| Date: |
August 1, 2015 |
| Reports to (Job Title): |
Manager, International Student Advising |
| Jobs Reporting (Job Titles): |
None |
| Department: |
International, Student Success Office |
Location: |
Main Campus |
Grade: |
USG 7/8
35 hr/wk |
Primary Purpose
The International Student Advisor is accountable to the Manager, International Student Advising for the advising of international students, with a specific focus on immigration. This includes one-on-one personal advising and group information sessions aimed at enhancing the student experience and success for a diverse group of international students. The position involves the professional and competent application of appropriate advising procedures in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with standards as set by the Canadian Bureau of International Education, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, and applicable professional associations.
Key Accountabilities:
Advising Service to Students
- The International Student Advisor has superior and extensive knowledge of Canadian immigration law, policies, regulations, and procedures as they relate to international students, partners, and families. The incumbent provides timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate advice in a number of areas such as: study permits, work permits, temporary resident visas, permanent residence, U.S. visas; personal, cultural, academic, and health issues; and access to government services and resources. Advising takes place in-person, telephone and email – pre and post-arrival on campus. The International Advisor is expected to take a proactive approach to communicating with international students.
- The International Advisor works collaboratively with all areas of the Student Success Office. Collaboration with on and off campus partners is essential to ensure students are provided with the necessary support, resources and information pertinent to their University of Waterloo student experience. As well, international advising for staff and faculty in supporting international students is essential, and the International Advisor must manage individual cases and ensure a consistent approach is maintained that balances confidentiality with the student’s welfare.
International Student Support
- Remain current on the needs of all international students at the University, relevant University policies and procedures, best practices in immigration consulting, student transition and engagement, including forecasting future developments for the diverse University of Waterloo student population. Based on findings, and in consultation with the Manager, International Student Advising, identify possible projects that will enhance the academic and personal success of all international students.
- Liaise with appropriate members of other departments or faculties, regarding issues pertaining to the personal welfare of a student(s). To consult, where necessary and with the student’s permission, relevant professionals or other persons inside or outside of the University community regarding case management.
- Develop and deliver workshops and/or information sessions for students on immigration-related topics and/or others topics as determined by the Manager, International Student Advising.
Collaboration and working closely with partners
- Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, government organizations and agencies as appropriate to support international student advising, and to facilitate services and education programs on campus, and to build awareness of the unique needs, transition and experience of international students.
- Ensure policy, practice and service delivery are congruent with direction provided by central University immigration and internationalization strategies, which may include adherence to instructions provided by and participation in training sessions conducted by Waterloo International.
Other
- Implement assessment methods to measure achievement in all areas of responsibility including service goals and objectives and determination of service success on a termly basis. Examples may include measuring student satisfaction and ensuring that statistical profiles are maintained on such particulars as the types of student concerns being seen, and the distribution of students accessing the services across faculties, years, referrals sources etc.Participate in certain department-wide or campus-wide responsibilities including special events, special projects, committee participation etc.
Position Requirements
Education:
Education and Professional Certification
USG 7
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council
- An undergraduate degree and/or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 1 year of experience as an RCIC
- Highly knowledgeable about Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Regulations, and policies and procedures pertaining to international students
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, exceptional analytical thinking, excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills, and the ability to communicate to a diverse audience through various mediums
USG 8
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council
- An undergraduate degree and/or equivalent experience
- Minimum 1 + years of experience as an RCIC
- Highly knowledgeable about Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Regulations, and policies and procedures pertaining to international students
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, exceptional analytical thinking, excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills, and the ability to communicate to a diverse audience through various mediums
- Extensive knowledge and experience with permanent residence
Experience:
Experience:
- 3 + years of experience advising international students and/or young adults/students in a similar setting.
- Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural, language, political, socio-economic, and other relevant factors in areas associated with uWaterloo’s international interests.
- Proven strong advocacy skills as evidenced by experience assisting clients (international students).
- Evidence of a service-oriented perspective and the ability to resolve issues quickly, expertly and with minimal difficulty for the stakeholder.
- Proven ability to provide a mature, competent, and professional presence vis-à-vis external government and immigration officials, current and prospective students, and university administrators and staff.
- Proven ability to take initiative, be creative and flexible.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and sound judgment in decision making.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, exhibit sensitivity to the needs and interests of various stakeholders and contribute to the functioning of a diverse team both within an individual department and across a larger institution.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues.
- Beneficial: international experience and second language skills.
- Beneficial: Comprehensive understanding of University policy and procedures as they relate to students in general and international students in particular would be an asset.
Technical:
| MS Word |
Excel |
PowerPoint |
Other |
| Intermediate |
Intermediate |
Intermediate |
Intermediate |
Nature and Scope
Interpersonal Skills:
Students, other staff in the SSO, other staff and faculty across campus, external partner. Strong communication skills (written and oral) are required, including clarity, diplomacy and tact. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Level of Responsibility:
Responsible for ensuring the professional provision of international advising services to students. Self-initiated, detail oriented. Excellent time management skills.
Decision-Making Authority:
Continually makes decisions about the most effective methods of advising students; determines the optimum course of action to solve problems and to exert a positive influence on other stakeholders.
Physical and Sensory Demands:
Minimal demands typical of a position operating within an office environment; periods of extensive sitting and concentrated use of visual senses. Exposure to a fast-paced service oriented environment.
Working Environment:
Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position meeting with students one-on-one in a private office. Located in a comfortable indoor area, although may work out of various locations. There is a frequent need to give close attention to detail such as written material and information given verbally by students. There are times of high demand for service, and there is always a requirement for thoroughness and accuracy. Weekend and evening work is sometimes required. Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions where it is sometimes necessary to convey negative or unwelcome information to students.
