International Student Specialist

BCIT’s **International **department is seeking a **temporary, full-time (1.0 **FTE**) International Student Specialist**. This position provides administrative, personal and advocacy support to prospective and current international students and is primarily responsible for providing information and guidance on international student visas, verification letters and other international student related documentation requirements. The specialist also provides information on course planning, registration, admission requirements, procedures and organizes students into levels and blocks for registration.**Duties & Responsibilities**

**DUTIES** **AND**

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Maintains extensive knowledge on policies, procedures and regulations of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pertaining to documentation pertinent to international student requirements.
- Assists students with withdrawal/deferral requests and sends letters to students or recruiters.
- Considers complexity of student history, assists students with IRCC regulations regarding conditions for work and study permits and prepares and signs off on to IRCC letters regarding international student status.
- Organizes student registration into appropriate levels and blocks; liaises with SIES to ensure registrations are completed and correct.
- Monitors student data, such as study permits and immigration information; assists students to ensure they maintain their legal status in Canada. Notifies students of their status and recommends actions required to resolve issues and maintain status; prepares and sends infraction reports to Immigration Canada, as required.
- Ensures that students have met all mandatory requirements including payment of fees, hold valid permits, and have the appropriate medical coverage.
- Confirms accuracy of student information, resolves fee issues, processes course transfers, withdrawals, and tuition refunds; monitors outstanding fees and other payments; processes invoices as required in conjunction with Finance department.
- Provides advice and resources to students with personal or professional concerns, and/or referrals to other services and programs.
- Assists in coordinating the International Student Orientation and Registration day activities.
- Identifies improvements and updates to existing policies and procedures; develops new policies and procedures for review and approval by team members and managers, ensures consistency with BCIT practices
- Liaises with all BCIT campuses/staff to assist with queries regarding international students.
- Maintains up to date knowledge in the area of international education, cultural diversity and immigration regulations through regular attendance at conferences and workshops.
- Maintains a variety of international student databases for registration, admissions and recruitment purposes.
- Prepares, reviews and reports on a variety of student and/or course related areas including student demographics, contact information, part-time registration, and other statistical data; complies general student information for reporting purposes.
- Provides coverage for other support staff positions in the department, as required.
- Participates in Records Custodian training and remains current with record keeping practices, policies, and procedures (both BCIT and FOIPOP).
- Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of this position.

**Qualifications**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Definition**:The qualifications section for this position was developed using the approved job evaluation plan, agreed to between the BCGEU and BCIT. The qualifications represent the minimum qualifications required in the future (i.e. to be reflected in job postings) and do not reflect the incumbent’s existing qualifications.

**Education**:
Grade 12 plus completion of one year of post secondary education, including courses in business administration and communications.

**Experience**:
Two years general experience plus two years of directly related experience working with international student administration at the post-secondary level.

**Software/Computer Application(s) and Expertise**:

- MS Office software at the intermediate level
- Experience using business enterprise and student records software, such as Banner

**Communication/Interpersonal Skills**:

- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Ability to listen, assess, and resolve problems in a diplomatic and professional manner
- Proven ability to work effectively with individuals in a culturally diverse environment
- Demonstrated initiative and strong leadership skills

**Administrative Skills**:

- Excellent planning, organization and problem-solving skills
- Proven ability to meet changing priorities, demands and deadlines while maintaining a high level of customer service.
- Keyboarding skills at 50 wpm with high level of accuracy

**Other Skills**:

- Must have thorough knowledge and understand