Justice for Montanans State AmeriCorps Program

Program Type: AmeriCorps State Service Program

Geographic Scope: Montana (statewide)

Overview:
The Justice for Montanans (JFM) State AmeriCorps Program places 20 AmeriCorps members directly in local Montana communities to help provide and expand intake and outreach, legal information, and referral services for Montana's low- to moderate-income residents seeking legal assistance.

Focus Areas:

• Direct legal services to low- to moderate-income Montanans
• Intake and outreach expansion
• Legal information provision
• Referral services for civil legal issues
• Advocacy support for legal rights

Key Partners:
MLSA works with multiple organizations including:

• Montana Supreme Court Office of the Court Administrator (Self-Help Program)
• Department of Corrections & Implementation (DCI) Office of Child and Family Ombudsman
• Legal Services Developer Aging Services
• Montana Office of the State Public Defender
• Montana Innocence Project
• Disability Rights Montana
• DCI Office of Victim Services

Member Benefits:

• Significant training and professional development
• Personal development opportunities
• National service experience through AmeriCorps

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Over 18 with high school diploma or GED
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or legal permanent resident
• Skills Required: Ability to take initiative, handle multiple projects, track details, analyze information, meet deadlines
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication with diverse groups
• Work Style: Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Technical: Basic computer proficiency
• Transportation: Driver's license and personal means of transportation within Montana highly recommended
• Background: Must pass national service criminal history check
• Passion: Demonstrated commitment to increasing access to justice and assisting low-income individuals

Reasonable Accommodations:
The program complies with all federal and state anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Members with disabilities should notify project staff to request accommodations.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 406-442-9830 x 1143

Anti-Discrimination Policy:
The program complies with federal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, political affiliation, or religion. Retaliation for filing discrimination complaints is prohibited.

Grievance & Complaints:
For discrimination complaints, contact:

• Corporation for National and Community Service
• 1201 New York Avenue, NW
• Washington, DC 20525
• Phone: (202) 606-5000
• TTY: (800) 833-3722
• Email: [email protected]

Application Process

Step 1: Review Positions

• Review available positions at mtlsa.org/americorps-state-justice/positions/
• Decide which position(s) and geographic area(s) are of interest

Step 2: Submit Application

1. Submit application through MLSA HR system
2. Attach resume
3. Attach cover letter
4. Note any urgent deadlines on application

Step 3: Applicant Interview

• Interviewed by JFM program staff

Step 4: Reference Checks

• JFM program staff complete reference checks for qualified applicants

Step 5: Site Supervisor Review

• Application materials forwarded to site supervisors
• Site supervisors conduct position-specific interviews (may interview for multiple positions simultaneously)
• Site supervisors may interview multiple qualified applicants
• First person to accept the position receives it

Step 6: Background Check

• Upon position offer and acceptance, applicants must complete AmeriCorps background check
• Background check includes three different checks
• Must pass national service criminal history check

Step 7: Start Service

• Once background checks complete, members are ready to begin service

Timing Notes:

• Applications reviewed and offers made on rolling basis until all positions filled
• Submit applications early for best chance of placement

Questions:
Email [email protected] with application questions

Note: AmeriCorps is a national volunteer service program, not a traditional job. The program seeks people interested in service focused on meeting critical community needs.