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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.edu
309-438-4498

First Star Academy | Child Welfare | Illinois State

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.