People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Specialist

Title: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Specialist

Classification: Academic Professional

Exempt Status: Exempt

Level: 2

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of the Office of International Student Services, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Specialist supports current international students through a variety of efforts, such as visa advising, orientation, trainings and information sessions, as well as day to day compliance functions within the department. The SEVIS Specialist reviews and analyzes documentation, trouble-shoots and helps resolve issues, ensures compliance with related rules and regulations, and supports the SEVIS Coordinator and broader department initiatives. The Specialist acts as a Designated School Official (DSO) as defined by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO), assisting with the maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all related certification Assists with the organization of SEVIS data processing under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines and maintains data and quality control management.
  2. Responsible for staying current with regulatory and legislative rules, regulations, and updates affecting international students on F-1 visas and maintaining and complying with the Office of International Students Services (OISS) policies. Provides accurate visa maintenance information to international students.
  3. Assists with the monitoring, maintenance, and tracking of student F-1 visa status, and updates records in the SEVIS database, college software and platforms, and OISS-internal databases, ensuring high standards of cooperation and compliance with FERPA and Department of Homeland Security regulations.
  4. Advises students and supports the SEVIS Coordinator with standard issues related to F-1 visa status. This may include new F-1 visas, work permits, change of education level, medical leaves, employment and/or reduced course load Advises on other personal, financial, enrollment, health insurance, travel, taxes, and scholarship/grant matters.
  5. Assist with active case management supporting international students experiencing cross-cultural, family, personal, economic or other crises which may impact academic Helps students to access appropriate College and community services and resources.
  6. Functions as a liaison with transfer institutions; and refers students to appropriate College, community and university contacts to assist with the transfer process.
  7. Assists with website and social media monitoring and updates to ensure effective communication with the international student population.
  8. Assists with designing and/or delivering orientation programs, information sessions, and online training modules for students and colleagues on regulations and updates.
  9. Participates in professional development, OISS, and college Serves on committees and maintains a relationship with professional organizations.
  10. Stays abreast of changes in federal rules and regulations and supports the department’s continuous improvement efforts.
  11. Provides back-up support for the SEVIS Coordinator as needed.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office environment. Occasional evening or weekend hours required. Incumbents may travel to businesses or college fairs requiring the use of a personal vehicle. Occasional lifting of boxes of catalogs and/or other college material which may weigh up to 25 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, Social Science, Liberal Arts, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

One year of experience working as a Designated School Official (DSO) for a college or a university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Current F-1 student visa rules and regulations;
  • Community services and resources for appropriate

Skills in:

  • Researching and locating information related to internal and external organizations using online and other sources;
  • Intercultural communication;
  • Delivering classroom and public presentations;
  • Operating a computer and various supporting software

Ability to:

  • Learn about, and connect students with Portland Community College programs;
  • Exercise independent judgement;
  • Prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
  • Effectively work with students and staff of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
  • Diffuse and emotional or tense situation and offer viable solutions;
  • Operate a variety of office equipment;
  • Effectively communicate in oral and written     

New: 3/2025