AmeriCorps

Dive into the heart of serving the greater good and have an adventure in Alaska through AmeriCorps (a national service program). The Public Defender Agency’s AmeriCorps Program: SAME Justice, places passionate individuals in our offices across the state as Client Services Navigators. Picture yourself as a beacon of support, guiding individuals through the maze of social services.

Our clients, like so many people, have complex lives and backgrounds and need help understanding and navigating the systems that already exist to provide them support. You will learn to help them apply for substance use treatment, nutrition assistance (food stamps), locate emergency housing or shelters, etc.

Prior experience is not required only a desire to learn and serve others.

This service opportunity is part of a holistic approach to addressing the needs of people who find themselves entangled with the justice system. Sometimes your service with a client will allow them to develop a solid bail release plan so that they can return to their family and job while their case is pending, or help someone finally get off the waitlist and into treatment for substance use, or be placed in stable housing for the first time in years; the outcomes big and small make all the difference in people’s lives and in their cases.

Eligible candidates are at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, the ability to pass a criminal background check (required for security clearance due to handling confidential information), and are authorized to work in the United States.

Our full time Client Services Navigators in the 2024/25 program year receive:

• Living Allowance of $35,000 (distributed biweekly) for the 2025/2026 program year
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance at $0 cost
• Eligibility for the Segal Education Award; equivalent to the maximum amount of the Pell Grant
• Eligibility for student loan forbearance (on qualifying federal loans)
• Childcare assistance (if eligible per federal guidelines)
• Airfare to/from service site location

Contact Amanda Hillberry at amanda.hillberry@alaska.gov or (907) 332-6638 to learn more about AmeriCorps and serving at the Alaska Public Defender Agency or click here to apply.