Program Specialist 2, International Programs

The Opportunity:The Program Specialist 2 works under general direction and serves as a primary point of contact for new international students managing the admissions process using the Student Management System (PeopleSoft) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and providing essential customer support for students. This position performs work that supports SVCs international students in the areas of immigration admissions registration enrollment housing and student life. The Program Specialist provides information and assists students by making referrals and/or serving as liaison to other departments such as financial aid workforce grants advising and student life.

The job is a 100% full-time classified position working 40 hours per week onsite at the Mount Vernon Campus with a flexible schedule to accommodate limited evening hours. The position works in an environment where technology must be infused into all enrollment service processes while ensuring confidentiality and the utmost professional service delivery. Inbound and outbound communications may include face-to-face interactions telephone and online customer service.

The Location:Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Samish Indian Nation Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver BC SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation urban arts scenes and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island and centers in Friday Harbor a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission:Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational personal and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision:The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access achievement and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching learning and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly supportive and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health dental vision and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

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.

• 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 students 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
• 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 divisions 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.

• 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 $3827 per month with periodic increments to $4980 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 Deadline:Priority screening will begin afterOctober 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:
  1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
  2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at 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 applicants 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 applicants 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 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 by the application closing date.
  
  For questions regarding the online application system you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at 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 or by accessing the Report at: 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 . For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance contact Title IX Coordinator Sandy Jordan 360.416.7923 or . Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way Mount Vernon WA 98273.