Counselor, International Scholar Services

Job Summary

The Department of International Scholar Services (ISS) is seeking a Counselor. In this role you will develop expertise in immigration regulations, sponsorship processes, and university policies governing international scholars, faculty, and staff. You will complete J-1 ARO training and apply regulatory knowledge to case-specific circumstances and institutional workflows. Under supervision, you will learn to process J-1 and H-1B sponsorship requests and provide guidance to departments and beneficiaries via email, phone, in-person, and virtual meetings. In addition, you will develop proficiency with immigration and case management systems, including SEVIS, Sunapsis, Salesforce, immigration portals, the office website, and SharePoint.

As competency increases, assume independent responsibility for J-1 and routine NIV case processing. Following successful independent management of J-1 and H-1B cases, broaden expertise to include TN, E-3, and O-1 classifications as well as complex or rush cases.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Processing assigned cases, escalating rush or complex cases as appropriate, under appropriate supervision as expertise advances
• Collaborating with academic departments, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and others to gather information or documents, evaluate immigration circumstances, and develop recommendations, for assigned cases
• Participating in, and learning process for development of, long-term immigration strategies that meet departmental or scholar/beneficiary needs and priorities
• Participating in the development of guidance, resources, and other outreach tools for departments, stakeholders, beneficiaries/scholars, and others on immigration issues, technology tools use, Purdue policy, etc.
• Providing strategic guidance to departments and beneficiaries / scholars via office services and with respect to assigned cases, via email, telephone, virtual and in-person meetings
• Becoming familiar with technology tools, databases, process workflows, documentation, university policies, and internal best practices and procedures
• Acquiring understanding of, and participate in, troubleshooting and testing systems, processes, and protocols
• Identifying and reporting bugs within our database, technology and tools, and researching/exploring resolutions and workarounds
• Recommending, or drafting, updates of website, eforms, email templates, or other content
• Updating our database(s) in a timely and accurate manner, and ensuring all data entry and case processing complies with office guidelines
• Contributing to the development and provision of orientations and training programs on ISS process and procedures for the benefit of customers and stakeholders
• Assisting with annual J-1 / Open Doors reporting and/or Annual Report
• Timely completing assigned readings, training exercises, web-training modules and other knowledge or skill development
• Engaging in continuing education and professional development as needed to grow within the role and office
• Contributing to the characterization of ISS as Purdue's subject matter experts on immigration, and to ISS's pursuit of excellence in our services to our stakeholders and customers

Associate Conselor, ISS

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in law/legal studies, engineering, technology, international education, international business, education administration, immigration, intercultural communication, counseling, or related field
• Education, training or experience must include:
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. permanent resident
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, scholars, faculty, staff, alumni, and others who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrated ability with prioritizing work in a fast-paced environment, achieving assigned goals under pressure, and in appropriately handling confidential material
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, and data entry skills

Nice to Have:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• 1 year working with international faculty, staff, or scholars in a customer service role within higher education environment
• 1 year Purdue University experience
• Experience with SEVIS
• Experience using Sunapsis or other immigration data system
• Knowledge and understanding of U.S. immigration laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to current and historic exchange visitor program laws, regulations, and policies
• Training and/or certification in intercultural communication, diversity and inclusion, or related area

Counselor, ISS

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in law/legal studies, engineering, technology, international education, international business, education administration, immigration, intercultural communication, counseling, or related field
• 3 years or more experience, which must include:

• Active operation and manipulation of a customizable web-based immigration software system
• Interpretation and application of rules or regulations
• Coordination, participation, or leadership of immigration, international, intercultural, or study abroad projects, programs, or similar events or efforts
• Advising, guidance, or other counselling activities involving complex issues, strategy, and/or competing priorities (such as but not limited to immigration, international, intercultural, or study abroad issues)

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. permanent resident
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, scholars, faculty, staff, alumni, and others who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrated ability with prioritizing work in a fast-paced environment, achieving assigned goals under pressure, and in appropriately handling confidential material
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, and data entry skills

Nice to Have:

• Advanced degree in a rel