Position Overview

AmeriCorps members serve as a Mediation Specialists in community-based social justice organizations. Members are responsible for direct service (mediation) and capacity building efforts. All AmeriCorps member activities focus on increasing the number of mediations that get to the table.

Scope

Prisoner Re-entry Mediation Specialist – Read a Re-entry Story

School Based Mediation Specialist – Read an Education Story

Youth Police Dialogue Coordinator – Watch the video

This is an 11 month, full-time (40 hours/week) position. The AmeriCorps service year begins on August 15, 2023.

Benefits

• A profound and fulfilling experience, through service!
• 50 hours of Basic Mediation Training, with advanced training opportunities
• $17,600 Annual Living Allowance
• $6,895 Education Award
• Residency Waiver for Maryland In-State Tuition
• Health Coverage including vision and dental
• Mental Health Coverage
• Child Care Allowance, if eligible
• Student Loan Forbearance/deferment, if eligible
• SNAP/Food Stamps Benefits, if eligible
• Valuable professional and networking opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

AmeriCorps members will:

• Mediate cases
• Facilitate workshops
• Receive 70+ hours of training
• Organize service projects
• Conduct presentations about mediation
• Manage all aspects of case management
• Report on data and accomplishments
• Maintain and expand partnerships with Schools, Prisons, and Police Departments

Common Ground

AmeriCorps members, supervisors, and staff, are responsible for providing mediation services with radical inclusivity. While charging time to AmeriCorps we refrain from activities that create barriers for any service beneficiaries. It doesn’t matter who you vote for, who you pray to (or not), what protests you attend, or where you fall on the spectrum of any controversy – AmeriCorps services are inclusive. Mediation is for everyone. For more details, please view AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities.

Skills and Attitudes Necessary

• Take initiative
• Solve problems
• Work independently
• Demonstrate passion for non-violent conflict resolution
• Build interpersonal relationships/partnerships
• Welcome Teamwork
• Willing to learn past comfort zones
• Committed to National Service
• Communicate effectively with residents, staff, volunteers, and community groups
• Familiarity with basic computer operations: email, word-processing, spreadsheets, and basic graphics
• Access to reliable transportation to and from; service site, trainings, partner sites, and service-related activities
• Positive attitude
• Perseverance when faced with organizational or personal challenges

Selection Process

To be considered for the Community Mediation Corps – CMM’s AmeriCorps Program, Please send a resume and cover letter to communitymediationcorps@gmail.com.  Cover letters should include the applicant’s service site preference. Resumes will be reviewed, and if appropriate, the applicant will be invited to the first of two interviews. If you need more details about this process, what community mediation is, or the status of your application, please contact communitymediationcorps@gmail.com.

Orientation and Training

Community Mediation Corps – AmeriCorps Program provides 70+ hours of training in community building, mediation, partnership development, data collection and evaluation. Over 50 hours of training is held in the first month of the service year, with quarterly training days throughout the rest of the year. Additional training opportunities may be available through AmeriCorps or the service site.

Supervision and Evaluation

The Site Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision. The Site Supervisor will evaluate the AmeriCorps member’s performance according to Community Mediation Corps – AmeriCorps Program policies. In addition, the AmeriCorps Program Director will provide overall supervision to all AmeriCorps members and Site Supervisors.

Hours

Each AmeriCorps member will serve approximately 40 hours each week. Typical service hours are 9:00 am until 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Some activities and situations may necessitate service beyond the typical hours; members will not be required to, on average, serve more than 40 hours per week.

Location

The AmeriCorps members’ office space is at the local service site and, if available, at partner sites. Program trainings and events will be held at locations throughout Maryland. Please note: locations may not be accessible by public transportation.