THIS IS A TEMPORARY PART-TIME POSITION FROM JANUARY-JUNE 2025

Position Summary

The Community Outreach Specialist works with the Tax & Benefits Manager to raise awareness within the community and complete client intakes for Congreso’s IRS certified VITA/TCE Tax Site. This position is responsible for educating and mobilizing the community to claim the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. The Community Outreach Specialist conducts outreach activities, such as door-to-door community canvassing, presenting information at community events, and stationing information booths at high-traffic locations (i.e. libraries), as well as intake responsibilities, such as greeting Tax Site clients, managing appointments, preparing intake packets, etc. This seasonal part-time position works 15 to 25 hours per week during the tax season and may include weekend and/or evening hours. 

This position reports to the Tax & Benefits Manager. This is an Onsite position which also includes frequent travel to neighborhoods across Philadelphia.

The Community Outreach Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ , and women to apply.   Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work. 
• Conducts outreach, in English and Spanish, to eligible participants through mail, resource tabling events, and door-to-door community canvassing. This position 
• Prepares mailings and informational packets to send to eligible participants. 
• Accurately records outreach efforts in Microsoft Excel, daily.
• Greets clients, manages scheduling, and completes client intake packets to ensure smooth operations at the Tax Site.
• Communicates daily with the Tax & Benefits Manager on progress and outcomes and responds effectively and proactively to program and organizational changes. 
• Maintains confidentiality as indicated by agency and program policy and procedures. 
• Provides administrative support functions for the program (i.e. copying, faxing, etc.).

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education: 

High school diploma or GED/HISET a plus; experience in lieu of education considered.

Minimum Experience: 

1-2 years’ experience in an office or administrative setting a plus.

Certification/License: 

VITA volunteer and intake/interview certifications are required and may be completed post-hire.