### About the Job

#### Position Summary
The International Counselor is a crucial part of the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Counseling and Advising team, offering specialized advice, counseling, documentation, and support to international students. This role focuses on compliance with governmental laws and immigration regulations, providing crisis management, and program development.

– **Pay Range:** $52,000.00 – $56,000.00

#### Job Responsibilities

**Advising and Documentation (80-90%)**
– Act as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the University of Minnesota’s F-1 visa program and, when necessary, serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer for the J-1 visa program.
– Offer expert guidance to international students on F-1 visa immigration regulations, documentation, consular processes, social security, and other legal requirements to ensure compliance.
– Utilize the Sunapsis system to produce I-20s and perform SEVIS processes to maintain immigration status for F-1 students.
– Provide resources regarding financial, health insurance, housing, and employment issues.
– Stay updated on immigration regulations through government and professional association resources.
– Maintain thorough knowledge of university policies, resources, and student services.
– Implement new and creative approaches to improve advising processes and systems.

**Counseling, Crisis Management, Triage, and Consultation (5-10%)**
– Counsel international students and their families on a range of issues including intercultural adjustment, personal, family, academic, and work difficulties.
– Offer crisis management services by assessing the situation, consulting with the ISSS crisis team, and providing referrals when needed.
– Provide ongoing support and consultation during crises.
– Consult with university counseling, disability, police, and other services on cultural issues in mental health.
– Interpret and uphold the University’s academic and curricular policies.
– Apply expert judgment and problem-solving skills in individual cases.

**Committees, Liaison, or Projects, and Other Duties (5-10%)**
– Serve as ISSS liaison to two or more UMN colleges or campus offices.
– Participate in ISSS, GPS, and campus committees.
– Undertake additional duties as assigned.

#### Qualifications

**Essential:**
– Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (required for DSO’s and SEVIS access).
– BA/BS degree with at least four years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with at least two years of relevant experience, preferably in counseling, social work, intercultural communication, international education, or related fields.
– At least one year of full-time F-1 visa advising experience.
– Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
– Effective written and oral communication abilities.
– Proficient in working and communicating with diverse teams.
– Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
– Experience with travel, study, work abroad, or relevant domestic multicultural experiences.

**Preferred:**
– Experience with Sunapsis and PeopleSoft.
– Two years or more of full-time F-1 visa advising experience.
– Experience in personal and academic counseling and/or crisis management.
– Knowledge of basic J and/or H visa requirements.
– Proven ability to organize and coordinate programs.

### About the Department

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to supporting the international community at the University of Minnesota. ISSS assists with the university’s internationalization efforts by facilitating the integration of new foreign nationals, providing intercultural training, and hosting events that promote connections between U.S. and international communities on campus. The department also focuses on enhancing the understanding of cross-cultural and international issues through training and programs.

### Benefits

#### Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, we offer a flexible work environment, supportive colleagues, and a focus on lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, enabling you to advance your career while also enjoying life outside of work.

The comprehensive benefits package includes:
– Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
– Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree programs.
– Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
– Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
– University HSA contributions.
– Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
– Employee wellbeing programs.
– Excellent retirement plans with employer contributions.
– Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunities.
– Financial counseling services.
– Employee Assistance Program providing eight sessions of no-cost counseling.

Visit the Office of Human Resources website for more details on benefits.

### How to Apply

Submit your application online. Click the Apply button to complete the online application and attach your cover letter and resume. Additional documents can be uploaded by accessing your “My Job Applications” page.

For accommodation requests during the application process, email [employ@umn.edu](mailto:employ@umn.edu) or call (612) 624-8647.

### Diversity

The University of Minnesota values diversity and inclusion, enriching the employment experience and supporting the academic mission. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with diverse identities and backgrounds.

The University provides equal access and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Learn more about diversity at the University: [diversity.umn.edu](http://diversity.umn.edu)

### Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment