Member Qualifications

AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.  There is no upper age limit. 

Potential members must submit an application and provide two references. 

Member Selection

When an application is submitted by a potential member, he/she will be contacted to schedule an interview with the project director.  At the interview, additional information about AmeriCorps will be shared and open assignments reviewed.  If the project director determines that the applicant is qualified and is a good candidate for an open position, a second interview is arranged between the applicant and the host site supervisor.  At the site interview, the applicant will receive more details regarding the day-to-day duties associated with the specific assignment.  Final placement occurs only when both the applicant and the host site agree to the match. 

Many factors influence member selection.  The qualifications and skills being sought by host sites vary depending upon the position requirements.  Member availability is often a determining factor.  Some sites need members who are available during the day while others may need someone mainly during after school/evening/weekend hours.  Since one of the goals of AmeriCorps is to provide members with practical experience that will help further their career goals, the degree to which an assignment can meet these member needs is also an important part of the selection process.

New members attend a comprehensive orientation session at which they sign their contract and receive a member handbook outlining rules for participation.  Necessary forms and data collection requirements are reviewed. 

Criminal Background Checks

On April 21, 2011, the two-park National Service Criminal History check became a three-part check requirement for individuals serving in, or working for, a program or project that allows for recurring access to a vulnerable population.  Newly enrolled or hired individuals in predictable contact with children (17 and younger), senior citizens (60 and older), and individuals with disabilities must undergo the following:

1. A National Sex Offender Public Registry check (NSOPR, also known as NSOPW);
2. A statewide criminal history repository check of the state of residency and the state where the individual will work/serve; and
3. A fingerprint-based FBI criminal history check.

Members are required to initiate a request to the FBI prior to the beginning of their term of service and provide results to Genesee County AmeriCorps upon receipt.  Forms to initiate the check will be completed during the member's pre-service orientation.

The results of these searches may be used in the selection of members of the Genesee County AmeriCorps program.

Any individual who is registered, or required to be registered, on a sex offender registry is automatically disqualified from serving in AmeriCorps.  Applicants are required to provide a copy of a government-issued photo identification card.  If a search of the NSOPR produces matches based upon name, the identification card will be used to determine whether or not the applicant is the registered offender.

An individual who refuses to consent to a state criminal registry check or to obtain the FBI background check is ineligible to serve.  An individual who has been convicted of a murder, as defined in section 1111 of title 18, United States Code is automatically disqualified from serving.

Member Benefits

Living Allowance:

Members are paid a stipend while they are serving.  Currently, half-time members receive a total of $6,000; quarter-time members receive $3,000 and minimum-time members receive $2,000.  The living allowance is a stipend, not an hourly wage.  It is divided into equal payments distributed over the term of service and is taxable income.  Members receive a W2 form at the end of the year. 

AmeriCorps members are not considered employees of Genesee County or their host site.  They are not eligible to file unemployment claims upon exiting the program.  The living allowance can be garnished to pay child support and may impact a member’s ability to qualify for other needs-based assistance programs.

Education Award:

The amount of the education award is established by CNCS for each program year.  In 2014/15, half-time members will receive an education award of $2,822, quarter-time members will receive $1,493 and minimum-time members will receive $1,195.  AmeriCorps members may use the education award to:

• repay qualified student loans
• pay for "cost of attendance" at a qualified institution of higher education

Beginning in October 2009, members who are age 55 or older at the time or enrollment can transfer all or part of their education award to a child or grandchild.  Additional information regarding this option is available upon request.

Student Loan Forbearance:

AmeriCorps members are eligible to have the repayment of certain student loans postponed during a term of service. This postponement, called forbearance, is not automatic.  The member must complete forms provided by the program to request forbearance. 

While a loan is in forbearance, the interest continues to accrue. Upon successful completion of service, the Corporation will pay, on behalf of the borrower, a portion of the interest that accrued during the service period.

Training:

Training opportunities are an important component of our AmeriCorps program.  Training hours are part of the member’s commitment and are credited toward total hours completed.  Group sessions and online options are offered throughout the program year.  Topics include youth development, customer service, first aid/CPR, stress management and communication.  Opportunities to attend other local, regional and statewide training events may be offered.

Special Events and Activities:

The program coordinates events on two national days of service, MLK Day and the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.  On these days, members and volunteers have the opportunity to work together on special projects.  Activities are also conducted during National AmeriCorps Week, an annual celebration of the program.