How can
I get an AmeriCorps member?
Generally in March or April of each year the PMSC opens
the host site application process, and an online application
is posted to our website. Organizations are invited to submit
an application to host one or more members for the next
AmeriCorps program year. Once the application deadline has
passed, the PMSC will review all submissions and select
and notify those organizations that will become a host site.
How much does it cost?
Our AmeriCorps grant will cover much of the cost of supporting
a member; however, we are required to match our grant at
a set percentage rate. Currently, the cash match for an
organization to have a full time member is $7,200 plus in-kind
support. The cash match for a part-time member is $4,000
plus in-kind support. You would be invoiced at the start
of the program year for your cash-match amount.
What is in-kind?
In-kind is simply putting a dollar value to goods or services
that you supply to help support a member. Examples would
be: office space, computer usage, supervision. We ask you
to submit an “in-kind” report to the PMSC periodically
throughout the program year. In-kind helps to offset the
cost of having a member as it is also used as match for
the AmeriCorps grant.
What kinds of things can members do?
Members are to be engaged in direct service in the areas
of education, environment, or human needs. Some examples
are:
school districts and cultural centers have AmeriCorps members
tutoring, running after school programs, providing transitional
services, arranging service learning activities, and providing
educational enrichment activities. Conservation and redevelopment
organizations have AmeriCorps members doing GIS mapping,
work force development, water sampling, invasive species
studies, and public land development. Human Needs organizations
have AmeriCorps members, counseling, providing treatment
plans, conducting prevention programming, and garnering
volunteer services.Members may also do a limited amount
of fundraising and grant writing.
How many members can I have?
Host site applicants can ask for as many positions as they
want, however, the PMSC may not be able to grant your full
request. Any requests that are not honored are placed on
a waiting list and if an opening occurs, the request may
be filled.
Will you find a member for me?
The PMSC does not “place” a person
at your agency, but rather each agency will search out,
interview, and select their own person to fill the AmeriCorps
position. The PMSC will act as a clearinghouse for potential
AmeriCorps members. Individuals interested in serving may
complete an online application and then a database of the
applicants will be made available to all organizations awarded
a position. The PMSC will help you to recruit by advertising
all open positions on our website under Service Positions,
publishing general classified newspaper ads, purchasing
billboards and by using other outreach tools. Applicants
will also be encouraged to contact agencies with open positions
if they are interested and qualified, to let you know they
would like to be considered for an interview. While we do
our best to help with recruitment, the most successful member
– host matches occur from active agency recruiting.
What happens if I can’t find a qualified person
for the position?
If you have done a thorough search and have not found a
suitable candidate, the PMSC will do our best to help you
find a match through our database of applicants. If all
attempts have failed, the PMSC will place you on the waiting
list and your agency will be contacted if an opening occurs
later in the program year; this often buys a little time
to help you find a match. Your agency may also opt to relinquish
the position and perhaps apply again in the future. If the
position was never filled, a full refund would be made on
any payment of cash-match.
If
the member quits, do I get a refund?
The PMSC will give an itemized refund for up to 150 days
from the member’s start date. For example, if your
member quits one month into the program, the PMSC will deduct
out any stipends, healthcare expenses, etc. and return the
balance of the cash-match to you.
When
does the program start?
The host site application outlines several choices for terms
of service. For example the choices may be:
August–August, August-June, or October-August. The
host site selects the service term option that works best
for the circumstances.
I
missed the application deadline; can I still get a member?
Possibly. If you miss the initial deadline the PMSC would
still accept your application to be placed on the waiting
list. If an opening occurred during the program year it
is possible that your agency could still receive a position.
If no openings become available, you would automatically
be placed on the mailing list and notified when the next
application cycle was open.
Do
I have to apply every year?
Yes, you must re-apply each year. Existing host organizations
will receive an announcement signaling the opening of the
next grant application cycle.
How are PennSERVE and Appalachia IU-8 involved?
PennSERVE, the Governor's Office of Citizen Service, is
the administrator of the federal AmeriCorps funding for
the state of Pennsylvania. Appalachia Intermediate Unit
8 applies for AmeriCorps funding through PennSERVE in order
to operate this local AmeriCorps program, the Pennsylvania
Mountain Service Corps.
Is this a VISTA position?
No. Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps is an AmeriCorps
State Program. AmeriCorps supports a broad range of programs,
including VISTA, which engages thousands of Americans in
intensive service to meet critical community needs. For
more information on AmeriCorps, click
here.
Are there
any restrictions to who can serve as an AmeriCorps member?
To qualify for PMSC AmeriCorps service you must
be a United States citizen, United States national or lawful
permanent resident of the United States and be at least
17 years of age. Members must also provide criminal, childabuse
and FBI clearances.
A criminal history may barr service as governed by federal
statutes and the PA. Department of Education.
