General Information


Job Description PROJECT POLICY ANL 1 Working Title Scholar Advisor
Job Code 007396 Grade 18
Department Name International Stdnt and Schlrs - D02048 Department Head Marko Princevac
Supervisor Michael Schmelzle Effective Date 02/12/2024
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE

Generic Scope
Entry-level professional with limited prior experience; learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity; works on assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. Employees at this level are expected to acquire the skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work following an agreed upon time in position, through defined training and development planning.

Custom Scope
Learns to use professional concepts to conduct and/or support analytical studies or projects. Works on problems of limited scope. Acquires skills to fully analyze issues and problems, gather data and information, find and evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations.

Department Custom Scope
International Scholar Advisor (ISA) will serve a critical role in the International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) by advising UCR international scholars, faculty, and staff. ISA will be expected to develop a good understanding of J-1 Scholar and H-1B regulations, immigration caseload management, and International Student and Scholar databases such as ISS online, ISSM, SEVIS, FLAG.dol.gov, etc., by working closely with the International Scholar team. In addition, the ISA will assist in developing and implementing Export Control measures as the university deems necessary. ISA assists in programming events (such as Meet & Greets, English Cultural Conversation Group, etc.) for International Scholars and their dependents and helps put together the ISS newsletter. ISA helps in assessing customer satisfaction and develops metrics to evaluate the quality of service offered by ISS in order to identify areas where improvements can be made. ISA will assist Director ISS in special projects, such as with UCR Extension. ISA will perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
0 - 1 years of related experience. Required
Minimum of 1 year of related experience Preferred
Experience filing immigration petitions and advising international scholars on visa regulations. Preferred
Experience as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Preferred
Experience with ISSonline, ISSM, or similar immigration software. Preferred

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement
NAFSA Core Education Program for J Regulations (Beginners & Intermediate) Preferred
F-1 Visa Training Beginner and Advance Certification Preferred
J-1 Visa Training Beginner and Advance Certification Preferred
H-1B Visa Training Advance Academic Certification Preferred
Academic Permanent Residence Certification Preferred

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Learns to gather and assemble analytical and factual data.
  • Learns to advise UCR colleges and departments, as well as international scholars and their dependents, on the most appropriate non- immigrant visa category to apply for according to the individual circumstances of the scholars and the needs of the department. Works closely with the International Scholar team to develop a solid knowledge of immigration regulations pertaining to J-1, H-1B, and other visa types for scholars and learns to pay close attention to detail in following appropriate immigration and university procedures for data entry in ISSOnline, ISSM, and SEVIS. Acquires in coordination with the International Student and Scholars Team the process of issuing Forms DS-2019 in SEVIS, and preparing I-129 petitions for submission to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Gains necessary knowledge to assists in compiling public access files for H-1B petitions during the preparation phase. Assists the International Scholars team in preparing UCR non-academic employment-based petitions, and in handling complex cases and RFEs, with the immigration attorney partnering with UCR. Assists with the International Scholars team in coordinating the Lawful Permanent Residency process for the campus with the immigration attorney partnering with UCR. Assists in developing and implementing Export Control measures as the university deems necessary.
50
Learns to prepare reports and summarize information available on the assigned issues and identifies other matters of significance.
  • Independently reviews daily visa applications through ISS Online and ISSM databases. In collaboration with ITS and Ellucian product support, troubleshoots database issues. Identifies and reconciles data discrepancies. May occasionally attend relevant professional conferences for international scholars. Provides analysis of data trends to ISS and the US Department of State.
15
Assists with program planning and collaboration with program/project staff.
  • Assists in program planning for visiting scholars, international faculty, and staff along with their dependents. Develops and participates in educational, social, and cultural programming sponsored by ISS and/or campus partners to help facilitate the integration of UCR international faculty, staff, and scholar population into the UCR and Riverside community. Participates in regular orientation sessions, Meet & Greet events, and other ISS/IA events. Assists Director ISS with special projects on occasion. Other duties as assigned.
15
Prepares preliminary analyses of laws, procedures, and other subjects to contribute to organizational programs, research proposals, and other documentation.
  • Acquires necessary skills to serve as a university compliance liaison. Gathers data and reports for US Citizenship and Immigration Services and for campus visits/inspections related to employment-based visas. Assists in preparing annual reports in a timely fashion to federal agencies and IIE. Assists in submitting government forms and petitions on behalf of UCR. Is designated as an Alternate Responsible Officer to administer J-1 Exchange Visitor program. Under close supervision of the ISA, works with the School of Medicine to coordinate the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates to sponsor J-1 Physicians by gathering data and collecting appropriate documents to ensure compliance.
10
Provides a variety of preliminary analytical studies in support of a function, research initiative, program and/or organizational unit.
  • Helps in assessing customer satisfaction and develops metrics to evaluate the quality of service offered by ISS in order to identify areas where improvements can be made. Other duties as assigned.
5
Supports program or project staff to gather information and support program objectives.
  • Under the direction of the Director of International Students and Scholars serves as a case coordinator for ISS by triaging and providing resources when emergency situations arise involving international scholars.
5

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Ability to deliver an outstanding level customer service to various populations, while maintaining the integrity of departmental policies and procedures. Ability to exercise diplomacy, patience, and flexibility. Required
Skills to learn organization-specific and other computer application programs. Required
Basic skills to analyze and research information and learn to synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail. Required
Basic program and project management skills. Required
Basic communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Required
Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Required
Acquiring knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques. Required
Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Required
Knowledge of computer-based applications utilizing databases, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and web development tools including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and calendar programs. Experience in spreadsheets, charts, or graphics to display data, and proficiency adapting programs to meet sophistication required. Ability to identify and access online campus information systems and resources. Required
Knowledge of and sensitivity to cross-cultural issues in the advising process. Ability to work with international scholars, staff, and faculty. Ability to work and interact effectively with diverse groups (individual faculty, staff, students, university administrators with different needs, etc.), understand levels of urgency, and be aware of levels of English and cultural sensitivity. Ability to formulate and present written material in a logical, comprehensive, and accurate manner. Required
Ability to evaluate and prepare immigration documents (such as DS-2019, I-129, LCA, etc.) with accuracy and speed, and with strong attention to detail and high level of analysis. Required
Analytical/problem-solving skills. Required
Working knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs. Required
Excellent organizational and time management skills to establish goals and prioritize workload; ability to meet strict deadlines; ability to work efficiently and effectively on multiple projects with competing deadlines; flexibility in dealing with people and competing demands; ability to manage details of complex projects and events and to independently follow through to successful completion. Ability to carry out work independently and under the pressure of a high-volume workload, frequent interruptions, deadlines, and changing priorities. Required
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. Required
Working knowledge of Scholars Reporting for Open Doors, International Student and Scholars Management (ISSM), and other electronic systems/databases related to International Scholars record-keeping. Preferred
Working knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques. Preferred
Knowledge of and experience with J-1 and H-1B immigration regulations, employment policies and procedures, and academic policies and procedures. Preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement
Must successfully complete a background check through the University's background check agency prior to your start date, and a fingerprint check through the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigations. Required
Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours Required
Must have the ability to travel to occasional conferences, meetings, and seminars as needed. Required
Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Required
Travel Required

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
Close Supervision

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Occasionally
  • Sit : Constantly
  • Squat : Occasionally
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Crawl : Occasionally
  • Walk : Frequently
  • Climb : Occasionally

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Write : Constantly
  • Perform Calculations : Occasionally
  • Communicate Orally : Constantly
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : No
  • Is around moving machinery : No
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : No
  • Drives motorized equipment : No
  • Works in confined quarters : No
  • Dust : Yes
  • Fumes : No

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: Yes

More Information

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