What types of positions are available?

Education, environmental, and social services based positions are available at nonprofits, municipal, and faith based organizations. View available positions on our Current Positions page. Fill out our brief Interest Form if you have questions or want to learn more about serving.

What qualifications do I need to serve?

To qualify for PMSC AmeriCorps 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. There is no upper age limit, and many members bring significant work and life experiences to their assignment. PMSC’s oldest member to date was 84.

How do I apply?

Visit our Current Positions page and see what positions are available, interest you, and fit your overall qualifications. Contact any of the organizations or schools with a current opening to apply for their AmeriCorps position.

This is a competitive process and applying for a position, or requesting consideration for an interview, does not guarantee selection to serve. If a position is marked filled on our website, it is not available at the current time. Check back often for new openings or updates. We operate on an academic calendar: August to August each year.

Do I need to join to be a member?

If selected to serve, one is considered a “member” of the National AmeriCorps service movement and referred to as an “AmeriCorps member.”

What is a host site?

A “host site” is an organization where a member serves.

Do I receive a wage while serving?

AmeriCorps members receive a “living stipend” while actively serving. The stipend is not considered a wage but it helps with living expenses while you serve. Federal, state, and local taxes are withheld. In addition, upon successful completion of a program year, members are eligible receive an education award. These monies can be utilized to repay federal student loans or towards furthering one’s education. 

What is the education award?

After successfully completing a term of service, PMSC AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive the “Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.” This award may be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans.  Once earned, the award is deposited into a trust fund and recipients have seven years to use the money. The money may be disbursed in increments or used all at once. For members 55 and over, the award may be transferred to a child or grandchild, in which case the recipient has ten years to use the funds. Learn more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

Can I defer my student loans while I serve in an AmeriCorps position?

You may qualify for postponement, also called forbearance, on payments on qualified federal student loans while serving. A forbearance request may be made to your loan holder once you have started a term of AmeriCorps service.

What is a term of service?

A full term of service is 1700 hours. PMSC AmeriCorps members may also serve 1200, 900, 675, 450, 300 OR 100 hour terms. Host sites determine which term of service their position requires. When accepting a position, a member must be willing to make a commitment to serve the entire term.

Do I get health care benefits?

Members serving “full-time service hours” are eligible for health insurance if they are not currently covered.

Can I get child care benefits?

Members serving “full-time service hours” may be eligible to receive assistance with child care costs. The benefit is dependent on family income.

Is housing paid for?

No. Housing is not provided for PMSC AmeriCorps service.

Can I go to school or work another job while I serve?

Yes. There are no restrictions on attending school or seeking additional employment while serving with PMSC AmeriCorps. Members cannot be employed and serve at the same organization or school district. Review your position’s time demands directly with your host organization.

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. PMSC AmeriCorps will conduct a full criminal background check as part of the application process. A criminal history may bar service as governed by federal statutes and the PA Department of Education.