University Counselor I/II

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced University Counselor I/II at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 exchange visitors, ensuring compliance with federal immigration regulations and SEVIS requirements.
• Issue and maintain Form I-20s and DS-2019s and ensure accurate and timely maintenance of student and scholar immigration records.
• Provide comprehensive immigration advising to F-1 and J-1 students and scholars on maintaining status, travel, employment authorization, program changes, dependents, and other immigration matters.
• Advise students and scholars on complex immigration matters involving federal regulations, University policies, and individual circumstances.
• Counsel F-1 students regarding CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, on-campus employment, and other employment-related requirements.
• Counsel J-1 scholars regarding employment authorization, program requirements, status maintenance, and applicable Department of State regulations.
• Prepare and file H-1B petitions on behalf of eligible University employees and scholars, ensuring compliance with applicable USCIS requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinate with the University Immigration Attorney on permanent residence matters, including preparation and coordination of University-sponsored employment-based permanent residence petitions.
• Review immigration applications, petitions, supporting documentation, and requests for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Interpret and apply complex and frequently changing regulations and guidance issued by USCIS, DHS, SEVP, and the Department of State.
• Monitor federal regulatory and policy changes and assess their impact on University students, scholars, employees, and OISS operations.
• Identify potential immigration compliance issues and provide appropriate guidance, escalation, and resolution in consultation with OISS leadership and legal counsel when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting and updates in SEVIS and other University systems.
• Collaborate with academic departments, Human Resources, faculty, administrators, and other University offices to resolve immigration, employment, and compliance matters.
• Provide individual advising through appointments, email, telephone, and other communication channels while managing a high volume of inquiries and cases.
• Conduct orientations, workshops, presentations, and training programs for international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and University departments.
• Develop and maintain immigration advising materials, communications, webpages, presentations, and other resources to ensure accurate dissemination of regulatory information.
• Support the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and academic success of international students and scholars through timely and effective advising and support services.
• Participate in the development and implementation of OISS policies, procedures, and processes in response to changes in federal regulations and University priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment when handling sensitive immigration, employment, academic, and personal information.
• Participate in professional development and maintain current knowledge of international education practices and federal immigration regulations.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned by OISS leadership.

Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor’s (Level 1) or Master’s (Level II) degree in international studies, international education, social sciences, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Experience:
Requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in international student and/or scholar advising, immigration advising, or a closely related field. Demonstrated knowledge of current U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures governing F-1, J-1, H-1B, and employment-based permanent residence is required. Experience with SEVIS, immigration petition preparation, and advising within a higher education environment is strongly preferred.

School/College/Division:

H92 - VP Student Affairs

Primary department:

H9209 - International Students & Scholars (H9209)

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Office environment

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.