Designated School Official

 

Position Title: Designated Student Official (DSO)

Department: Student Services                            Reports To:  Director of Academics 

Primary Location: Washington, DC                  FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt 

Parameters: Full-time; 12 months/year            Pay Range: $42,000 - $45,000 

 

Position Summary: Provides support to international degree-seeking students. The position provides academic and immigration advising and support services to international students. The DSO implements orientation and departure programs. The position also assists in the recruitment of new international degree-seeking students. As a Designated School Official (DSO) the position prepares and tracks immigration documents. The position provides support in all aspects of international student services and recruitment. 

 

Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

·         Fully understand, follow, and comply with company and US Government policies. Implement those policies as well as rules and regulations applicable to F-1 students 

·         Deal with SEVIS, USCIS or any government agency on any matters concerning the F-1 status of our students 

·         Regularly monitor students’ SEVIS records to minimize possibility for glitches 

·         Work closely with the Admissions Staff and the Registrar to ensure student files are complete with all required SEVIS documents 

·         Provide guidance to potential and current international students and/or parents or sponsors concerning admission requirements and application procedures 

·         Assist and advise school staff, especially Admissions Dept. and Registrar, on questions, doubts or concerns they may have related to any matters dealing with F-1 rules and regulations. 

·         Enter student information in SEVIS and create Form I-20 

·         Assist students with registration problems related to course registration, immigration status and/or cross-cultural adjustment 

·         Ensure all US Government reporting requirement deadlines are met (registration, no-shows, etc.) 

·         Review, manage, and update student files to ensure compliance with Federal Law and keep accurate records 

·         Respond effectively to inquiries from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other legal entities 

General Expectations: Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines as they relate to this position.



Education and Experience Requirements:
 
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in related field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in advising students in a higher education setting and experience with student information systems.
 

To ensure the health and safety of our community, BAU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures.

Knowledge of current technologies and word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge of recruiting, job placement and/or career advising techniques Knowledge of certification tests used for career assessment.

Knowledge of tools used for student interest and personality type and the ability to interpret results of such tools to assist students in making sound decisions.

Knowledge of the proper operation of and the ability to use personal computers and standard office equipment.

Skill in evaluating a student’s academic interests and desires to formulate a plan designed to assist the student in achievement of specified career goals.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner.

Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations Ability to multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail.

Ability to work independently while contributing to team environment.

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions and take appropriate action, resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other department staff, students, and the public.

Ability to read and interpret policies related to academic programs and student requirements for participation in various programs.



Work Environment: Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate control. Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required.



Physical Requirements: Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate.



Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met



Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills are important.



Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights for any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.