AmeriCorps: Community Health Corps Montana

Overview

Community Health Corps Montana – AmeriCorps Member
Service Term: September 14, 2026 – July 30, 2027
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Montana (host site locations vary)

Organizational Overview
Community Health Corps Montana (CHCM) is an AmeriCorps program administered by the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC) at Montana State University. The program mobilizes individuals to serve in partnership with community-based organizations across Montana to address pressing health needs through systems support, outreach, and engagement.

Position Summary
Community Health Corps Montana members serve in full-time positions (~40 hours/week) supporting high-impact, health-related projects in Montana communities. Each member is placed at a local host site and engages in direct service and capacity-building activities that align with the CHCM program’s focus areas.

CHCM Focus Areas:

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Social Drivers of Health (e.g., housing, food access, transportation, and care coordination)

Members work closely with their host site and CHCM program staff to deliver community education, strengthen organizational systems, expand access to services, and develop tools or partnerships that drive long-term community impact.

Key Responsibilities
Duties may vary by host site, but may include:

• Develop and deliver educational sessions on mental health, nutrition, physical activity, or local resources
• Coordinate outreach campaigns and community events focused on health awareness and stigma reduction
• Expand local referral systems and support access to care initiatives
• Support the design of tools or systems for community needs assessments, data tracking, and program evaluation
• Facilitate partnerships between community-based organizations, public agencies, and local coalitions
• Assist in organizing focus groups, surveys, or community engagement initiatives
• Participate in structured program training, monthly calls, and statewide Service Symposium

AmeriCorps members may not engage in prohibited activities while counting service hours as defined in 45 CFR §2520.65, including but not limited to political activity, religious instruction, or union organizing. CHCM members’ service activities will not duplicate or displace staff duties (45 CFR §2540.100).

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to serve:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have reliable personal transportation
• Successfully complete required federal background checks (FBI, NSOPW, and state checks)

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage projects, timelines, and data with attention to detail
• Lived experience in rural or underserved communities and/or navigating health-related systems (mental health, SUD, chronic disease, SDOH)
• College coursework or a degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, social work, psychology, education, human services)
• Experience working or volunteering in community, health, or educational settings
• Willingness to serve in rural, tribal, or underserved areas
• Interest in public health, community development, or health equity

Service Term Commitment

• Full-time service (~40 hours/week) from September 14 to July 30, 2027
• Minimum of 1,700 total service hours required for successful completion
• Participation in all required trainings, meetings, and program activities

Member Benefits

• Biweekly living allowance of $1,280 (before taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 upon successful completion
• Free health insurance
• Access to the AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program (MAP) for mental health and wellness support
• Professional development and training in health access, community engagement, facilitation, and project management
• Ongoing program support within a cohort programming model

Member Selection Process
CHCM uses a multi-step, values-based selection process that prioritizes alignment and thoughtful placement:

1. Initial Application Review: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and demonstrated alignment with CHCM values, goals, and focus areas.
2. Interview with MORH/AHEC Program Staff: Selected applicants are invited to participate in a structured phone interview to explore interests, strengths, and readiness for service.
3. Host Site Matching Interview: Candidates advancing beyond the first interview will be matched with a potential host site based on their skills, interests, and service area preferences. Candidates interview with the proposed site to confirm mutual fit.
4. Background Check and Enrollment: Finalists must successfully complete required AmeriCorps background checks and enrollment procedures prior to the start of service.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Community Health Corps Montana commits to service environments that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its programming and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (taken together, generally, “protected-class harm”).

CHCM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and takes reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). To request accommodations or language assistance during the application process, or to request other needed supports, please contact Angela Davis at angela.davis9@montana.edu.