Program Specialist 2 - International Housing

Green River College (GRC) has a vibrant international student community, attracting learners from around the globe. For over 30 years, the International Housing Program has been a cornerstone of GRC’s services for students, with more than 400 students currently living in GRC-arranged housing. The International Housing Team consists of two Housing Specialists, a Housing Manager, Assistant Director and Senior Director. There are also many Student Housing Assistants that work during welcome and special events. The services delivered by the International Housing Team play a key role in establishing GRC as a top choice for international students.
Under general supervision, this position oversees the day-to-day program activities related to international student homestay placements, onboarding new international students living in Campus Corner Apartments (CCA), maintaining relationships with current host families, and supporting efforts to recruit new host families. 
This role involves balancing the often-competing needs of diverse stakeholders including students, host families, other International Programs (IP) staff, CCA management, and other college departments. Additionally, the position requires planning and conducting public orientations and training sessions, delivered both virtually and in person.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
Green River College's student body is made up of approximately 41% Academic Transfer students, 34% Professional-Technical students, 15% Adult Basic Education student, and 3% Applied Bachelor degrees.  Green River College has four campuses, including the main campus in Auburn, Washington, with satellite campuses in Kent, downtown Auburn, and Enumclaw.  Green River programs serve high school graduates, Running Start students (dual enrollment in local high schools and the college), those seeking retraining for the workforce, international students, students learning English, and Continuing Education students. Green River's service areas are increasingly ethnically diverse, comprising African Americans, African immigrants, Asian Americans, Asians, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Middle Eastern Americans, among other communities.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:
We commit to be an anti-racist institution where all students, faculty, and staff receive the access, resources, and services needed to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. Green River College makes social and economic justice, equity, and inclusion our highest priorities.
The Green River College definition of equity encompasses all identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, economic status, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religion/spirituality, immigration status, age, and culture. We understand individual needs vary widely, and the effects of discrimination and historical oppression must be taken into account while aiming for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.Student Housing Placement and Host Family Coordination

• Coordinate homestay (host family) and Campus Corner Apartments (CCA) placements for international students.
• Conduct orientation and training for new and prospective host families.
• Recruit, screen and approve potential host families including in-home interviews 
• Enter and maintain stored information related to international student housing.
• Maintain host family relationships via regular check-ins and periodic activities.

International Student Arrival and Housing 

• Organize and execute new student arrivals for all international housing students living homestay and CCA.
• Coordinate airport arrival services and host families for arrival assignments.
• Conduct new arrival orientation for all homestay students and collaborate with CCA staff to provide orientation for international students living in CCA.

Customer Services and Operations

• Provide information and technical assistance to host families, students, other Green River departments, and outside entities regarding services offered, policy and procedure, and eligibility.
• Maintain a caseload of 16-year-old students, including regularly monitoring and reporting of students and host families
• Provide front line response to concerns of all students in international housing. Connects students to resources and escalates situations of concern as needed.
• Collaborate with the International Housing Team to implement policies and procedures directly related to international student housing.
• Utilize and understand the various recordkeeping systems, currently Salesforce and MS Excel.
• Provide excellent, responsive customer service face-to-face or via video, phone or email communication.
• Manage workload in a steady manner within a regular cycle including predictable periods of high demand at the beginning and end of each term.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned related to international student housing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in related field or equivalent education/experience
• Proficiency with current MS Office Suite; Ability to create and facilitate PowerPoint presentations both in person and via video.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds of college students, faculty and staff
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or with others in a team effort
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and tactfully (both verbally and in writing) with a wide variety of stakeholders, including non-Native English speakers at a variety of English skill levels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with or hosting international students
• Experience working in a public higher education environment  
• Experience utilizing Salesforce or similar database
• Experience living or studying internationally or experience as a host family
• Public speaking experience, specifically providing training and orientation presentations both virtually and in-person.
• Experience using social media for professional purposes
• Experience driving a multi-passenger vehicle of up to 14

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license
• Reliable transportation and automotive insurance

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Willingness and ability to frequently work evenings and weekends
• Willingness and ability to travel locally
• Ability to regularly lift 25 lbs, and occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Must have the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time at a desk/computer workstation
• Frequent repetitive arm, hand, and finger motions
• Frequent use of computer and exposure to terminal screen in performing work assignments
• Work in person in a high-traffic, open office setting with frequent interruptions

Required Training:

• Non-discrimination

• Ethics

• Safety

• Child Abuse and Neglect

• Title IX

• Campus Safety Authority (CSA)

At this time, Green River College is not sponsoring for H1-B Visas.

All offers of employment are subject to background checks. (Prior to a new hire, 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.)
 
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law RCW 28B.112.080.
  
Green River College is a tobacco free campus. For more information on the tobacco policy, please visit the following link: https://www.greenriver.edu/campus/policies-and-procedures/general-administrative-policies/ga-2-tobacco-use-policy/
  
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Green River College’s Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at www.greenriver.edu/CleryASFR, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 253-288-3350.
  
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092-3622, (253) 288-3320.
 
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Support Services at (253) 833-9111, ext. 2631; TTY (253) 288-3359.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer and Statement of Non-Discrimination:  Green River College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status age, perceived or actual sensory,  physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran  or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
  
Green River College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sex-based harassment, and sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Green River College’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.
 
Reporting
Any employee, student, applicant, or visitor who believes that he, she or they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the College’s appropriate Title IX Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to the President’s office for referral to an alternate designee.
 
 For students/employees/public/visitors/applicants:
 Korland Simmons, Title IX Coordinator • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion 

• Email: titleixcoordinator@greenriver.edu

Salary : $3,643 - $3,910