Site Coordinator
Purpose
Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of approximately $67,000 a year or less. In addition to providing free tax preparation, VITA works to ensure everyone in the community receives all of the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible, with the goal being to help more individuals and families achieve greater financial stability through free tax preparation services.
Volunteer Responsibilities
The VITA Site Coordinator manages all aspects of the site operations to ensure fair and high-quality service to clients; appropriate application of tax law when preparing federal and state income tax returns, and compliance with IRS privacy and confidentiality agreements when administrating electronic tax returns. The position requires the use of computer equipment and software, professional management, and interactions with a small group of volunteers and key stakeholders, and the application of high ethical standards and adherence to Internal Revenue Service policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Tasks include:
• Manages small group of volunteers to work at site
• Set up and operate laptop computers and printers and address related IT challenges
• Conduct intake interviews with clients as needed
• Prepare state and federal tax returns as needed
• Conduct quality reviews of tax returns as needed
• Submit returns electronically at the close of each site day
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients and volunteers to address questions and concerns
• Resolve minor situations that arise in the daily operations exhibiting the judgment to refer more difficult or sensitive concerns to VITA Associate.
• Maintain relationship and communication with VITA Associate for obtaining site materials and other pertinent information.
• Coordinate client appointments and walk-ins, ensuring an efficient flow of clients through the site.
• Ensure compliance with all IRS and VITA program guidelines
Staff Liaison
VITA Program Associate
Training
Orientation and training will begin in mid-November- January (approx.15-20 hours total) followed by the completion of the certification exams to completed independently (approx. 2-3 hours total).
Length of Commitment
Volunteer opportunities will begin late January through the tax season deadline in April. Volunteers are expected to commit to 50 hours over the course of the tax season (typically one shift per week), there is a good amount of flexibility on when volunteers serve. Volunteers will select shifts based on their availability using the online scheduling system.
Required Experience and/or Skills
• Interest in learning more about income tax law
• Strong computer skills, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well with diverse populations
• Strong communication skills
• Pass an IRS certification exam at the Advanced Level with Site Coordinator Certification
• Previous VITA program experience preferred
Benefits
• Gain a valuable and marketable skill set
• Make new friends and build your professional network! This is a great opportunity to meet other people in our community who are dedicated to helping others.
• Satisfaction of knowing that you had a direct impact on our community
• Build your resume by gaining management experience, working with clients, and serving the community
• Learn how to prepare your own tax return(s)
• United Way may provide letters of recommendation for your service
Mission Statement
We bring together the people, ideas and resources to lead with our communities and create a flourishing, equitable life for everyone.
