Exchange Visitor Counselor

Department Summary

The Dashew Center is home to more than 12,000 international students and scholars at UCLA. From the moment they arrive at UCLA, the Dashew Center functions as the central hub to provide international students, scholars, and their departments with visa services, status maintenance, resources, support, and advocacy on campus. At the center of its mission, the Dashew Center aims to serve the entire UCLA community by promoting the values of creating global connections, international understanding, and cultural sensitivity.

Position Summary

The International Student Counselor is responsible for processing initial I-20 documents, reviewing technical aspects of visa and immigration documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with SEVIS reporting requirements, counseling on F-1 status, academic, personal, and social matters for the non-immigrant student population currently numbering 7250. Use individual and group interviews with non-immigrant students, and other instruments to assess and electronically report biographical, academic, and other information required by government agencies. Assist with institutional SEVIS reporting requirements in consultation with the student advising team. Conduct and develop check-in procedures, seminars, and online resources to ensure student compliance with SEVIS regulations, which include a review of regulations and benefits related to Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, Leave of Absence, etc. Develop workshops and special events to connect non-immigrant students with domestic students. Also, perform necessary SEVIS maintenance and document processing assignments under the supervision of the Associate Director for Student Visa Services.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of governmental regulations affecting non-immigrant students and scholars on F-1, J-1 and H-1 visas, in order to screen forms for accuracy and completeness, and to inform students, scholars, and departments of necessary changes. (Required)
• Working knowledge of University services pertaining to non-immigrant students and scholars and U.S. citizens interested in international activities. (Preferred)
• Working knowledge of and skill in intercultural advising applicable to international students and scholars. (Required)
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence and to follow through with minimal direction. (Required)
• Ability to write and speak using proper English grammar and vocabulary to communicate effectively with clients of diverse language, cultural, and professional backgrounds. (Required)
• Verbal and writing skills necessary for understanding, explaining, and insuring compliance with government and university regulations and procedures. Ability to answer routine questions, handle basic requests, and make appropriate referrals. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to write creatively in preparation of guidelines, handbooks, and other forms of communication materials. To prepare materials for public presentations and formal administrative reports. (Required)
• Ability to work with complex business processes and propose more effective/efficient options utilizing technology. Ability to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate office policies, procedures, and systems for visa services and programs and other administrative assignments. (Required)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and scholars of many different cultures. (Required)
• Excellent knowledge of computer systems and skill using Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, database management, spreadsheets, and electronic mail applications. Demonstrated skill in maintaining computerized filing systems and statistical data. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited college or university and fluency in foreign language(s). (Preferred)
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Residency status required to access SEVIS as an ARO. (Required)