Overnight Staff- First Star ISU Academy

Title: Overnight Staff- First Star ISU Academy
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Social Work

Job Summary

The First Star ISU Academy is a college-preparatory program for high school foster youth with the aim of preparing for successful matriculation into 2- or 4-year colleges and universities. The Academy strives to keep youth on track for high school graduation, prepare them for higher education, and equip them with the skills to successfully transition to adulthood. The youth, referred to as Scholars, spend two-weeks living on the university campus (Summer Immersion Program), and they return one Saturday per month during the school year (Saturday Academies). While on campus, the Scholars attend academic classes, participate in life skills workshops, and explore college life.

Overnight Staff play a critical role in the success of the two-week Summer Immersion Program, held on ISU’s campus. Overnight Staff are responsible for supervision of the Scholars between 11:30PM and 6:30AM from Saturday, May 30, 2026 to Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Overnight Staff report to the Academy Director and Program Coordinator. Overnight Staff are expected to work approximately 28-35 hours per week (this includes weekends) at the rate of $19 per hour. Housing is not provided for Overnight Staff.

Duties include, but not limited to, handling emergency situations, enforcing university policies and procedures, securing doors and conducting hourly rounds, ensuring a smooth transition with morning staff, assisting with programming documentation as well as other assigned duties.

All Overnight Staff are expected to attend a mandatory two-day paid training scheduled for:
• Wednesday, May 13, 2026
• Thursday, May 14, 2026

Overnight Staff are also expected to attend the following:
• Saturday, May 16, 2026 Mandatory Scholar/Caregiver summer orientation
• Saturday, May 30, 2026 Scholar campus move-in
• Saturday, June 13, 2026 Scholar move-out/Awards ceremony

Job Responsibilities:
• Conduct hallway checks throughout the night and document that Scholars are in their rooms
• Respond to Scholar problems or concerns that occur during the night
• Ensure a smooth transition of nightly activities and incidents to the morning staff
• Ensure compliance with the Academy’s and university’s code of conduct
• Assist with program planning and event documentation, and other duties as assigned

General Staff Rules & Policies:
• No visitors are permitted while staff member is on duty
• The possession and/or use of drugs or alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden during the Summer Immersion Program, while with the Scholars or in the residence halls
• No smoking is allowed while with the Scholars, in the residence halls, or in view of the Scholars
• Invitations to/connections with Scholars on Social Media must maintain a high level of professionalism, congruent with University ethics policy and minors on campus policy

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.  More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$19/hour

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to stay awake between the hours of 11:30PM and 6:30AM
• Must be reliable, organized, responsible, thorough and able to follow written and oral directions
• Ability to think critically on the job and problem solve as needed
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must have good crisis intervention skills, strong communication skills and writing skills
• Must have completed at least two years of undergraduate education
• Ability to work as a team member with Academy staff, other College Coaches, and campus staff
• Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience with youth, preferred

Work Hours

Overnight Staff are responsible for supervision of the Scholars between 11:30PM and 6:30AM from Saturday, May 30, 2026 to Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

May 13, 2026

Special Instructions for Applicants

Priority deadline for applications is March 6, 2026 with a closing date of March 20, 2026.

Contact Information for Applicants

For more information:

Ms. Tameka Thompson, Academy Director
tfthom1@ilstu.edu
309-438-5841
First Star ISU Academy

Dr. Deneca Avant, Executive Director
dwinfre@ilstu.e