Potential Member FAQ
What and when is the term of service?
The term is approximately 47 weeks in length. Hours are typically 9:00am to 5:00pm and occasionally require evening and weekend service. The term will begin in early September 2008 and end in late July 2009. top
What will my schedule be?
Each service description will state the hours of service for the particular site. However flexibility is key for the program, site, and member. Some sites will have activities, classes, etc, that occur some evenings and/or weekends. Our monthly Corps service activity is usually on a Wednesday (with some weekends required) and we meet as a Corps at least once monthly – usually the first Friday of the month. Members are expected to serve 35-40 hours at their site each week in order to complete the 1700 hours within the 47 week term. The site is expected to also provide the member with 35-40 hours of service weekly. top
What is a site mentor?
Members are assigned site mentors to help them develop professionally and personally. Mentors work closely with members and provide them with opportunities, assistance, and feedback. Site mentors also supervise members, oversee their day-to-day activities, and sign member timesheets and service activity logs. top
Will I get any time off?
Many PgHC members require time off for graduate school interviews and other commitments. Although there are not a set number of days PgHC members have off from their sites, they can arrange personal/vacation days with their site supervisors and the Program Director provided they are up-to-date with their hours. Due to our broad range of partner sites various holidays are also observed. Members may accrue optional volunteer/service hours in lieu of those days off to prevent falling behind. top
Can I work or go to school while part of the Health Corps?
The PgHC does allow for members to work and/or attend classed during their year of service as long as it does not interfere with their service requirements. However, members are very busy with service, meetings, trainings, committees, and events. This makes it very hard to work or attend classes at the same time. Although it is not impossible to work or attend classes while serving, your commitment to the program requires your attendance at Corps meetings/events/trainings. The commitment is roughly 35-40 hours per week for service at your host site. top
Can I finish early?
Agreements with host sites are based on the expectation that members will serve for the entire contracted number of weeks. Some of our programs also have extensive summer obligations requiring members’ services. If a member is uncertain if they can complete their term of service, it should be addressed during their site interviews and before service begins. PgHC members are expected to serve a full-term of service. Members who do not finish their full term will not receive their entire living allowance as this ends when a member exits. top
Will I serve with other PgHC members?
Some host sites request a single member while others can support multiple placements. There are always ongoing service opportunities for the entire Corps to get together through monthly meetings, service projects, social events and committee responsibilities which require members to interact on a regular basis. We believe that the relationships created through service have a significant impact on members’ year of service and on their future career goals. Therefore, the PgHC promotes group experiences and activities through the year. top
Who will I be serving with?
The majority of our members come from out of the Greater Pittsburgh area – and many from out of the state. They have backgrounds in Biology, Social Work, Education, Medicine, Public Health – and we have even had Art Therapists and Theatre majors. Our broad range of sites allows people from all over the country to come together to serve and build relationships that will influence their next career moves. Even though you may be serving at one particular site you will be impacted by all of the opportunities through interactions with each other. Members will also be exposed to numerous professionals depending on the site where they serve. Members may interact with case managers, physicians, nurses, health educators, program coordinators, etc. The clients a member may serve might include: the homeless, the uninsured, children and youth, the elderly, low-income populations, those with diverse cultures and languages, single mothers, pregnant women, people with addictions, those affected with HIV/AIDS, or the disabled. top
Do you provide housing?
Our program does not provide housing. However, in the past the members that relocate from out of state have used Craigslist.org or an apartment guide to find housing. Members have also taken over apartments of exiting members. We also have an alum with a real estate license who assists incoming members in locating clean, quiet, safe places to live – usually on the bus line – that are affordable. She has lived on the stipend and appreciates its limitations! If members are interested in a fellow-PgHC roommate, they can let the Program Director know and she will share email addresses and contact information so they can correspond. top
Can I live on the AmeriCorps stipend in Pittsburgh?
While it is not easy surviving on the stipend in ANY part of the country it may be a little easier here in Pittsburgh due to our low cost of living. Last year we were named Most Livable City – for the second time! And it was largely due to the cost of living here. Housing is very affordable, we have a very good bus system, there are numerous cultural events within reach and we have an extensive public parks system within the City. For more information on the area please go to: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/facts/Pittsburgh_Facts_Statistics.htm