International Student Advisor

Position Summary Under the direction of the Manager, International Student Services Support, the International Student Advisor (ISA) is responsible for the positive integration and transition of current international students to post-secondary student lifecycle at George Brown College. The ISA applies a holistic approach towards the development of student lifecycle framework to effectively address intersecting needs in support of student success. Key Responsibilities Maintains a thorough knowledge of the College’s academic programs and student services, including international admission requirements and academic policies. Explains admission process, and interprets Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations and policies as required. Analyses the students’ immigration situation and needs. Identifies and applies relevant sections of the federal Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) and Regulations (IRPR) to resolve student concerns and limit liability for the college. Maintains current knowledge of federal immigration regulations and policies for international students. Guides international students with submitting immigration applications related to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) student program. Collaborates with internal stakeholders (such as program coordinators, externship officers, registration team, admission team, financial department, records office) to advocate on student’s behalf (such as re-admission, outstanding courses, standing deferral, admission deferral, manual graduate status). Identifies issues related to graduation requirements with the academic division and liaises with the Records department as necessary. Responds to inquiries on available college services from registered international students. Coordinates student cases pertaining to the needs of international students, such as immigration, withdrawals, financial, and health. Refers to other resources or departments as required. Assists international students in making academic, personal/social, and environmental adjustments to campus and local community life. Communicates the full range of support services available for international students to relevant stakeholders. Other duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Three-year diploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in International Relations, Education, Business Administration, or related discipline. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) license is required. Must meet ongoing professional development requirements and maintain good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Minimum three (3) years of experience in a post-secondary education system and/or international education, working collaboratively and with cross-functional teams across a broad range of student groups and with student services and with relevant academic stakeholders. Experience providing in-depth advising on student immigration programs (such as study permit, co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit, Temporary Resident Visa). Experience in development and implementation of international student programs and services. Experience in designing, overseeing, and delivering workshops and large events is required. Computer skills, including the use of databases, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, social media. Skills and Attributes Proven interpersonal and presentation skills, and cross-cultural sensitivity. Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills. Ability to manage stressful and complex time-sensitive situations with a high degree of tact, courtesy, and discretion. Solid client service leadership and conflict resolution skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Fluency in a foreign language based on the student population is an asset. Organizational and collaboration skills; detail oriented. Ability to provide student support both in-person and on virtual platforms. Able to travel between campuses based on operational requirements. Demonstrated commitment to uphold the polytechnic’s priorities on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).