AmeriCorps Community Mediation Member – Quarter-Time in Utica, New York at Empowered Pathways Inc

Empowered Pathways is recruiting a quarter-time AmeriCorps member to serve with our Community Dispute Resolution Center through the Community Mediation Service Corps (CMSC), an AmeriCorps program operated by the New York State Dispute Resolution Association.

This service opportunity is designed for someone interested in developing practical skills in mediation, conflict coaching, restorative practices, community engagement, and nonprofit service. The member will work alongside experienced staff while helping individuals and families access constructive approaches to conflict throughout Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison counties.

Service activities will include:

• Supporting approximately 25–50 mediation and conflict-resolution cases during the service term.
• Assisting with client intake, scheduling, follow-up communication, case documentation, and participant support.
• Observing and supporting mediation, conflict coaching, restorative practices, and other facilitated processes based on training and program needs.
• Supporting programs serving youth, families, schools, courts, and community partners.
• Participating in outreach and educational activities that increase awareness of conflict-resolution services.
• Helping community members connect with appropriate services and resources.
• Contributing to projects that strengthen Empowered Pathways’ Community Dispute Resolution Center and expand access to services.
• Participating in training, professional development, conferences, and AmeriCorps service events.
• Traveling to local service and community locations when needed. Approved mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Specific service activities may vary based on community needs, training opportunities, program priorities, and the member’s interests and professional development.

The service term runs from September 8, 2026, through August 6, 2027, and requires completion of 450 service hours. This averages approximately 19 hours every two weeks. A consistent service schedule will be established with Empowered Pathways.

The member will receive:

• A $6,250 living allowance distributed through biweekly direct-deposit payments.
• A $1,956 Segal Education Award after successfully completing the service term.
• Reimbursement for approved mileage and travel expenses.
• Extensive training in mediation, conflict coaching, restorative practices, trauma-informed and anti-bias practices, and family and custody mediation.
• Access to up to $500 through the Emergency Assistance Fund for qualifying unexpected financial hardships.
• Access to a 24/7 Member Assistance Program offering mental-health, wellness, financial, legal, and life-coaching resources.
• Complimentary NYSDRA membership and attendance at the NYSDRA Annual Conference.
• Ongoing mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.

This is an AmeriCorps national service placement and not a regular part-time employment position with Empowered Pathways. The living allowance is not an hourly wage or salary.

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Empowered Pathways and NYSDRA’s Community Mediation Service Corps operate this AmeriCorps service opportunity subject to applicable federal nondiscrimination and civil-rights requirements. Information about these requirements, civil-rights compliance, and AmeriCorps’ Program Civil Rights and Non-Harassment Policy is available from Empowered Pathways at 315-724-1718; from NYSDRA’s Community Mediation Service Corps at 518-687-2240 ext. 105 or CMSCAmeriCorps@nysdra.org; and from AmeriCorps.

An applicant, candidate, or AmeriCorps member who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in connection with the application, selection, or service process may contact the AmeriCorps Office of Civil Rights at 202-606-7503 or eo@americorps.gov within 30 calendar days of the alleged occurrence to begin the complaint process. Applicants and members are not required to use an internal Empowered Pathways or NYSDRA complaint process before contacting AmeriCorps.

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation or this information in an accessible or alternative format may contact Empowered Pathways at 315-724-1718.

The selected candidate must:

• Be able to complete 450 service hours between September 8, 2026, and August 6, 2027.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Be reliable, organized, and attentive to detail.
• Communicate respectfully with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
• Be comfortable supporting individuals experiencing conflict or other sensitive circumstances.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Be willing to learn, receive feedback, and work collaboratively with staff and community partners.
• Possess basic computer and administrative skills.
• Be able to travel to local program and community locations as needed.
• Meet all CMSC and AmeriCorps eligibility, enrollment, and background-screening requirements.

An interest in mediation, conflict resolution, restorative practices, human services, education, law, nonprofit work, or public service is strongly preferred. Prior mediation experience is not required; training and supervision will be provided.

Applicants who move forward must complete the official NYSDRA/CMSC and AmeriCorps eligibility and enrollment process before beginning service.