First Star ISU Academy College Coach

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

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.

College Coaches play a critical role in the success of the 2-week Summer Immersion Program, held on ISU's campus, from June 1-June 14, 2025. The College Coach serves as a supportive and caring staff member, models appropriate and collegiate behavior, co-facilitates college prep or life skills workshops, tutors the Scholars and encourages successful learning practices. College Coaches are expected to work approximately 28-32 hours per week (this includes weekends) at the rate of $16.20 per hour. Depending on your shift, this may include eating meals with the Scholars and/or supervising field trips. College Coaches are not required to reside on campus as housing is not provided.

All College Coaches are expected to attend a mandatory three-day paid training scheduled for the following days: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Thursday, May 15, 2025, and Friday, May 16, 2025, and a mandatory Scholar/Caregiver summer orientation on Saturday, May 17, 2024. College Coaches are also expected to attend Scholar campus move-in Sunday, June 1, 2025 and move out on Saturday, June 14, 2025 (which is our awards ceremony).

Job Responsibilities:
* Supervise Scholars during all Summer Immersion Program activities, including classroom, recreation, and off-campus activities, and meal and dorm times
* Provide academic support and tutoring to Scholars during classes and study halls
* Design and participate in select life skills workshops and team-building activities
* Ensure compliance with the Academy's and university's code of conduct
* Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences
* Model appropriate behavior for Scholars and others including, productive study habits, cleanliness, punctuality, language choice, and personal representation
* Maintain positive relationships with Academy staff, university staff, and the Scholars' caregivers and social workers

General Staff Rules & Policies:
* No visitors of College Coaches are permitted to visit in the dorms, cafeteria, or classes, unless pre-approved by the Academy Director
* The possession and/or use of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden during the Summer Immersion Program, while with the youth or in the dorms
* No smoking is allowed while with the youth, in the dorms, or in view of the youth
* 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
* No personal use of cell phone, or unrelated use of other electronic devices

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

$16.20/hour

* Completed at least two years of undergraduate education, with at least a 2.5 GPA
* Ability to work as a team member with Academy staff, other College Coaches, and campus staff
* Responsible, ethical, friendly, enthusiastic, patient and willing to learn
* Strong organization and communication skills
* Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

* Previous experience in recreation, a camp setting or other work experience with youth in a group setting, preferred
* Preference given to students who have experienced foster care

28-35 hours per week (this includes weekends)

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

May 2025

Resume

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Applications will be reviewed immediately, with a priority deadline of March 15th, 2025 and a closing deadline of April 1, 2025.

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

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/Affirmative Action 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.