International Student Advising Specialist

at  Douglas College

WORK ARRANGEMENTS

This regular, full-time (35 hours per week) position is available starting May 6, 2024. Regular hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm or 9:00am – 5:00pm. Shift days and times may change depending on the Department’s need. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required. The position is located at the New Westminster campus; however, the successful candidate must be available for occasional work at the Coquitlam campus. Douglas College is committed to supporting a healthy work/life balance for employees. A modified/flexible schedule may be considered after successful completion of probationary period, subject to the terms of the College’s Work From Home Policy.

WHAT DOUGLAS OFFERS

DO what you love. Be good at it. That’s how Douglas College defines a great career. It’s a philosophy that resonates through our classrooms, our offices and our boardrooms. It inspires our students and drives us to make Douglas College one of BC’s Top Employers. We love what we do. And we’re looking for passionate, motivated people to join us in making one of Canada’s best colleges even better.

THE ROLE

The International Student Advising Specialist (ISAS) is responsible for advising students, faculty members and administrators in complex overlapping immigration and academic issues related to international student success. The ISAS provides integrated immigration and academic case-specific analysis, guidance and decisions; as well as, student success education to new and returning international students.
As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) the ISAS executes the highest level of comprehensive advising to support international undergraduate student retention and success; including, but not limited to: study permits, work permits, academic program decisions, medical insurance, employment and cultural transitions. The position involves the professional and competent application of advising procedures in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with standards set by the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and applicable professional associations.
The ISAS is responsible for updating staff and administrators on new policies and issues of relevance to international students by sitting on college-wide committees, presenting at meetings, and providing updates via formal and informal college communication channels including the website, intranet and email. The ISAS supports international student admissions, exchanges and international partnership agreement development by assessing international course credit transfer and course pathway options for students with a variety of international educational experiences.

7) PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS REQUIRED SUCH AS:

a) Processes a variety of correspondence, reports, and other documents.
b) Leads or contributes to Douglas international and College-wide projects; such as, participating on service standard working groups and advising software upgrade projects.
c) Mentors and trains new staff in Douglas International on ISAS related duties.
d) Provides orientation and training to staff faculty and staff external to Douglas International on immigration/international student issues when requested.
e) Maintains confidential student and partner data in Douglas College student records systems.
f) Maintains confidential immigration documentation in Douglas International agent & student database.
g) Creates and maintains content and student information in Douglas learning management system.
h) Maintains Douglas International partner database articulation and exchange agreement content.
i) Prepares and updates informational materials, posters, websites, etc.
j) Requisitions new materials.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL NEED

1. Successful completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum of 4 years related work experience, or a combination of credentials and experience considered equivalent.
2. Certification as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA); and be in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
3. Experience supervising student assistants or volunteers.
4. Extensive knowledgeable of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Regulations, and policies and procedures pertaining to international students
5. A strong understanding of the post-secondary system in BC, including course and program transfer amongst BC institutions, and Douglas College programs of study, admission criteria and learner pathways.
6. Excellent working knowledge of Douglas College programs including admission requirements, programs of study and Douglas College program offerings, admissions criteria and learner pathways.
7. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in credential evaluation, and in program articulation and transfer credit processes at Douglas College pertaining to international partners.
8. Comprehensive understanding of Douglas College policy and procedures as they relate to students in general and international students in particular.
9. Knowledge of international student concerns related to study, work, immigration and well-being.
10. Knowledge of post-secondary student lifecycle and service needs from ‘new student to alumni.’
11. Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills including written and verbal fluency in the English language.
12. Good interviewing skills with students.
13. Good emotional self-management and conflict resolution abilities.
14. Good working knowledge of routine office systems and procedures such as filing systems, administrative control systems, and standard forms of business communication.
15. Demonstrated ability:
    a. to interact effectively and tactfully with people of various backgrounds and cultures
    b. to communicate persuasively, assertively, diplomatically and tactfully verbally and in writing
    c. to collaborate and seek help when faced with complex or challenging situations
    d. to critically analyze, reason, problem solve and exercise sound judgment
    e. to ensure accuracy of information and enter data accurately
    f. to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
    g. to effectively use time management to prioritize tasks for self and groups
    h. to effectively lead and support project-based work using planning tools
    i. to research complex topic and synthesize information into briefs or succinct communications
    j. to create and deliver engaging presentations for large groups in formal and informal settings
    k. to adapt speaking style and register for audiences of different cultural backgrounds and positions
    l. to effectively engage with large groups of people in workshop or educational formats
    m. to work as a team or independently, with a minimum of supervision
    n. to maintain high levels of customer service while under task, time or interpersonal pressure
    o. to work within an environment where there is a constant flow of enquiries, requiring attention to detail, endurance and stamina and the need to stay focused over prolonged periods of time
    p. to advocate on behalf of others for correction of an error or change in procedure
    q. to retain, organize, utilize and communicate a vast range of information to support others
    r. to provide exceptional client-centered service on a consistent basis to multiple stakeholder groups
    s. to create and maintain a professional network
16. International experiences and second language skills are assets.
17. A working knowledge of student information database systems such as Banner is an asset.
18. Knowledge of adult educational design and co-curricular learning principles is an asset.
19. A working knowledge of learning management systems such as Blackboard is an asset.
20. A working knowledge of social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, FaceBook, etc. is an asset.
21. Technical skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, MS Planer, Zoom, all at an intermediate or higher level.