Job Details:

Visa Support Assistant (Compliance)

Requisition ID:  24737

Location:  Newcastle, GB

Contract Type:  Open Ended

Working Pattern:  Full Time

Posted Date:  21-Nov-2022

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

What’s in it for you? Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

Salary: £23,144 to £24,285 with progression to £26,396 per annum

Closing Date: 06 December 2022

The Role

We require a highly motivated individual with an interest in immigration to join our Visa Support Team at Newcastle University.

You will also be required to support the wider team by maintaining accurate records and assisting with the production of student visa sponsor documents.

It will be necessary to build a knowledge of student immigration compliance requirements and University systems in order to support the needs of the University’s International student community. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and an ability to work methodically will be required. Full training will be offered to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Reporting directly to the Student Immigration Compliance Manager, you will be required to work independently in managing day-to-day tasks and should be able to demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills.

To discuss this role, please contact Tracey Aston, Student Immigration Compliance Manager Show email. View phone number on jobs.ncl.ac.uk

Key Accountabilities

• To co-ordinate the receipt, security, recording and distribution of biometric residence permits for staff and students
• To liaise with the Home Office and other key stakeholders in relation to the delivery of biometric residence permits, addressing any issues, as appropriate
• To assist the Student Immigration Compliance Manager with co-ordination of the immigration permission verification process for International students, both at arrival and with any new/replacement documents
• To maintain and review records of right to study documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness and audit
• To be responsible for the maintenance and review of administrative and information systems related to the visa compliance, as directed by the Student Immigration Compliance Manager
• To assist the Student Immigration Compliance Manager with any procedural reviews to ensure the University is maintaining its sponsorship duties as defined by the Home Office
• To maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of student immigration compliance, in line with Home Office Sponsor Guidance
• To assist with the preparation of accurate electronic and paper documentation (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies CAS) in support of leave to remain applications, including use of the Home Office’s Sponsor Management System
• To manage confidential and sensitive material with integrity and discretion
• To ensure that personal enquiries from students or staff are handled in an efficient and helpful manner
• To help members of the service with a range of work, as necessary, e.g. our annual registration exercise and other annual exercises

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• An ability to communicate effectively where clients’ first language is not English
• Self-confidence in advising students and staff on matters of procedure
• Ability to negotiate while working in a confidential and discreet manner
• Ability to review issues and follow-up to resolve trends or concerns
• Ability to work in a confidential and discreet manner
• Ability to work accurately with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to cope under pressure, manage diverse priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively within a team and relate well to others
• Ability to use initiative and an active approach to problem solving
• Skills in dealing with people who may be sensitive, upset etc
• Well-developed organisational skills
• Experience of customer service work
• Experience of working in a team and developing effective working relationships
• Excellent word processing and IT skills
• Knowledge of / sensitivity to multicultural issues
• Numerate and able to manipulate and analyse data

Desirable

• Experience of student administration processes within a University
• Knowledge of student immigration issues

Attributes and Behaviour

• Team-working                      
  • Works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in teams and establishes and grows relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued
• Planning and Organisation 
  • Manages time and resources by prioritising and organising effectively
• Embracing change   
  • Recognises the need for change and is forward looking. Promotes the benefits of change to others and regularly comes up with new ideas. Has the willingness to adopt new ways of working and to make improvements
• Delivering services
  • Has an organisational understanding of what customer/stakeholder requirements are and seeks to deliver them across the University

Qualifications

• Educated to GCE ‘A’ level or equivalent

Desirable

• A first Degree or other work related qualifications or significant experience in a similar post

The University holds a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 24737