Desk Assistant Position

Desk Assistant’s serve a critical role within a central information hub for the residence halls.The front desk provides a variety of services to students, faculty, and the NIU community. The Desk Assistant position requires you to be well organized, assertive, and to provide excellent customer service.

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Applications due: We are currently accepting applications for summer 2023  as well as for the 2023-2024 school year. While we will always accept applications, our priority review deadline for this hiring period is March 6, 2023.

Employment Eligibility

Your employment is contingent on the following:

• Enrollment: In order to remain eligible for student employment you must maintain an enrollment of at least 12 credit hours for each semester of employment. International undergraduate students must maintain 12 credit hours. International graduate students must maintain 9 credit hours.
• Hours Restriction: As a student employee you may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. This includes a combination of hours from ALL campus jobs. You may only work 7.5 hours per day (11 p.m. – 11 p.m.). Desk Staff is expected to work during holidays, breaks and finals.
• Security Background: The Illinois Campus Security Act requires that all individuals on university campuses who are employed in security sensitive positions have a verified criminal background check. Throughout the duration of your employment you MUST pass a criminal background check to maintain your position.
• Conduct: Student employees MUST maintain good standing with the Northern Illinois University Student Conduct office.
• Residency: ALL Desk Assistants are required to reside in one of the residence halls (Gilbert Hall, Grant Towers, Neptune Hall, Northern View Community, Patterson Complex  or Stevenson Towers) throughout the duration of employment. This does not, however, require that you reside in your location of employment. Also, staff are required to return to campus early for formal training. Failure to arrive for training will immediately disqualify you from your offered position.

Responsibilities

• Monitors the safety and security of individuals and the Residence Hall areas by following Northern Illinois University and Housing and Residential Services policies and procedures in responding and reporting safety and security issues.
• Acts as a resources/referral agent and willingly provides accurate information to individuals within the Residence Halls.
• Greets and makes eye contact with individuals at first appearance at the Front Desk. If the staff member is answering a work-related phone call, it is their responsibility to make eye contact to acknowledge the guest’s presence.
• Assists residents with lockouts and the issuing of temporary keys and cards.
• Answers the phone promptly and uses appropriate phone etiquette when speaking with guests.
• Maintains the desk and area surrounding the desk by keeping a clean and safe environment for students and visitors.
• Possesses a helpful and customer service-oriented demeanor at all times.
• Performs any duties for Residence Hall Complex Coordinator, Hall Directors, Operations Support Specialist and Desk Operations Graduate Assistant.
• Represents NIU and Housing and Residential Services through professional work etiquette and dress.
• Follows all Housing and Residential Services and Northern Illinois University policies and procedures while utilizing NIU equipment, including computer and applications.
• Refrains from using personal cell phone while working.
• Follows all federal guidelines when handling mail and packages.
• Assists in the registration of community guests at all times.
• Contact Community Advisor staff or Hall Director as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.