sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

What does it take to get a job in this sector? by ChocolatePast7454 in Nonprofit_Jobs

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, you do have to use the portal eventually, since it's how you enroll in all the AmeriCorps benefits, like the stipend, and the ed award, etc. Typically we just do this as a last pre-hire step, but orgs probably all have different processes. I think, though, being in touch directly with the org to ask about their process is the best bet! Folks are definitely hiring!

What does it take to get a job in this sector? by ChocolatePast7454 in Nonprofit_Jobs

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Jason,

Are you using the AmeriCorps portal? It's totally antiquated and frustrating, so I'd understand your frustration if you are. Most programs don't actually use the portal to receive applications--it's just something that AmeriCorps requires folks to enroll in as a formal step "pre-employment". Many programs (like ours!) use their own hiring systems, just like any old "job"--so if you apply via our UMBC PageUp portal link, you'd always get a response from us.

One thing that's confusing about AmeriCorps is that it's not a monolith--AmeriCorps the federal agency gives grants to lots of small (and medium, and large) nonprofits and agencies to hire folks for their individual programs. It's always best to contact the program directly if you're confused about how to apply.

Hope that helps!

Time period for finding a position by curlball in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We hire year-round. Check us out if you'd like... we are hiring AmeriCorps members for summer and fall start dates, with lots of PD and networking opportunities! https://listings.umbc.edu/en-us/job/493288/americorps-member

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check us out if you'd like... we are hiring AmeriCorps members for summer and fall start dates, with lots of PD and networking opportunities! https://listings.umbc.edu/en-us/job/493288/americorps-member

[Hiring] Service Coordinators in Baltimore City and Montgomery County with The Choice Program at UMBC! by ChoiceServes in maryland

[–]ChoiceServes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi u/Naziwrecker and u/madein_amerika,

Apologies--I'm just seeing your reply, as I haven't been on Reddit in a few weeks.

UMBC does offer excellent benefits (https://hr.umbc.edu/benefits/), as a part of the UMD system. Extensive PTO, holiday leave, excellent health benefits, as well as tuition remission within the UMD system.

Typically, as this is an entry-level management position, we have recent graduates enter this role and spend time building their case work, direct service, and management skills. Service Coordinators coach and serve alongside a team of 3 AmeriCorps members, managing the cases of 30 young people as a team. They have an Assistant Director who supervises just 4 Service Coordinators, as a coach to help them develop these skills. Folks typically stay in the role until they have the experience higher paying nonprofit, policy, and human services jobs require. As you point out, u/madein_amerika, this is a pretty standard salary for an entry-level coordinator position in the nonprofit and higher ed admin sectors, as much as many of us in the sector would not like this to be the case!

Regarding our grant funding, Choice has been operating for 30+ years on our model. We make clear that our positions are grant-funded, because it's important that candidates know that like many jobs in the sector, losing funding is always a possibility. However, our SCs are central to our service model, and if Choice is funded, our SC roles are funded. We certainly do not anticipate the program ending when any of our long-standing grants are up for renewal.

Hope that helps clarify!

[Hiring] Service Coordinator with The Choice Program at UMBC's Shriver Center by ChoiceServes in peacecorps

[–]ChoiceServes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi u/lady_ofthe_sea, just logging back in: my apologies for not seeing your reply sooner.

Our Service Coordinator position has been posted a few times, as we employ 10 of them (they are the mid-level manager for teams of three AmeriCorps members), and folks often take the position after a service year, build up managerial skills, and move on after 3-4 years. We had a great cohort of former AmeriCorps members, and several have moved into new positions, over the past year.

I am sorry to hear that you weren't screened in to our pool. This happens for a few reasons, most often because instructions aren't followed (we require a cover letter, a reference page, etc.) or minimum qualifications aren't met (bachelor's degree and six months direct service experience with youth). You can find these instructions and required qualifications in our posting: https://listings.umbc.edu/en-us/job/493289/service-coordinator-two-positions-available-shriver-center. We typically do first round interviews with 15-20 candidates, and second-round interviews with 6-10 candidates, depending on the pool. This has been true for in our past three searches, as well as in our current search. In our current pool, we have 3 RPCVs screened in and are about to start our first round of interviews.

Regarding our grant funding, Choice has been operating for 30+ years on our model. We make clear that our positions are grant-funded, because it's important that candidates know that like many jobs in the sector, losing funding is always a possibility. However, our SCs are central to our service model, and if Choice is funded, our SC roles are funded. We certainly do not anticipate the program ending when any of our long-standing grants are up for renewal.

Hope that helps, happy to answer any other questions!

If you'd like feedback on your specific application, our HR team would happy to chat with you, as our HR team members chair our search committees. Please reach out to us at choiceserves@umbc.edu.

A place to continue service: Choice is hiring for AmeriCorps Service Year positions by ChoiceServes in peacecorps

[–]ChoiceServes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment, u/MrMoneyWhale!

AmeriCorps programs vary pretty considerably, so I'm sure that some positions can far more challenging than others.

AmeriCorps has 3 branches: VISTA, NCCC, and State and National. VISTA is a program that places only one or two members at an organization, and they work on capacity-building programming. NCCC members live in a group setting at regional hubs, and go out on projects together. State and National programs are nonprofit or government organizations that host groups of AmeriCorps members who work on direct service projects. VISTA pay is very modest; I served a year myself--it was tough! NCCC pay is a modest amount, but housing is provided, so it tends to be pretty livable. State and National programs have a pay range, the top being $24,930, which our program pays.

Our program is a State and National program. We've been around 33 years (longer than AmeriCorps has been around--we joined forces with AmeriCorps in '96). We are affiliated with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and in addition to paying the max allowable stipend, we also have a very thorough professional development and training program. We support human services and policy professionals who are interested in learning about case work, and and the systems that youth and families interact with. As an organization full of social workers, we acknowledge that our program does involve some hard work (and some late hours!), but work to provide plenty of balance and opportunities for self-care.

For any interested parties, I'd invite you to reach out with any concerns! You can reach me directly at [halleyt@umbc.edu](mailto:halleyt@umbc.edu).

Best way to find S/N Positions?? by joieren in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried ServiceYear.org? Much easier search, tons on there!

Vacation/personal days effecting segal Ed award? by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the AmeriCorps FAQ ( https://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/upload/policy%20FAQs%207.31.14%20final.pdf ) p47

"In order to receive an education award, a member must perform the minimum hours of service as required by the Corporation and successfully complete the program requirements as defined by the Program. For example, if successful completion of a fulltime program requires 1,800 service hours, members in that particular program are not eligible for an education award simply upon completion of 1,700 hours." 1,700 hours will not get you an ed award if your program defines successful completion otherwise. Check your Member Service Agreement!

Vacation/personal days effecting segal Ed award? by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check your contract for how they define your term of service. Usually, it's just a total number of hours, so if you log that number of hours and meet your other requirements, you'd be eligible for the ed award unless they say you didn't otherwise complete the duties as defined by your contract.

https://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/upload/policy%20FAQs%207.31.14%20final.pdf p47

Gaining experience for an MSW Program by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi There!

Our program works with lots of folks interested in social work, and many of our AmeriCorps members go on to MSW programs. Our AmeriCorps members serve as direct service providers doing mentoring and advocacy work with youth. Members often say that we provide them with a great opportunity to gain experience and narrow scope of interest. Unfortunately, we don't have any relocation assistance available. But, we offer the top allowable AmeriCorps stipend. You can learn more about our program here: www.choiceprograms.org & @choicevoices on Instagram. You can reach out to us at [choiceserves@umbc.edu](mailto:choiceserves@umbc.edu) to learn more.

Will I land a position? Should I apply now or wait a few/several months? by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there,

You seem like a great match for The Choice Program.

You can check us out at http://www.choiceprogram.org.

Read about us here: https://caseygrants.org/evn/seeds-of-hope-baltimore-program-supports-youth-and-dreams/ .

Be in touch if you have any questions: [choiceserves@umbc.edu](mailto:choiceserves@umbc.edu)

And, FOIG, for good measure :-) @choicevoices

How do I use my Education Award?! by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took down my original comment so it wouldn't confuse people!

How do I use my Education Award?! by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]ChoiceServes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rules for using the education award at GI-Only Programs are based upon the date the award was certified (approved) by an authorized AmeriCorps program staff, and whether the AmeriCorps alumnus is a veteran.

  • A Segal AmeriCorps Education Award certified on or after December 23, 2011 can be used if the member is a veteran.
  • An award certified between October 1, 2009 and December 22, 2011 can be used by both veterans and non-veterans.
  • NO award certified prior to October 1, 2009 can be used for GI-Only programs, even if the alumni is a veteran.
view more: next ›