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Immigration Specialist II
Job Number: 2019-32622
Category: Human Resources
Location: Shrewsbury, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: School - HR-HR-Immigration Services - W860016
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: 44
Num. Openings: 2
Post Date: July 11, 2019

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

 

Under the general direction of the Director of Immigration Services, the Immigration Specialist provides advanced immigration advice and support to international students, scholars, physicians, Academic Departments and Administration. The specialist is responsible for processing, maintaining data and monitoring work authorization for a wide range of employment-based immigration statuses, interacting with government officials and managing departmental projects. Also responsible for employment-based and contingent worker visa processing through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adjudications. The specialist should be comfortable with a high degree of independent action, problem solving skills and the ability to translate complicated immigration regulations into day to day execution and communication.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Advises department administrators, principle investigators, students, employees & medical residents on policies and procedures related to non-immigrant visas.
  • Beginning-to-end case management needed for obtaining and maintaining J-1, F-1, TN, E3, or H1B visa status and work authorization for students, scholars, physicians, and their dependents, as needed. Ensures adherence to immigration guidelines for the processing of non-immigrant visas.
  • Serves as liaison with government agencies such as U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Embassies/Consulates to facilitate on-boarding process, status maintenance & extensions, travel or other issues related to international students, employees and invited visitors.
  • Translates complicated immigration regulations into day to day execution and communication.
  • Provides support to the Director in the development of internal policies and procedures related to the international population.
  • Advises international community on complex immigration issues including advanced travel advice, visa status of family members, bars to repeat participation, program transfers and extensions, and terminations.
  • Responsible for immigration related data management and numerous internal reports to various Departments to insure proper dissemination of immigration-related information.
  • Organizes and attends cultural activities for applicable international employees and visitors to satisfy the U.S. Department of State J1 Exchange Visitor requirements.
  • Provides backup support for international tax reports using Glacier Online Tax software.
  • Organizes and presents monthly seminars to international community concerning current immigration topics or manages UMass Immigration Newsletter.
  • Attends meetings of the Region XI Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Worcester’s International Students Consortium, ECFMG Webinars, and Council for Global Immigration (CFGI) conferences to remain current in changes in the law impacting international students, scholars, and physicians.
  • Helps plan annual International Festival.
  • Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or equivalent
  • 5 years of experience in higher education, including experience as a Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer or related immigration advising experience working with international students and/or scholars.
  • Experience working with U.S. immigration regulations, particularly J1(research and clinical), F1, and H1B regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of PeopleSoft, Excel, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work with a diverse international clientele.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide high-level immigration counseling, written and oral communications.
  • Excellent judgment and ability to deal with difficult situations.
  • Travel to off-site locations required.
  • Must be U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to meet federal SEVIS requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • MA in Higher Education, Administration, Student Personnel Services, International Education, Counseling or a related field.

*LI-MR1

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