for all people in the workplace and in all interactions with internal and external clientele. If you enjoy a fast-paced high-volume work environment, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

  What you need to know

  Salary: $36,512 - $46,924.80/year (Based on selected hire's experience)

  Cover Letter/Resume’: A cover letter and resume’ are strongly recommended. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

  Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • One year of related experience.

  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

  • Basic familiarity with immigration laws.

  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

  • Ability to also 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.

  Other Requirements or Other Factors:

  • 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.

  • Remote work may be required.

  Preferred Education and Experience:

  • 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.

  Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

  • Active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and/or other international or academic organizations.

  • Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

  Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of TAMU policies and procedures.

  • Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers at the same time.

  Responsibilities

  • Document Processing - Supports international students through the processing of immigration documents and requests. Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with U.S. Department of State. Maintains international student 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.

  • Advising & Customer Service - Supports prospective, current, and former international students and their dependents through the delivery of immigration advising. Advises accurately and efficiently via email, phone, front counter, virtual-drop-in advising, and student appointments. Provides limited assistance with student 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 student records. Communicates verbally and in writing with customers.

  • Training & Professional Development - 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 students. 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 students.

  • Office Representation & Travel - Occasionally represents ISSS in some capacity, such as giving presentations, helping with Q&A during events, serving as office liaison to another unit, representing the office on a committee, or travel to meetings, conferences, or campus visits. Occasionally assists with projects designed to support the needs of the office and/or international students. Serves as a liaison for international students to campus departments, community members, and other organizations. Travels occasionally off campus to fulfill office business responsibilities. Performs other duties as assigned.

  Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

  All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

  Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

• About the company

  34361 Texas A&M University is a public land-grant research university in College Station, Texas.

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