Immigration Specialist jobs in Cleveland, OH

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Job ID

12539

Location

Case Main Campus

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

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Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working independently with limited supervision, the Immigration Data Specialist will serve as a key member of the Visa and Immigration Services and Advisors (VISA) Office by acting as business / project manager for one or more functional modules, balancing multiple projects and priorities within and also across modules and customers, both internal and external.

Responsible for complete project life cycle of international systems, working independently and with emphasis on all customer-facing activities including implementing a strategic plan, including metrics and goals, in order to maximize the university's investment in Terra Dotta, Student Information System (SIS), and Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).

The specialist is responsible for understanding the matriculation and immigration processes for international students and ensuring the accuracy of student records for all international students.

The specialist will function independently to ensure systems meet the needs of the VISA office and enhance the customer service experience while facilitating compliance.

Finally, the specialist will analyze data to identify trends and design and implement procedures and policies to meet growing needs.

This position requires a familiarity with the university and its administrative and academic structure in addition to a working knowledge of U.

S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) F-1 and J-1 regulations and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensure business systems solutions for the international student and scholar database (Terra Dotta) are functional and meet requirements.

Serve as a liaison between Terra Dotta and users of Terra Dotta on campus, build and streamline systems, independently create appropriate processes and procedures to increase effectiveness, and analyze customer needs.

Develop and implement testing scenarios. Maintain system requirements and / or specification documentation for the international student database.

Analyze systems interface requirements, coordinate the exchange of data within and outside the university. Assure accuracy and integrity for the integration and migration of data between and among systems.

Manage the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as a designated official. (30%)

• Analyze international student data to create pathways for systems growth and responsiveness. Mine and analyze historical data to improve efficiencies and customer service. (20%)
• Carefully monitor the interface and transfer of information from the university's Student Information System (SIS) to Terra Dotta and from Terra Dotta to SEVIS.

Liaison with U Tech, researching and resolving any interface difficulties between systems. (20%)

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for Case Western Reserve University.

This role requires U.S. government adjudication and training and gives the SEVIS coordinator the independent authority to advise students on a case-by-case basis on their legal immigration status in the United States, when needed as backup for International Student Advisors and Immigration Specialists.

Independently interpret complex U.S. regulations that require specific and ongoing training and expertise to help Case Western Reserve University remain compliant and keep international students in status.

Recommend Case Western Reserve University immigration policies based on expertise with U.S. government regulations. (10%)

Monitor data input and data reporting for departmental audits, university administrators, community organizations, and governmental agencies, including the annual Open Doors Report (International student statistics sent to the Institute of International Education).

Design systems to track and report on key performance indicators for the VISA office. (10%)

Website : Maintain accurate and up-to-date content on the university's VISA website, including LCA compliance postings, as directed by the VISA Director. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Since negligence or lack of knowledge will subject Case Western Reserve University to fines and / or subject non-immigrants to deportation, there are no non-essential immigration-related functions.)

• Provide feedback and recommendations annually on immigration policies and procedures. (
• Participate in training sessions, monthly staff meetings, HR and VISA projects, and team projects. (
• Participate in and support university events planned by the HR event planning committee ( e.g., Benefits Fair, Staff Service Awards, Employee Appreciation Day, Party on the Quad, etc .) (
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department : Frequent daily work with the staff of the VISA Office to ensure that data is gathered and implemented correctly.

Regular contact with other HR staff, including HR leadership, HR Service Center, HR Records Office to provide information, resolve complaints and develop new functionality.

University : Regular contact with Academic Departments to assist in admitting / bringing international students (degree- seeking and exchange) and staff to Case Western Reserve University and helping them to maintain their status.

Regular contact with Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Student Employment, Payroll, and other faculty / staff across campus.

Frequent contact with U Tech and the International Student Resources and Engagement Office.

External : Frequent contact with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of State, Embassies, and Consulates.

Frequent contact with SEVIS and Terra Dotta software help desks.

Students : Frequent interaction with students seeking basic immigration information or forms.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise work of project team members when assigned as project lead. This position may supervise student employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience : 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience required. Prefer experience in higher education. Prefer experience in international higher education.

Education : Bachelor's degree in related field required. Prefer IBA Business Analysis Professional Certification. Prefer Master's degree.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Excellent skills in database programs, tools, and technology. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows and other software applications.

Prior Terra Dotta and / or SEVIS experience a plus.

• Can translate between customers and information systems professionals to ensure all parties understand, in their own terms, systems needs, requirements, and technology parameters and constraints.
• Effective project management principles.
• Ability to understand problems from a broad, interactive perspective. Ability to develop and implement solutions that combine information in new ways.
• Ability to identify opportunities for business process improvements across schools and departments within project scope analyzing current practice and implementing best practices.
• Demonstrated good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining desired results.
• Balance competing short-and long-term goals within one's area in alignment with the larger area's direction and objectives as well as the university's strategic plan.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members, core functional leaders, subject matter experts, a variety of end users, UTech and customer / governance groups to ensure project accountability.

Actively seek help in gathering resources, solicit input, and use a variety of techniques to reach a solution. Identify the need for outside support.

Create a sense of belonging and ownership among team members; promote mutual support and interaction.

• Decision making guided by precedents and objectives. Make decisions and recommendations on issues affecting a department / school, project, or customer base.
• Has a broad understanding of how technology aligns to other business strategies and initiatives.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to write and present reports, contracts and / or proposals for internal and / or external audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities through constant interruption.
• Working knowledge of Federal regulations regarding F and J visa status a plus.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must have US Citizenship or lawful permanent residence to meet ARO / DSO reporting requirements as required by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.

S. Department of State.

General office environment working with databases. The employee performs repetitive motion using a computer mouse and keyboard to type.

Frequently works under intense pressure and narrow legal timeframe for task completion, deadlines, and high volume of general activity;

work may include stressful situations regarding foreign worker extensions, maintenance of status, and other federal regulations.

Works around continuous interruptions, including walk-in traffic and phone calls. Daily walk-in meetings. May require some weekend and evening hours.

Position location : Cleveland, Ohio. May be eligible to participate in the university's hybrid remote work program (up to 2 days remote / week) upon completion of orientation

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department.

New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.

Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Last updated : 2024-03-27