International Student Support Specialist

General summary/purpose:

Reporting to the Director of Student Affairs, the International Student Support Specialist is responsible for developing, leading, and carrying out innovative strategies and relationship-building activities to address the unique needs of the School of Education’s growing international student population. This position promotes the inclusion of these students within the School and local area and focuses on their well-being while helping them persist, excel and meet their educational goals. This position directly supports the School’s overall student enrollment/retention efforts.

Specific duties & responsibilities:

• Counsel and advise international students/assist with outside-of-classroom needs (provide information on housing, medical care, religious worship locations, shopping options, and other area resources)
• Consult and meet regularly with students to help them overcome personal difficulties and adjust to cultural differences/build supportive relationship with students/act as their advocate
• Answer student inquiries and act as point of contact for international students throughout enrollment at School of Education (including onboarding activities such as J-card access, uploading emergency contact information into student database system, completion of required training modules, securing student health insurance, etc.)
• Response to crisis situations involving international students
• Develop, plan, implement and lead New Student Orientation program and assist students with acclimation to local area, School, and University/assist students with finding area housing and/or roommates
• Connect students with University resources and make referrals/work closely with Career Services, Student Disability Services, and Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program to accommodate student needs
• Act as SOE liaison with University’s Office of International Services /communicate with students regarding visa status and situations
• Conduct American culture workshops for students and educate international students on academic misconduct and other student policies
• Develop and oversee peer mentor program for international students
• Proactively develop, plan and administer social activities and programming that encourages students to develop social networks and effectively deal with challenges of being international students
• Establish and oversee strategies, efforts and programs to help international students with English communication skills
• Provide leadership opportunities for students to develop activities to share their cultures and to learn about other cultures
• Expand, maintain, and update SOE webpages specifically for international students and assist with social media efforts in conjunction with Office of Marketing and Communication
• Serve as SOE resource and point of contact to administration, faculty, and staff on all issues pertaining to international students
• Provide support, guidance, and information to faculty and staff on the unique needs of international students/conduct workshops for faculty and staff in collaboration with Office of Diversity and Faculty Development and Staff Forum
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations staff to build relationships with SOE international alumni and connect alumni with current students
• Potentially serve as student group advisor
• Participate in academic program orientation programs, new faculty orientation and Admissions events
• Assist with overall enrollment and retention efforts for international students
• Serve as SOE representative on various University committees and working groups
• Serve on SOE committees and working groups
• Assist with school diversity and inclusion efforts
• Perform all Office of Student Affairs functions, as needed, and participate in OSA planning and events

Minimum qualifications (mandatory):

• Master’s degree required.
• Three years’ experience in in Student Affairs, advising, mentoring or guiding college students; designing innovative programming; and establishing/maintaining collaborative working relationships with professionals.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, higher education, preferred.

• Bilingual or multilingual

• Five years’ experience as an academic advisor or pre-professional advisor in a higher ed setting

Special knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Previous experience working with diverse students and ability to relate to students from various backgrounds and countries/display cultural sensitivity
• Understanding of higher education processes and environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills/public speaking experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently independently and as part of a team
• Desire to consult and collaborate with other faculty and staff
• Experience coordinating events and possess high energy, attention to detail, and organization skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once
• Strong technology skills and familiarity with student database systems
• Strong desire to be part of and participate fully in the SOE community
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as necessary, and remotely if/when needed

Classified Title:Student Success Advisor
Working Title: International Student Support Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD
Starting Salary Range:$52,495 to $72,210
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 37.5/ Monday - Friday
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: 01-MD:Homewood Campus
Department name: 60002676-Office of Student Affairs
Personnel area: School of Education

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office atjhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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