AmeriCorps: Latest Job Openings, Reviews and Ratings & Profile wise Salary Distribution

AmeriCorps Careers & Info

Current Director: Michael Smith

Status: Active

AmeriCorps provides adults with opportunities to serve their communities and learn valuable job skills. The organization was created by then-president Bill Clinton in 1993 as a domestic equivalent to the Peace Corps. Individuals who choose to join AmeriCorps spend a year in a community or service organization. Approximately 80,000 adults of all ages join this organization every year. AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is based in Washington D.C. Each state has a service commission that recruits, trains and places volunteers. Each commission is also responsible for awarding funds to community, faith-based, educational, environmental and public safety organizations.

The AmeriCorps culture values motivated individuals who are dedicated to service and want to positively impact their communities. AmeriCorps offers candidates service opportunities as opposed to employment opportunities. While individuals are offered a modest living allowance during their year of service, they are generally not able to pursue long-term AmeriCorps careers. Instead, they are provided with valuable on-the-job training and excellent work experience, which can supplement their resume. Individuals who successfully complete their year of service are also given a scholarship, which can be used to pursue vocational training or higher education. Individuals who already hold degrees may apply the scholarship money to outstanding student loan debt.

Working at AmeriCorps provides daily challenges and growth opportunities. The organization's recruiters carefully screen and interview potential volunteers. Individuals who successfully complete their interview and pass background screening are matched with an organization in their area. AmeriCorps provides training to prepare individuals for the area in which they will be serving. Volunteers are expected to support the goals of the organization in which they are placed. They interface with community members on a daily basis. Individuals with experience in education may be asked to work with children or teens in after school programs or education centers.

Individuals who complete a year of service with AmeriCorps generally receive excellent letters of recommendation when pursuing employment. They are provided with skills that may serve them in future careers. Most volunteers feel that AmeriCorps benefits are both professional and personal. They enjoy serving their communities and appreciate the opportunity to assist local organizations strengthen and grow. All AmeriCorps volunteers receive a living allowance that can provide for their basic necessities. The amount of the living allowance can vary significantly depending upon the geographical area in which the individual volunteers. All AmeriCorps volunteers receive health benefits. Volunteers with children are also offered a subsidy to cover child care costs.

What jobs pay the most at AmeriCorps?

Mortgage Broker is the highest paying job at AmeriCorps at $141,000 annually.