Program Specialist 2, International Programs

Position Duties

• Admissions & Intake Coordination Monitor and process admissions applications for new international students following admissions standards set by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student Services Division of Skagit Valley College; Monitor portal for new international applications; create ctcLink accounts for students and set up I-20, SEVIS number, RINT, residency, and G06 indicators; identify issues related to the admissions process and develop new plans to address issues; Ensure international students are coded correctly in ctcLink and SEVIS; Provide comprehensive customer service to students navigating through admissions, registration, and placement; Respond to inquiries in person, via the telephone, and international admissions email accounts; develop accurate responses, provide resolution, and follow through with complex questions; Monitor International Program (IP) email, triage, and send email responses; Collect application materials; enter into IP tracking spreadsheet; and escalate emails to IP Director based on decision tree; Support the entry process by referring international students to testing and cashiering. This includes assisting/referring students for English for academic placement and Accuplacer testing; Direct students to testing and cashiering. This includes assisting/referring students for English for academic placement and Accuplacer testing; Ensure all new international students are assigned a Navigator or Faculty Advisor, including students who are transitioning from intensive English Language Program to a college certificate and degree program; Refer students to the navigator or faculty advisor for referrals to community and campus resources as needed; Provide academic records to the High School Completion Counselor for HSC students; Support IP programming; assist with logistics for events; maintain updated handbook outlining academic and institutional policies for international students; edit IP student resources such as Canvas shell, handbook, Instagram account, etc.; Under the direction of the supervisor, provide support regarding the IP website; submit corrections to marketing; work through the SS structure; work in conjunction with the IP Director and Marketing & Web Services to keep the IP website up to date; Run ctcLink Queries (or other systems) and prepare reports that represent IP data. Create monthly dashboards on IP metrics; Assist IP Director in support of recruitment efforts as assigned. Immigration & Designated School Official (DSO) As the lead Designated School Official, issue I-20s, track and report student immigration documents utilizing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record management system; Complete the student registration process in SEVIS; Monitor student records to ensure SEVIS compliance and report issues to IP Director; Utilize up-to-date United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) information pertaining to student SEVIS records; Interpret immigration policies and CFRs in conjunction with the IP Director and other DSOs on campus; Process SEVIS documentation for OPT/CPT; review pertinent documents; Verify immigration related regulations for F-1 and ensure documents are updated and accurate; Notify the IP director of changes in student visa status; Collaborate with the Enrollment Services director of entry services to update data in the college data system (Secure 92/ctcLink); Refer students to the Counseling, Advising, and Navigation team for testing, admissions, academic programs of study/progress, and attendance (care team, tutoring, etc.); Send up-to-date program travel information to students to help them understand what resources are available to them during their stay in the United States. Example: confirmation of airport pick-up. This could include communication via email, social media outreach strategy, and the SVC website; Be the lead in the orientation process: send orientation reminders, conduct quarterly orientation sessions; follow up on paperwork; collect documentation; enroll students in LewerMark health insurance; and register students in SEVIS; When notified that a student is not meeting his/her financial obligations, send out template emails providing information on the student’s financial obligations; copy the IP Director and CAN as needed. Following established procedures, and serve as lead on student Housing (Homestays and on-site dormitories) Recruit and evaluate applications of potential homestay families; conduct in-home interviews, background checks, and determination of eligibility based on host family rules and guidelines; Ensure that all Homestay documents are updated on an annual basis; Provide orientation to host families; Follow up with housing inquiries by mailing out general homestay information, guidelines, and applications to prospective host families and students; Communicate housing information and placement to new international students and to contracted homestay partners prior to arrival; Maintain a current database of homestays that includes: Active versus inactive status Student placements Housing agreement Financial obligations Conduct Washington State Patrol Criminal History Check related to homestay families; Schedules individual meetings within the first and second week of arrival between students and host families for review, explanation, and acceptance of the “Host-Student Homestay Agreement”; Refer academic student disciplinary issues to the conduct officer as per college policies; Concerns between student, host family, and other possible roommates are assessed and documented and reported to the supervisor and the Director of IP for resolution, when needed; Facilitate alternative housing in consultation with student housing and Director of IP when needed. This includes alternative housing for sick students and when it is necessary for the health and safety of the student and/or host family; Serve as liaison between student and off-campus housing apartment managers as needed; Collaborate with CVV Director and track student housing availability; On a monthly basis, send appropriate template emails, payment reminders to rental programs and agreements, monitor rental payments, utilities, and other housing obligations. Other administrative support as initiated and assigned by supervisor Attend events as assigned; May support student and community specialized programs and events such as convocation, commencement, summer bridge, student life, etc.; May provide supervision of student support staff or volunteers, as assigned by supervisor; Represent the department at various meetings, campus events, and conferences as assigned; Attend staff meetings (IP meetings and others)); Provide supervisor with ongoing project updates and provide input for division's Board reports; May attend professional development activities, conferences, and meetings as assigned by supervisor; Perform other duties and provide logistical support with special projects, as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge and/or understanding of: Office procedures and practices; The mission, values, and core themes of Skagit Valley College; The contributions that a diverse workforce can make to the success of the organization and the students served by the College. Skills: Basic technology skills used to maintain student files, data reporting, and generating reports; Effective interpersonal communication; Computer and technical skills including software programs, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. Ability to: Use general office equipment; Maintain strict confidentiality with student records in accordance with FERPA as well as private testing company guidelines; Direct the work of others; Accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; Work with a tight-knit team; Use Microsoft Office, CRM- TARGET X, SEVIS, the Internet, and search engines; Respect and maintain confidentiality; Use judgment and critical thinking to resolve problems or issues using principles of collaboration and continuous improvement; Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances; Actively work to continuously improve job effectiveness and efficiency; Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives; Address problems and issues in an open, constructive, professional manner; Understand and follow applicable laws, regulations, and standards to establish and maintain a safe work environment; Effectively organize multiple assignments; Effectively communicate information and ideas orally and in writing; Promote the welfare and best interests of the students at all times; Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and goals of the institution, community, and technical college system.
• Monitor and process admissions applications for new international students following admissions standards set by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student Services Division of Skagit Valley College;
• Monitor portal for new international applications; create ctcLink accounts for students and set up I-20, SEVIS number, RINT, residency, and G06 indicators; identify issues related to the admissions process and develop new plans to address issues;
• Ensure international students are coded correctly in ctcLink and SEVIS;
• Provide comprehensive customer service to students navigating through admissions, registration, and placement;
• Respond to inquiries in person, via the telephone, and international admissions email accounts; develop accurate responses, provide resolution, and follow through with complex questions;
• Monitor International Program (IP) email, triage, and send email responses;
• Collect application materials; enter into IP tracking spreadsheet; and escalate emails to IP Director based on decision tree;
• Support the entry process by referring international students to testing and cashiering. This includes assisting/referring students for English for academic placement and Accuplacer testing;
• Direct students to testing and cashiering. This includes assisting/referring students for English for academic placement and Accuplacer testing;
• Ensure all new international students are assigned a Navigator or Faculty Advisor, including students who are transitioning from intensive English Language Program to a college certificate and degree program;
• Refer students to the navigator or faculty advisor for referrals to community and campus resources as needed;
• Provide academic records to the High School Completion Counselor for HSC students;
• Support IP programming; assist with logistics for events; maintain updated handbook outlining academic and institutional policies for international students; edit IP student resources such as Canvas shell, handbook, Instagram account, etc.;
• Under the direction of the supervisor, provide support regarding the IP website; submit corrections to marketing; work through the SS structure; work in conjunction with the IP Director and Marketing & Web Services to keep the IP website up to date;
• Run ctcLink Queries (or other systems) and prepare reports that represent IP data. Create monthly dashboards on IP metrics;
• Assist IP Director in support of recruitment efforts as assigned.
• As the lead Designated School Official, issue I-20s, track and report student immigration documents utilizing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record management system;
• Complete the student registration process in SEVIS;
• Monitor student records to ensure SEVIS compliance and report issues to IP Director;
• Utilize up-to-date United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) information pertaining to student SEVIS records;
• Interpret immigration policies and CFRs in conjunction with the IP Director and other DSOs on campus;
• Process SEVIS documentation for OPT/CPT; review pertinent documents;
• Verify immigration related regulations for F-1 and ensure documents are updated and accurate;
• Notify the IP director of changes in student visa status;
• Collaborate with the Enrollment Services director of entry services to update data in the college data system (Secure 92/ctcLink);
• Refer students to the Counseling, Advising, and Navigation team for testing, admissions, academic programs of study/progress, and attendance (care team, tutoring, etc.);
• Send up-to-date program travel information to students to help them understand what resources are available to them during their stay in the United States. Example: confirmation of airport pick-up. This could include communication via email, social media outreach strategy, and the SVC website;
• Be the lead in the orientation process: send orientation reminders, conduct quarterly orientation sessions; follow up on paperwork; collect documentation; enroll students in LewerMark health insurance; and register students in SEVIS;
• When notified that a student is not meeting his/her financial obligations, send out template emails providing information on the student’s financial obligations; copy the IP Director and CAN as needed.
• Recruit and evaluate applications of potential homestay families; conduct in-home interviews, background checks, and determination of eligibility based on host family rules and guidelines;
• Ensure that all Homestay documents are updated on an annual basis;
• Provide orientation to host families;
• Follow up with housing inquiries by mailing out general homestay information, guidelines, and applications to prospective host families and students;
• Communicate housing information and placement to new international students and to contracted homestay partners prior to arrival;
• Maintain a current database of homestays that includes: Active versus inactive status Student placements Housing agreement Financial obligations
• Active versus inactive status
• Student placements
• Housing agreement
• Financial obligations
• Conduct Washington State Patrol Criminal History Check related to homestay families;
• Schedules individual meetings within the first and second week of arrival between students and host families for review, explanation, and acceptance of the “Host-Student Homestay Agreement”;
• Refer academic student disciplinary issues to the conduct officer as per college policies;
• Concerns between student, host family, and other possible roommates are assessed and documented and reported to the supervisor and the Director of IP for resolution, when needed;
• Facilitate alternative housing in consultation with student housing and Director of IP when needed. This includes alternative housing for sick students and when it is necessary for the health and safety of the student and/or host family;
• Serve as liaison between student and off-campus housing apartment managers as needed;
• Collaborate with CVV Director and track student housing availability;
• On a monthly basis, send appropriate template emails, payment reminders to rental programs and agreements, monitor rental payments, utilities, and other housing obligations.
• Attend events as assigned;
• May support student and community specialized programs and events such as convocation, commencement, summer bridge, student life, etc.;
• May provide supervision of student support staff or volunteers, as assigned by supervisor;
• Represent the department at various meetings, campus events, and conferences as assigned;
• Attend staff meetings (IP meetings and others));
• Provide supervisor with ongoing project updates and provide input for division's Board reports;
• May attend professional development activities, conferences, and meetings as assigned by supervisor;
• Perform other duties and provide logistical support with special projects, as assigned.
• Office procedures and practices;
• The mission, values, and core themes of Skagit Valley College;
• The contributions that a diverse workforce can make to the success of the organization and the students served by the College.
• Basic technology skills used to maintain student files, data reporting, and generating reports;
• Effective interpersonal communication;
• Computer and technical skills including software programs, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Use general office equipment;
• Maintain strict confidentiality with student records in accordance with FERPA as well as private testing company guidelines;
• Direct the work of others;
• Accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work;
• Work with a tight-knit team;
• Use Microsoft Office, CRM- TARGET X, SEVIS, the Internet, and search engines;
• Respect and maintain confidentiality;
• Use judgment and critical thinking to resolve problems or issues using principles of collaboration and continuous improvement;
• Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances;
• Actively work to continuously improve job effectiveness and efficiency;
• Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives;
• Address problems and issues in an open, constructive, professional manner;
• Understand and follow applicable laws, regulations, and standards to establish and maintain a safe work environment;
• Effectively organize multiple assignments;
• Effectively communicate information and ideas orally and in writing;
• Promote the welfare and best interests of the students at all times;
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and goals of the institution, community, and technical college system.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school completion/diploma, GED, or equivalent; One (1) year of experience providing clerical support that includes data entry, phone, and email management, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities; Ability to successfully complete U.S. Department of Homeland Security Designated School Official (DSO) training and maintain authorization to access SEVIS. Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree or higher; Two (2) years or more of experience in providing excellent customer service to a diverse clientele in Student Services, International Programs, Enrollment Services, Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, or related area, or in a program specialty that provides similar services to a specific population; Prior experience with SEVIS; Prior experience working with international students.
• High school completion/diploma, GED, or equivalent;
• One (1) year of experience providing clerical support that includes data entry, phone, and email management, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Ability to successfully complete U.S. Department of Homeland Security Designated School Official (DSO) training and maintain authorization to access SEVIS.
• Associate degree or higher;
• Two (2) years or more of experience in providing excellent customer service to a diverse clientele in Student Services, International Programs, Enrollment Services, Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, or related area, or in a program specialty that provides similar services to a specific population;
• Prior experience with SEVIS;
• Prior experience working with international students.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is based on Range 42, Step A, $3,827 per month with periodic increments to $4,980 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding. This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx . Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after October 4, 2025 . Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled. Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. Priority Screening Date: October 4, 2026 Interviews with Committee: Week of October 12th Finalist Interviews: TBD Anticipated Start Date: November 2026 Application Procedure: To be considered for this position, applicants must: Meet the minimum qualifications and; Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following: The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references; A current resume; (Attachment: Resume); A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter). In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Conditions of Employment: Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute. In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students. If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA. Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer. SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at: https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/ Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Carolyn Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources/EEO, 360.416.7794 or carolyn.tucker@skagit.edu . For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Sandy Jordan, 360.416.7923 or sandy.jordan@skagit.edu . Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
• Salary is based on Range 42, Step A, $3,827 per month with periodic increments to $4,980 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx .
• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following: The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references; A current resume; (Attachment: Resume); A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).
• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
• A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).
• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.

Benefits

• Why work at Skagit Valley College? Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington State, Skagit Valley College offers a unique and highly regarded transfer curriculum and professional-technical programs that respond to the workforce needs of the region. The College celebrates diversity in its staff and students, and adheres to a set of guiding principles: respect, integrity, open and honest communication, and collaboration. Benefits Skagit Valley College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes high-value medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents with affordable monthly premiums. Basic life and long-term disability insurances are provided with the option to purchase additional coverage at a low employee cost. Flexible spending account and dependent care assistance programs are also available. We help you prepare for life after your career by offering an excellent retirement plan, which includes employer contributions. In addition, employees have the option to participate in two tax-deferred retirement investment programs. Personal and Professional Development Staff development and personal growth are encouraged at Skagit Valley College. Training opportunities are offered to build employee competencies and develop leadership capacity. A professional development funds program and participation in the State Employee Tuition Waiver program provide further potential for personal and career growth. A Full Work/Life Package Pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life.

Supplemental Questions