International Student Advisor, Work Integrated Learning - IO (July 2024 - February 2025)

International Student Advisor, Work Integrated Learning - IO (July 2024 - February 2025)

Status : Initiatives & Opportunities (July 2024 February 2025)

Hours : Monday to Friday; 35 hours / week

Home Campus : Fennell (hybrid work arrangements available)

Rate of Pay : Payband I (Starting Rate : $ per hour)

Posting Date : June 21st, 2024

Closing Date : July 5th, 2024 at 7 : 00pm EST

Preference will be given to qualified employees within the Full Time Support Staff bargaining unit, Appendix D (in the role for 6 consecutive months) and RPT employees who have passed probation at Mohawk College.

We believe the rich diversity among our students and the communities we serve should be reflected within our workforce. As educators, we believe it is important to act and show leadership in advancing the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community.

Reporting to the Manager, International Student Services and Engagement, the International Student Advisor Work Integrated Learning (WIL) offers advising to international students regarding their educational experience, immigration policies and processes;

withdrawals; ensure students have the admission requirements for new program change; have general academic program information grounded in development, and lifecycle approaches.

In addition, the incumbent will work collaboratively with the Centre for Experiential Learning to provide comprehensive advising services and assistance for international students in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, the administration of the Co-op Work Permit database, and must impart expert technical advice on Co-op Work Permit and other Canadian immigration matters affecting international students in WIL programs.

The incumbent will also interpret and provide advice on College policies and guidelines; personal matters and support contacts available within the College including Counselling, Peer Tutoring, MSA Student lawyer, Student Success Advisors and Campus Wellness incumbent also serves as a point of contact for students in an ESL or Bridging program to help them understand post-secondary education and potential pathways to the College.

What you’ll be doing :

Provides interpretation and advice to students

Responds to specific questions from International students related to their academic path, course load, Co-op Work Permits, course exemptions, compulsory withdrawal status, and program changes.

Works closely with Student Success Advisors to assist students who are out of sync to maintain a full-time course load as per study permit and post-graduate work permit guidelines.

• Interprets internal policies such as add / drop procedures, course exemption procedures, tuition refunds, fee deferrals and withdrawal procedures, and working within these policies while providing information and direction to the student.
• Advises students and connects available resources within the College - student lawyer, peer tutoring, health clinic, Counselling Department, Student Success Advisors, Co-op Specialists, Field Placement Specialists, etc.
• Acts as a liaison between the International Student Services Department and other College departments to effectively assist students.
• Educates students on the community service agencies available to assist them.
• Provides interpretation of the various federal and provincial government policies and processes in relation to study permits, work permits, re-entry visas, Social Insurance Numbers, and general immigration information on studying in Ontario.
• Works with the local immigration and government offices in support of international students with unusual situations needing interpretation of government processes and the impact their decisions will have on their studies in Ontario.

Co-op Work Permit advising

• Reviews, evaluates, and validates student information as it pertains to immigration applications and status, particularly for Co-op Work Permits and Study Permits.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information and documentation.
• Collaborates with the Centre of Experiential Learning and Academic areas to maintain and report accurate information within the Co-op Work Permit database.
• Assists students with applications and providing the necessary College documentation required for the process; incumbent must be fluent in the established parameters and guidelines as set by IRCC and Mohawk College.
• Coordinates and / or facilitates workshops for groups of students regarding Co-op Work Permit requirements and collaborates closely with the Centre for Experiential Learning.
• Ensures all immigration information and changes in rules and regulations are communicated effectively to students, staff, and faculty.
• Identifies needs and designs and implements a wide range of services to support the transition and integration of the international students in a WIL program.
• Assesses students’ needs and connects them with relevant College and community resources as required to ensure personal, academic, and professional success.
• Collaborates with other departments (Academic Schools, Centre for Experiential Learning, Career Services, Student Life, Counselling) to monitor progress and develop success strategies and pathways for international students.

Assists with functions provided by International Student Services

Tracks and connects with students who failed to return to complete their studies and encouraging them to finish their studies.

Advises Immigration when appropriate and provides comprehensive reports for College retention purposes.

• Tracks and ensures eligibility for students who transferred into a new program in their first semester or requires a program change.
• Tracks and connects students who were not admitted into their program of choice; advising students on options for future semesters if wanting to transfer out.

Works with International Operations team to manage the waiting list and determine priority.

Supports staff in the creation of immigration support letters for those students who have not completed a direct path in their studies.

Identifies where the student was part time and why ( didn’t have pre-requisite, failed a course not offered until the next year).

Contributes to the efficient operations of International Student Services

• Supports International Awards and the Celebration of Learning by promoting to students.
• Supports the International Student Orientation, special events, and presentations by encouraging students to attend, assisting and participating in the events themselves.
• Optimizes online processes, communications, and use of social media to engage with student cohort; , communicating with students in professional and respectful ways in forums where the students are at .

Other duties as assigned

What you’ll bring to the role :

• 3 year diploma / degree in Social Services, Business Administration, International Business, Immigration Consultant, or equivalent education.
• Registered International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants is required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a college setting dealing with members of diverse ethno-religious and cultural backgrounds.

Experience offering information, referral and / or advising services. Knowledge of a wide variety of community services, particularly those related to settlement, integration, education and employment.

Fluency in one or more languages other than English is preferred, but not necessary.

• Demonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse students, employees, and communities.

What we offer :

• Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.
• 93% top up of maternity and parental leave pay for 52 weeks.
• Progressive vacation plan starting with 15 vacation days plus annual holiday closure.
• Access to Employee Family Assistance Program including counselling services, financial literacy services, nutrition advice and more.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, paramedical services (massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopath, psychotherapy and psychology), short-term and long-term disability.
• Ability to take courses at a reduced rate for employees and dependents.

To find out more about working at Mohawk College, please visit :

We are committed to reconciliation and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (IDEA) environment for everyone who learns and works at Mohawk College.

We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The College is committed to fostering inclusive ad barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.

To learn more about Mohawk College’s commitments, please visit the Mohawk College strategic plan webpage :