76 New Jobs Today.
Rio.png

International Student Specialist

Rio Hondo College

Job Description

Job Number

CLA00469P

Position Title

International Student Specialist

Position Type

Classified Full Time

Percentage Employee

100%

Number of Months Assignment

12

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Current Work Schedule

Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Days and hours of employment may change depending on District needs.

Salary Range

Range 31

Salary

$5,568.57 – $7,134.05 monthly – Successful candidates will start at step 1 except in cases where District deems appropriate.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Location

Main Campus

Department

Admissions and Records (Dept)

Open Date

07/01/2024

Closing Date

07/15/2024

About Rio Hondo College

About Río Hondo College

Río Hondo College welcomes and embraces all students in their educational and career pathways. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), our College has a student population of 22,000, of which 18,000 are Latinx students. We were the first college in Los Angeles County to provide two years of free tuition to first-time, full-time college students through our Río Promise program. We are proud to acknowledge that many of our students have transferred to high ranked institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, USC and UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, and Whittier College to name a few.

Strengths

Our caring and dedicated student-centered staff, faculty, and administrators are devoted to the advancement of educational justice, equity, and opportunity for all our students. Our College’s 900 employees, with close to 600 faculty, hold themselves accountable for the academic success of disproportionately impacted student populations. Our entire staff, with unwavering team collaboration, work hard to ensure our students reach their full potential by eliminating gaps in academic outcomes that traditionally hinder students of color.

Río Hondo College is committed to the recruitment of qualified and diverse employees who are dedicated to our students’ success. We recognize that diversity in an academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for our students. We are steadfast in our hiring practices and staff development processes which reinforce the goals of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Our practices and processes also support the importance of a workforce that reflects the community and the diverse student population we serve.

Río Hondo College employs approximately 55% tenured track faculty of color; 60% part-time faculty of color; 85% classified staff of color; and 50% administrators of color.

Río Hondo College offers 30 associate degrees that guarantee transfer (ADTs) to Cal State Universities, a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology, more than 60 certificates, a Pathway to Law School, dual enrollment with K-12 districts, state championship speech & debate team, top-notch athletic teams, student leadership opportunities, travel abroad experiences and more.

In collaboration with the communities in Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, El Monte, South El Monte, Whittier, portions of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, La Puente, the City of Industry, Los Nietos and Avocado Heights, Río Hondo College provides an exceptional academic curriculum to meet the unique needs of our region and strengthen our communities.

Basic Function

Under the direction of an administrator or manager, serving as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) the International Student Specialist, serves as the Designated School Official (DSO) responsible for monitoring and reporting enrollment into the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS); provides regulatory advice to international students and actively advises the campus community by providing guidance on matters relevant to International Students Program. The incumbent provides a variety of moderate to complex student support services for international students.

Representative Duties

  • Reviews, enters, updates, and maintains international students’ mandated records, documents, and forms in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). E
  • Reviews and facilitates required actions related to SEVIS alerts; reviews alert and takes appropriate action; maintains, updates, and terminates students SEVIS ID data related to F-1 Visa status. E
  • Coordinates and implements the day-to-day functions of the International Student Program; prepares informational materials including brochures, forms, or correspondence related to International Students; organizes and presents international student orientations at the beginning of each semester year. E
  • Advises prospective, new, and continuing international students regarding the admissions process and maintaining F-1 Visa status; ensures international students immigration status is in compliance with the District’s regulations, policies, and procedures; may provide referrals to additional on-and-off campus and community resources, as needed. E
  • Advises students on a variety of requests including but not limited to work authorization related to employment opportunities on campus and Social Security applications; reviews documentation and authorizes participation in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT). E
  • Conducts group, phone, and online (including virtual) advising and informational sessions for international students. E
  • Serves as a liaison between students, counselors, faculty, staff, the public, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and SEVIS, as necessary; communicates with the English as a Second Language (ESL) program to ensure current and prospective students are appropriately placed based on language skills assessment.
  • Audits and updates student information in the District’s primary database; maintains program student records, files, spreadsheets, and financial documentation. E
  • Performs a variety of administrative activities including but not limited to orders supplies and program materials; prepares and generates reports, creates, edits, and maintains spreadsheets, documents, and files; updates and distributes program communications to students and the college community. E
  • Collects admissions applications and required documentation and fees; reviews and evaluates applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with department and program policies and procedures; interprets college admissions criteria and explains the basis for decisions made for the International Student Program. E
  • Greets and receives visitors; screens calls, answers inquiries, provides information, and directs callers to appropriate department and/or staff, provides virtual assistance to students, staff, and faculty regarding policies and procedures, inquiries, and complaints. E
  • Provides a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, students, and District staff. E
  • Operates modern office equipment including computer equipment, specialized software application programs, and computer peripherals; learns and applies emerging technologies as necessary to perform duties efficiently and in a timely manner. E
  • Performs duties of an Admissions and Records Assistant; serves as a backup resource, as assigned. E
  • Attends various conferences, trainings, and/or professional development opportunities related to student services programs and/or international student programs. E
  • Serve as a resource of laws, rules, regulations, and requirements as they relate to international students as set forth by DHS and SEVIS. E
  • Performs a variety of clerical and administrative responsibilities in support of the department’s day-to-day activities and/or operations utilizing a variety of communication modalities including but not limited to answers and responds to phone calls, emails, text messages, and chat platforms; opens, screens, and distributes mail and corres­pondence; photocopies documents and requests duplication services; ensures maintenance and repairs of assigned work areas, facilities, or equipment; enters various requests for services from IT, Facilities, and Maintenance; contacts vendors for equipment service, when needed; follows-up with vendors to ensure satisfactory completion of requests; may perform simple repairs or maintenance to standard office equipment. E
  • Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the position.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • District and college policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment.
  • International student admissions in a college setting.
  • Admissions criteria and graduation requirements involved in a community college.
  • Applicable sections of federal, state, and District rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • California Education Code and Title V as it pertains to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • Technical laws, rules, regulations, and requirements as they relate to international students as set forth by DHS and SEVIS.
  • Modern office practices and procedures.
  • Computer software programs, applications, and databases; computer hardware and peripheral equipment related to the area of assignment.
  • Record-keeping, filing, file sharing, and filing systems methods and techniques.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
  • Telephone and virtual techniques and etiquette.
  • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).


Ability to:
  • Independently perform the essential responsibilities of the position.
  • Work with sensitive student information, maintain confidentiality, and protect student records according to FERPA regulations.
  • Plan, organize, and implement the International Student Program.
  • Prepare informational materials including brochures, forms, and/or correspondence to provide information regarding the program.
  • Assist in the review and evaluation of information concerning new applicants for acceptance into the International Student Program.
  • Review foreign students’ transcripts for admissions.
  • Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to college registration, admissions, and graduation.
  • Remain current concerning immigration laws and regulations related to foreign students.
  • Communicate effectively with international students.
  • Train and provide work direction to others.
  • Operate a variety of office equipment and machines, including but not limited to personal computers and peripheral hardware.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
  • Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Update and maintain files, records, filing systems, and reports.
  • Plan, organize, and prioritize workload to meet schedules and timelines.
  • Utilize computer software programs, applications, and databases; computer hardware and peripheral equipment related to the area of assignment.
  • Type at an acceptable rate of speed according to the needs of the department.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others in the course of work.

Education and Experience

  • Associate degree with major coursework in education, international studies, or related discipline; AND
  • Three (3) years of experience in Admissions and Records.
  • Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required qualifications for the position.

Foreign Degrees

Any degree from a country other than the United States, including Canada and Great Britain, must be evaluated by an Evaluation Service prior to the closing date. Certification must be attached with copies of transcripts.

License Certificates/Credentials

  • Possession of or ability to obtain a Student Exchange Visitor Program Training Certificate to serve as the Designated School Official (DSO) issued by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  • Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident as required by federal regulations in order to serve as a DSO.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience working with International Students.
  • Experience supporting student centered activities within a higher education environment.

Working Conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time; talk or hear, in person, virtually and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel, operate personal computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, use of both eyes, ability to distinguish basic shades and colors and the ability to adjust focus.
Employees are frequently required to walk and stand and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, with constant interruptions, and the noise level may vary depending on activities of the office.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires us to identify the essential duties/functions of the position. We have indicated those duties with an E on the job description.

Position Description

Applications are currently being accepted for International Student Specialist. This is a Full-Time 100%, 12 month position.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on the closing date.

Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes the items listed.
  • Rio Hondo College online application (which includes supplemental questions)
  • Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
  • Complete transcripts of all colleges/university studies, including degree earned (copies will be accepted) NOTE: Transcripts from multiples colleges/universities may need to be scanned as one document, then uploaded.
  • Transcripts must include degree awarded and confer date (please circle conferral date on transcripts). Transcripts without this information and online applications without transcripts will be disqualified.


  • PAPER APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS SENT VIA MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.
  • NOTE THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE, INCLUDING INTERVIEW INVITATIONS, WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL.

Additional Information

  • The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires the District obtain documentation from every individual who is employed which verifies identity and authorizes his/her right to work in the United States.
  • Successful candidate is responsible for verifying all prior work experience and providing all academic transcripts for purposes of salary placement.
  • As a condition of employment, the selected applicant must provide a set of fingerprints (at the applicant’s expense) taken by an official LiveScan agency.
  • Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial employment (The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
  • For positions requiring a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurability is required.
  • Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for position), or the interview, please notify the Human Resources Office.
  • A copy of this announcement will be provided in Braille to visually impaired applicants upon request.

Commitment to Diversity

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Cancel RTF Policy

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RE-OPEN, RE-ADVERTISE, DELAY OR CANCEL FILLING THIS POSITION.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL FUTURE VACANCIES.

EEO Statement

Rio Hondo College is committed to employing qualified administrators, faculty and staff members who are dedicated to student success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates.

*Please mention you saw this ad on DisabledInAcademia.*

Apply Now

Be Seen By Recruiters at the Best Institutions

Create a FREE Profile to be Seen!

Want to stand

Hiring for Disabled In Academia Begins Here.