Immigration Programs Specialist

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Administrative Program Specialist position for the Office of International Services at Oregon State University ( OSU ).

Serves on the scholar team within the Office of International Services advising and preparing immigration documents for international visiting scholars and securing U.S. work authorization for international employees of the University.

Requires knowledge of, and sensitivity to, a wide range of cultural differences and behaviors; there is a high degree of sensitive public contact, and the application of considerable judgment in dealing with non-routine inquiries.

Reports to the Assistant Director for the Office of International Services who provides leadership for the scholar team.

Requires certification as an Alternate Responsible Officer for OSU’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program; have or develop a working knowledge of several electronic systems, including SEVIS , Sunapsis, and BANNER .

The person in this position must have a high degree of ability to work independently and be able to advise scholars on basic immigration regulations for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. It is imperative for this person to stay informed and up-to-date about immigration changes to maintain eligibility as an Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Position Duties

50% Immigration and Program Administration, Management and Document Production

• Receive applications from departments, investigate, interpret, and verify information and government regulations to produce required visa documents.

• Manage workflow for H-1B applications, keeping process moving in a timely manner from receipt of applications to submission of petitions to USCIS .

• Create employment petitions for USCIS to be reviewed by OIS scholar staff for H-1B, E-3, TN, and permanent residence.

• Work with Sunapsis lead staff to maintain and update Sunapsis records, monitor H-1B, E-3 and F-1 OPT program end dates via IP Connect and Sunapsis, and track and respond to fee information.

• Coordinate and check immigration documents for mandatory J-1 check-in orientations for scholars. Assist with the orientation process.

• Understand and keep current with federal, state, local, and University regulations and policies that impact international scholars.

• Provide support to the Assistant Director related to employment-based permanent residence filing and workflows.

20% Outreach and Coordination of Services

• Event planning and coordination, including International Education Week, in collaboration with the International Scholar Advisor.

• Support training session planning in collaboration with OIS scholar team.

• Assist the Assistant Director with international initiatives on campus, as needed.

• In collaboration with IP Marketing & Communication staff, create, and update informational hand-outs Support newsletter writing/editing, etc.

• Seek, collect, and organize into reports feedback from departments and scholars.

15% Advising and Program Monitoring

• Communicate complex information surrounding U.S. work authorization to scholars and hiring departments.

• Proactively contact departments and scholars about visa renewals to ensure all visiting scholars and employees stay in compliance with their visa/immigration status.

• Respond to questions and inquiries from scholars and departments, serves as one of the first points of contact for advising departments on processing of applications and E-Forms.

10% Federal Regulation Compliance

• With oversight of scholar staff, prepare all Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for the U.S. Department of Labor, and monitor for certification.

• Advise departments on LCA posting requirements, monitor that postings are properly conducted, follow-up with departments as necessary to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

• Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa program.

5% Miscellaneous and Special Projects

• Assist with annual archiving of paper files while moving toward a paperless office environment where possible.

• Serve on International Programs and/or University committees as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience as an administrative specialist or executive support specialist which included administrative support for a project, program, or operation. Administrative support includes those duties beyond clerical/secretarial such as: interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations; administrative data collection and analysis; and evaluation of projects, processes, and operations; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year of postsecondary education may be substituted for up to one year of the experience.

Additional Required Qualifications

U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, as mandated by federal regulations to serve in Alternate Responsible Officer status under OSU’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Candidates should have at least 2 years of work experience, of which 1 year should be experience working with immigration regulations related to exchange visitor and/or employment visas; administrative support for a project, program, or operation.

Excellent organizational and task management skills with demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in work.

Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment in complex situations, and work effectively as a member of a team.

Ability to carefully follow established policies and procedures, and explain them to others

Strong sense of discretion, confidentiality, and tact.

Awareness and respect for other value systems, and a demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds including other cultures, politics, and particularly people whose first language is not English.

Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse university community.

A basic knowledge of world geography and cultures is essential.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OAR 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree

Demonstrated experience in working with complex data and databases in a high-paced work environment, including but not limited to SEVIS , Sunapsis, and Banner.

Overseas living experience and foreign language competence

Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Work is conducted in a shared office environment during regular business hours (8-5).

This position is deemed essential and the incumbent may be expected to report to work during inclement weather, emergency and other University work curtailments or closures.

No

This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities.

No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

P00949CT

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date

06/19/2017

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date

05/12/2017

Full Consideration Date

05/26/2017

Closing Date

06/02/2017

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search

Competitive / External – open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 26, 2017. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for classified staff positions.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

For additional information please contact: Elisha Brackett at Elisha.Brackett@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the Criminal History Check Requirement.