PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) AmeriCorps member position with Mediation Corps (MC) at Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County. AmeriCorps members, ACMs, are responsible for mediating school-based cases in middle schools and high schools throughout Montgomery County. The service year will begin on August 14, 2022 and conclude on July 1, 2023; members mustcomplete 1,700 service hours during the term.
BENEFITS:
AmeriCorps members receive a living stipend of $16,502 - $18,500, and health insurance if they are not already
covered. They may also qualify for a childcare allowance. Other benefits include mileage
reimbursement for site-related travel, student loan deferment, professional training, valuable
networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff,
and making a real difference in a local community. After completion of a successful service
year, members receive an education award of $6,495 through the Segal AmeriCorps Education
Award. Some members may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, see additional
information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-public-service-loan-forgiveness-en-641/
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
- 50+ Hour Basic Mediation Training
- Advanced Mediator Trainings
- 1 on 1 Professional Development
DUTIES:
● Mediate cases for students, staff, and families of Montgomery County Public Schools
● Maintain accurate records of mediation cases and report to CRCMC.
● Evaluate progress made in achieving program goals
● Develop community and school partnerships to support the youth program.
● Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Mediation, and AmeriCorps.
● Participate in CRCMC and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.
● Note: The AmeriCorps member will not be allowed to perform duties that violate the
AmeriCorps Prohibited or limited Activities or fall outside of the program goals outlined in
this position description.
● Mediation Corps AmeriCorps members may not perform any services or duties or
engage in activities that would otherwise be performed by an employee as part of the
assigned duties of such employee. An employer may not displace an employee or position,
including partial displacement such as reduction in hours, wages or employment benefits
as a result of the use of an AmeriCorps member. An organization may not displace a
volunteer with an AmeriCorps member.
SELECTION PROCESS:
To participate in this program, applicants must submit a written application. Staff will
review the application and invite qualified applicants to interview. CRCMC will conduct two
reference checks and complete a criminal background investigation. After an applicant has
been tentatively matched, the three-part criminal history check will be initiated. Individuals will
not be allowed to begin training until all results are received and verified by the program.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS: (45 CFR § 2522.200)
To serve as an AmeriCorps member, an individual must:
o be at least 17 years of age
o have a high school diploma or its equivalent
o be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United
States;
o satisfy the national service criminal history check
▪ of the national sex-offender registry
▪ state repository check (Maryland and state of residence),
▪ and FBI fingerprint check;
▪ Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an
individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex
Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any
previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.
SKILLS, ATTITUDES & ABILITIES NECESSARY:
● Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently, to be able to
develop and implement a volunteer program.
● Skilled at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of a team (at the
Service Site and with their cohort), and to manage volunteers.
● Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community
groups.
● Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports.
● Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in his/her
community.
● Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer
hours.
● Have own, or have access to, transportation to and from trainings, events, and Service
Site-related activities.
● Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain positive attitude.
● Have an open mindset and focus on possibilities thinking.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
Training is held the first two
weeks of the service year, with monthly training days throughout the rest of the year, and
weekly support meetings. Additional training opportunities are also available through
AmeriCorps, service sites and Volunteer Maryland. The Site Supervisor provides orientation to
the VM AmeriCorps member Service Site.
SUPERVISION:
The Site Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision. The Site Supervisor will evaluate
performance in accordance with the agency’s policies.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Each Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps member is encouraged to volunteer as part of their
service year. The volunteer activity cannot be within any of the prohibited or limited activities.
The ACM may claim up to five percent (5%) of their 1700 hours as volunteer activities during
the course of the service year.
HOURS:
Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Members are required to serve approximately 40 hours each
week. The hours will be 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
LOCATION:
The AmeriCorps Members’ office will be located at the AmeriCorps member’s Service Site
located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, 2nd Floor, Bethesda,MD 20814. Americorps training locations will be
held at locations throughout Maryland. Please note: locations may not be accessible by public
transportation.
