A high level of attention to detail and strict adherence to agreed timescales is an important requirement of this role.

Transcription

1 Job advert Visa Officer Context INTO is an organisation working in partnership with leading British Universities and investing in the development of world-class international student centres. It specialises in preparing students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in the UK. Our Centres deliver progression onto leading British undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Each INTO Centre is managed by a joint venture management board in which INTO and the partner University are equal shareholders. INTO University of Exeter has a vacancy for a full time Visa Officer (37.5 hrs per week). The post holder will report to the Head of Student Services and Systems. Job Role As a key member of our Student Services Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a responsive and supportive service to our students. Duties will include: To provide advice and support for INTO s students regarding their visa applications To ensure compliance with UKVI regulations and the University of Exeter Immigration Compliance Unit. To support the registration process To support admissions administration A high level of attention to detail and strict adherence to agreed timescales is an important requirement of this role. Where necessary all staff reporting to the Head of Student Services and Systems are required to assist with large intakes with regard to registration and arrival weekends, for which time in lieu will be given. If you are an excellent communicator with a passion for customer service, good I.T. skills and excellent attention to detail, we look forward to hearing from you. Salary 22, , per annum

2 Application Process If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience and interest for this post, please follow the link below to our job information and application form. Please send all completed applications to INTO- Closing Date for applications: pm (Noon), Monday 22 nd October 2018 Interviews: Provisional Dates 25 th / 26 th October 2018 Safeguarding As part of our Safeguarding procedures, applicants are asked to note that: references will be followed up; all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily; proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required; reference requests will ask specifically whether there is any reason that they should not be engaged in situations where they have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18; appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of appointment. This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Serviced check before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions. For further details, a full job description and a copy of our Candidate Privacy Notice see INTO is an equal opportunities employer. INTO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and child protection screening will apply. INTO Giving is the charitable arm of INTO University Partnerships and is committed to increasing access to education and improving the quality of education for disadvantaged young people around the world. INTO employees are encouraged to take an active role in INTO Giving. To find out more please visit Page 2 of 6

3 Job description 11 October 2018 Visa Officer Context INTO is an organisation created by leading British Universities investing in the development of world class international student centres. It specialises in preparing students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in the UK. Our Centres deliver guaranteed progression onto leading British undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Each INTO Centre is managed by a joint venture management board in which INTO and the partner University are equal shareholders. Reporting Line The Visa Officer reports to the Head of Student Services and Systems. Job Purpose To provide advice and support for INTO s students and ensure compliance with UKVI regulations and the University of Exeter Immigration Compliance Unit. Key Accountabilities The following outlines the post s main duties and responsibilities. However, this description does not define or limit the postholder s duties, and so they may be required to carry out other work within their abilities, from time to time, as requested by the Head of Student Services and Systems. We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working. To act as Level 1 SMS User, in order to report INTO students to the UKVI and issue CAS. To assist students with visa applications by provision of visa workshops and document checking sessions for INTO and University of Exeter, and via and individual meetings. Check and copy BRPs prior to registration in order to identify errors and issue BRPs at registration. Check visas at registration, support students with queries, and refer complicated cases to the University of Exeter International Support Advice team. To ensure INTO staff are aware of students that cannot register/attend class. To support registration process by preparing qualifications for document clearance. Monitor Onesight KPIs. Check registration packs to ensure passport / visa documents are present. Monitor that students have registered with the police and co-ordinate police registration for large intakes. To provide support and guidance to students who have lost passports and BRPs, to help with BRP and entry clearance errors. Page 3 of 6

4 To maintain the Centre s procedural documents pertaining to visa checks on arrival, expiring visas, changes to study plans, de-registration, visa refusal and Tier 4 reporting. To provide visa drop-in sessions in Centre and end of term counselling sessions at Duryard House. To ensure appropriate advice is given to students withdrawing from their course. To develop and maintain tracking system for visa extensions. Ensure accurate record of visa refusals is maintained and reported monthly to the University Immigration Compliance Unit, and IUP Immigration and Compliance Team, in order to provide data to support Highly Trusted Sponsor status. To access partner university systems e.g. SITS to download BRPs and SID to input case notes for visa applications. To keep informed of visa legislation, working closely with the INTO Immigration Compliance Manager. Attend UKCISA / AISA training/meetings as appropriate. To attend University of Exeter Immigration Compliance team meetings, briefings and training sessions. To support Pre-sessional and Groups admissions processes. Submit HESA return to University of Exeter. To participate in IUP systems meetings as appropriate. Where necessary all staff reporting to the Head of Student Services and Systems are required to assist with large intakes with regard to arrival weekends, registration etc. The postholder will provide additional support to admission administration. Your job title does not define or limit your duties and you may be required to carry out other work within your abilities from time to time at our request; We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working. Location At the partner University (where the INTO Centre is located). This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Criminal Records Bureau before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions. Page 4 of 6

5 Person Specification Legal Status Essential Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment. Desirable Education/ Qualifications Knowledge/ Skills Undergraduate degree or equivalent. Excellent command of written and spoken English. Demonstrate competent IT skills in Microsoft packages. Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills - able to work sensitively with different people s needs, excellent customer service and presentational skills. Good written communication skills. Ability to compose letters/information guides clarifying and explaining procedures/regulations and other requirements clearly concisely and which are grammatically correct and are sympathetically written for the intended recipients. Ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision. Ability to be assertive and constructive when required. Ability to multi-task and work and stay calm under pressure. Ability to prioritise as necessary and meet deadlines. An organised and methodical work style with an attention to detail. Willing to be on call out of office hours. Approachable, warm and friendly. Confident dealing with customers, particularly in difficult situations. Ability to work autonomously and as a part of a team. Ability to be flexible. Ability to communicate and build effective relationships with people at all levels. An interest in other cultures and nationalities. Ability to use computerised systems. Ability to use databases. Understanding/knowledge of similar work Page 5 of 6

6 Key Competencies: Supporting and co-operating: - Working with people - Adhering to principles and values Interacting and presenting: - Relating and networking - Presenting and communicating information Analysing and interpreting: - Writing and reporting Organising and executing: - Planning and organising - Delivering results and meeting customer expectations - Following instructions and procedures Adapting and coping: - Adapting and responding to change Coping with pressure and setbacks Page 6 of 6