Employment Eligibility & I-9 Specialist

Amherst, MA, United States

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Employment Eligibility and I-9 Specialist is responsible for ensuring University compliance with federal I-9 employment eligibility regulations including, but not limited to, timely identification and resolution of employment eligibility issues to ensure compliance and mitigate liability. The Specialist designs and delivers training to HR professionals across the University. They monitor, reconcile, and correct data discrepancies between the University's I-9 system (Tracker I-9), international tax system (Sprintax), E-verify, and HR Direct (PeopleSoft) systems. The Specialist develops and implements employment eligibility verification and hiring/onboarding processes and actively supports HR professionals in I-9 and e-Verify processes.

Essential Functions

Responsible for the day-to-day creation, maintenance, and monitoring of I-9 employment eligibility forms and procedures University-wide to ensure timely compliance with federal law. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Ensures accurate and timely completion of all I-9 employment eligibility verifications for UMass Amherst employees.

Collaborates with University HR partners to ensure timely and accurate completion of employment eligibility verifications (I-9 and e-Verify) by providing in-person customer service, creating and effectively delivering training, designing and implementing processes.

Creates materials to document and disseminate processes and training.

Trains and advises HR representatives and employees on employment eligibility requirements, eligibility software and I-9 acceptable documentation, consulting with International Programs Office and immigration counsel as necessary.

Monitors I-9 case status in campus I-9 system (Tracker I-9) and federal e-Verify system daily and conducts internal audits to resolve compliance issues and mitigate campus liability.

Timely and accurately identifies and resolves employment eligibility data discrepancies across various databases (e.g., HRMS, SprintTax, Tracker I-9, Sunapsis).

Generates reports and provides data on employment eligibility and compliance, making recommendations for process improvements.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution or Associate's Degree with at least one year of related experience or a High School Diploma or GED with more than three (3) years of related experience.

Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets.

Demonstrated ability to:

Work independently and as part of a team.

Assess work priorities and meet deadlines.

Exercise independent judgment and creatively solve problems.

Work with, and maintain confidentiality of, sensitive information.

Attention to detail and ability to perform accurate, detail-orientated work and manage multiple tasks.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to interact with a wide variety of people. Dedication to providing excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Knowledge of employment eligibility requirements.

Prior E-Verify, I-9 and employment Visa experience.

Experience with Tracker I-9, e-Verify, Peoplesoft, Sprinttax, or similar software.

Demonstrated ability to create and successfully deliver training.

Demonstrated ability to design/redesign processes and implement process change.

Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures.

Experience writing reports, extracting and reconciling data.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, in-person/ on-site.

Salary Information

Level 26.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.