International Student Advisor & Immigration Specialist (Bilingual) - Jobs in Toronto, ON

Job Description

Purpose:York International offers programs and services to over 8,000 international students, scholars, and those who have attained permanent residence status within the last five years. The programs and services support the transition to York University and Canada, create resilient and supportive communities to support student success in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through our work, and in partnership with Faculties, Division of Vice Provost Students as well as other service providers, York International strives to ensure all students have an opportunity to actively participate in university life, find supportive communities and engage in activities that support their personal, academic and professional goals. Under the general direction of the Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services, the incumbent will serve as the key contact for providing information, support and advise students and visiting scholars on Canadian immigration issues, including entry into Canada, study permit/visa applications of various types of work permits including off campus and post graduate permits, permanent residence and citizenship, taxation issues for foreign nationals and advocate on their behalf when necessary. Provide accurate, timely information to a diverse population and triage student referrals to other internal and external service providers. In addition, the incumbent will coordinate, provide services and advise refugees, domestic, and non-traditional or unique international programs such as international visiting research trainees (IVRTs), student refugee and/or sponsored programs, visiting undergraduate students for research internships (i.e.: MITACS), inbound exchange students, new immigrant and English language institution students, outbound coop, academic placement and exchange students. The incumbent will plan, deliver and coordinate workshops to assist new and continuing international students with all relevant government regulations and policies related to Citizenship and Immigration to Canada including but not limited to study permit, work permits, temporary residence, post graduate permits and the PR process. Work with Faculties to develop an embedded service delivery model to reach students in their respective academic homes. Develop and maintain essential immigration information for international students and ensure accurate and up to date immigration information for the website and related publications. Responsible to maintain expertise in Citizenship and Immigration Canada updates, news, program and policies and website navigation and share or report within the department and within the university. Function as the York University's expert on immigration policies and regulations for international and domestic students. Liaise and collaborate with both internal and external partners to provide seamless and knowledgeable services and referral. Establishing an appropriate level of professionalism, developing partnerships both within and outside of the institution. Participate, collaborate and support programs and events within the York International as appropriate, which may include attendance after hours. Participate in discussion and information sharing of the national Student Advisory network (SACE) and related Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) activities or related immigration external professional associations.Education:University Degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Immigration Consultant Certificate (in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) either as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA)) or Lawyers and Paralegals in good standing with a provincial or territorial law society required with a thorough understanding of immigration legislation, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations (IRPR).Experience:Minimum of five years related experience and direct experience working with international students at the post-secondary level preferred. Experience in designing and conducting effective educational workshops. Experience in program development, implementation and evaluation. Experience in an intercultural environment either by working or living internationally. Fluency in languages other than English but including French required. Experience in managing the development of publications is an asset.Skills:Expert knowledge of Canadian immigration law, policies, regulations and pathways as they relate to international students, their partners and families. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Ability to keep up to date with current and emerging immigration legislation and interpretations, best practices within the field of immigration and, ability to interpret immigration legislation, University policies and procedures. Demonstrated good understanding of transition issues related to international students and the type of support for them. Ability to work effectively with diverse communities of students and promote inclusion. Strong interpersonal skills and intercultural sensitivity. Demonstrated ability to structure and guide effective intercultural development. Excellent communication skills including written, and presentation skills. Knowledge of existing and developing virtual communication methods, e.g. Skype, twitter and knowledge of virtual teaching platforms, e.g. Webinars and other technical resources for delivering quality services. Knowledge of University systems, structures, processes, and decision-making structures is an asset. Excellent client service and customer orientation. Must possess high degree of initiative, sound judgement and the ability to multi-task. Demonstrated ability to work in a team providing an integrated service delivery, and commitment to student success and the capacity to handle a busy workload.Additional Notes:Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview.Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the University prior to commencement of employment.PLEASE NOTE: This position requires bilingualism in English and French. Fluency in French required.Demonstrated commitment to the values of Student Success: Collaboration, Care, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Inclusion and Excellence.Office environment. Some international travel may be required. Works in an environment where there is frequent procedural change. Responds to time sensitive immigration issues where there is pressure.

• Compensation:

York implemented a revised CPM Compensation Framework in 2019. The Framework is a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable.