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 $7,800 plus in-kind support. The cash match for a
part-time member is $4,500 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 social services. 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.
