PennSERVE AmeriCorps State: Member Position Description Review

Updated 07/24/17

Member Name:

Program Name: Program Year:

Member Position Description / Yes / No
Position Description has all required elements:
  • Member Name: If position description is an attachment to the member contract, this may be omitted.

  • Host Site Name and Address

  • Member’s Immediate Supervisor Information: name, title, and contact information.

  • Member Position Summary: In a narrative format, describe the responsibilities of the position. Members should be clearly identified as AmeriCorps members – NOT interns, fellows, staff, workers, etc.

  • Required Number of Hours Per Week: State the number of hours per week that the member is expected to serve at the site

  • Essential Functions of the Position: List all basic service activities that the member must perform on a daily basis. Avoid phrases such as “other duties as assigned” or vague statements about member responsibilities. Member activities should be described as explicitly as possible to ensure that prohibited activities are not taking place. As an alternate, the full list of prohibited activities can serve as part of the position description.
  • Do not use terms such as: employment, work/job, job description, hired, employee, etc.
  • If a member position description includes member participation in volunteer recruitment, management, or similar activities, a brief description of the potential volunteer activities for which the member will be recruiting should be added within the position description.
  • If members are required to participate in individual or group service projects away from their service site and outside the scope of their typical service activities, the description should include examples of what typical projects entail.

  • Access to Vulnerable Populations: All position descriptions must identify if the position has recurring or episodic access to vulnerable populations.

  • Host Site Signature and Date: the host site is required to sign and date the member position description as proof of acknowledgement that they understand the capacity in which the member may serve at their site.

  • Member Signature and Date: the member is required to sign and date the member position description

Position Description has the following recommended elements:
  • Member Position/Title

  • Position Start and End Date

  • Days/Hours of Service

  • Mission and Goals for the grantee’s AmeriCorps Program

  • Community Need

  • Necessary Training or Training Plan: Describes required training after beginning service but prior to starting service at a host site.

  • Academic, Physical, and Experience Requirements: List the minimum qualifications that members serving in this position must have.

  • Full List of Prohibited Activities: While the full list of prohibited activities is included in the member contract, it is useful to attach it to the member position description.

Position Description aligns with program purpose and performance measures?