Creating a written service position description sets the foundation for the recruitment process by outlining specific member functions and activities. Also, this description can help identify individuals that may be a good match (fit) for your program’s service opportunity based on:
- education
- life experience
- attitude
- temperament
- potential
- motivation
- personal characteristics
The way service position descriptions are presented can strongly impact how your program is perceived – especially by those who have no prior knowledge of your organization or AmeriCorps. The recruitment process from an applicant’s perspective generally begins when one views a service position description in an advertisement. A prospective applicant should be able to get a clear sense of your program’s expectations and be able to assess if the role suits his/her goals and interests. Once a service position description is composed, it can be easily added to flyers, brochures, newsletters, group/mass e-mails, posters, websites and a wide variety of other outlets where your target applicants are likely to take note of this information.
Program staff must ensure that service position descriptions do not include any prohibited activities and all other standards of the most recently updated AmeriCorps State and National Terms & Conditions are upheld. In addition, all AmeriCorps member service position descriptions should include the following:
- An accurate service position title
- A description of your organization’s mission and work
- A brief summary of the service opportunity and what your program is looking for in a member
- A list of duties and/or responsibilities that clearly distinguish between the essential functions and marginal functions (descending order from most to least important is recommended)
- A list of required and preferred skills
- A list of required and preferred qualifications
- A description of the benefits of serving as an AmeriCorps member
- A description of the unique benefits and opportunities your program (and/or service site) provides
- Equal Employment Opportunity Council language (Example: Program X does not discriminate against members on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, union affiliation, etc.)
- The amount of hours and the time length of service terms available
- Contact information that interested individuals can use to learn more
- Text stating that reasonable accommodations for the selection process and during service are available upon request (Should include instructions that individuals can make an accommodation request by calling/e-mailing the name of contact person X at his/her phone number/e-mail address, by a specific deadline.)