Financial Stability Network

VITA Welcome Specialist

Catholic Charities manages an IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The site provides tax return preparation (at no cost) for low- and moderate-income families on Saturdays from February 1 through April 15. Operating hours for the Catholic Charities VITA site at 924 G Street, NW, Washington, DC are 8:00am to 5:00pm. The VITA program is regarded as an important entry point to the full suite of financial literacy services offered by Catholic Charities. 

Welcome Specialists are the first point of contact for VITA clients. The Welcome Specialist role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy communicating with others. No tax expertise necessary!

Volunteers will be responsible for:

• Welcoming clients with a sense of hospitality as they enter the office.
• Verifying client identification documents, e.g., driver’s licenses and social security cards.
• Verifying that the clients have all required documents to complete their return such as W2’s, Forms 1099, etc.
• Alerting a staff member if any of the required identity documents are missing so the client’s appointment can be rescheduled.
• Utilizing an appointment list provided the Catholic Charities VITA Program to check in each client when they arrive.  If a client has not arrived by 15 minutes before their appointment, alert the designated Catholic Charities staff member so they can follow up with the client to verify if they are enroute or need to reschedule.
• Directing clients to waiting areas to fill out IRS Form 13614. When the client indicates they have completed Form 13614, the Welcome Specialist confirms the client has signed where required and then takes the client to the room with the Tax Return preparation staff.  
• Introducing the client to the tax return preparer as part of the handoff process. 
• Making note of how many Tax Return Preparers are available to receive a client.
• Retrieving the clipboard and pen from clients at the end of their appointment.
• Preparing and ushering clients to fill out a feedback form on Chromebook laptops at the end of their appointment.
• Kindly thanking clients for choosing Catholic Charities’ services before they exit.
• Communicating with other VITA staff and volunteers when tasks are completed.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must pass a simple online IRS ethics exam.
• Must have clear verbal communication skills.
• Must have a friendly attitude.

Volunteer Benefits:

• Make a positive difference in the economic lives of the taxpayers you work with.
• The taxpayers who take advantage of the Catholic Charities VITA are always appreciative of the time and energy of volunteers.

Volunteer Support:

• Volunteers are supported by Catholic Charities staff, senior volunteers in the program, and professionals who provide training and administrative resources.   Time Commitment:
• Volunteers are required to attend a virtual IRS training session on ethics and pass a certification test.
• The Catholic Charities VITA site is open on Saturdays from February 1 – April 15.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 6 four-hour shifts during this time frame. 

Location:  

• Catholic Charities Hickey Center - 924 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (just a

short walk from Metro Center and Gallery Place Metro stops).