Agency or Department Name Here (for pda/handhelds)

Volunteer Maryland Coordinators (VMCs) serve at local nonprofit agencies to recruit and manage volunteers during a one-year term of national service. Volunteer Maryland Coordinators conduct needs assessments, design program materials, deliver orientation and training for staff and volunteers, and more. Each VMC has a site-specific position description and workplan.

In addition, VMCs attend approximately 20 days of Volunteer Maryland training and perform direct service for 10 percent of their time.

Volunteer Maryland Coordinators are recruited by VM from a variety of national, state, and local sources. Volunteer Maryland conducts year-round recruitment. In addition, each Service Site will use its existing local network to recruit a VMC.

As AmeriCorps members, full-time VMCs receive a living allowance of $13,000, a post-service educational benefit of $5,350, health insurance if they are not already covered, and student loan deferment during the service year. Coordinators may also qualify for a childcare allowance.

Other benefits include valuable networking opportunities, Continuing Education Credits, being part of a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members, and making a real difference in the community.

Volunteer Maryland Coordinators must possess and demonstrate excellence in the following areas: verbal and written communication, computer skills, problem solving and conflict resolution, leadership, public speaking, and commitment to national and community service.

In addition, proof of U.S. citizenship, age (at least 17 years old), and high school graduation are required in order to enroll in AmeriCorps.

Applicants are screened by local Service Sites and Volunteer Maryland staff. The process involves at least the following steps: one phone screen, two interviews, two reference checks, and one criminal background check. Depending on the types of clients and/or volunteers, the Service Site may require additional screening steps for VMC applicants.

Volunteer Maryland provides a two-week pre-service training as well as monthly training days during the year (approximately 20 days total), which covers program development, marketing, evaluation, volunteer management, and leadership development.

Each Service Site will also provide a thorough on-site orientation to the agency and the volunteer program needs. In addition, a Site Supervisor is available for regular meetings, guidance, and correction as necessary.

Each VMC position is unique, so there is no typical day. In general, though, VMCs will spend a portion of their time in an office setting (business office, school-based, etc.) since the position requires a great deal of writing for or communicating with volunteers and paid staff. On any given day, VMCs may also provide direct service (10 percent of service hours). To fulfill their direct service requirement, VMCs have tutored youth, planted trees, transported meals to senior citizens, built community playgrounds, and more.

Yes! You may apply for a second-year VMC position with your current Service Site or with another site. Coordinator positions are subject to the availability of an appropriate Service Site placement.

Complete the VMC application and send it to VM; you may fax, mail, or email your application.

If you apply to VM, you will receive a confirmation receipt (phone, fax, or email). If your application meets our program requirements, you will be phone screened by a VM staff member. From there, you will be invited to the office for an interview with VM staff; the interview lasts about 90 minutes. You will also be referred out to a Service Site for a second interview (subject to availability of a suitable site). Following the interviews, applicants will have references checked, a criminal background investigation completed, and additional site-specific screening steps conducted if necessary.