Immigration Specialist I

Job description

Agency

Department

What We Want
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is seeking an Immigration Specialist I to provide immigration services to ISSS clientele, including prospective, current, and former F-1 and J-1 international stakeholders, along with their family members, A&M faculty and staff, as well as community members and government representatives. This essential role in the ISSS office will primarily support our international population by processing requests and advising. We are seeking an experienced professional to provide thorough, accurate, and timely service related to immigration and other matters. We are looking for an individual who demonstrates teamwork and respect for people in all interactions with internal and external clientele. We invite you to apply for this opportunity if you can communicate complicated information effectively, if you are willing to learn about the U.S. immigration system and how it pertains to higher education, and if you enjoy a fast-paced and high-volume work environment.
 

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly encouraged.  You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Other Requirements and Factors:

• Must be able to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service with ISSS clientele.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of the records retention process.
• 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.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Document Processing

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

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

Training and 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 and scholars.
• 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 and scholars.

Office Representation and Travel

• Represents ISSS as needed in some capacity, such as by giving presentations, helping with Q&A during events, serving as office liaison to other units, representing the office on committees, or by traveling to meetings, conferences, or other campuses.
• Assists as needed with projects designed to support the needs of the office and/or international students and scholars.
• Serves as a liaison for international students and scholars to campus departments, community members, and other organizations.
• Travels occasionally off campus to fulfill office business responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of Immigration Services or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience working at an institution of higher education.
• Experience with advising or supporting international students.
• Experience working with people from 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.
• 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).
• Knowledge of TAMU policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers at the same time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic familiarity with immigration laws.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to 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.

Who We Are
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students, scholars, and their families as they navigate the U.S. immigration system and life in the U.S. We educate on policies and regulations and provide programs to enhance the Texas A&M international community experience. We welcome our international students, scholars, and their dependents to the Aggie community. We strive to build and nurture a culture where 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! 

Why Texas A&M University?   

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

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

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.