VITA Program Navigator

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

This is a temporary and part-time (20 hours weekly) contract position, Monday-Friday (hours will vary, but availability between 10:00AM-6:00PM is required). Do not apply if your schedule will not allow you to work during these times.

The goal of the VITA Program and Tax Clinic is to help eligible working individuals and families access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), as tools for upward mobility. Position involves communicating with the public about the program, marketing the tax clinic services to eligible taxpayers who qualify for the EITC and CTC, collecting data necessary for reporting purposes, reviewing submitted documents for “GetYourRefund” customers (scheduling virtual interviews and responding to portal messages), and ensuring program goals are met. This position will begin February 2025 and will end between April 16-April 30, 2025 (depending on need of tax services).

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

Supervised by: Financial Services Assistant Director/ VITA Program Coordinator

Supervises: No one

Coordinates with: TAP Financial Services Component; all TAP programs

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the site adheres to IRS VITA quality guidelines and standards;
• Complete IRS-required training and pass both required exams within one day of contract start date;
• Provide administrative services to ensure VITA tax clinic operates smoothly, quickly, and efficiently;
• Screen taxpayers for eligibility of services; Schedule taxpayer appointments;
• Greet taxpayers and provide Intake paperwork;
• Ability to communicate effectively with taxpayers and volunteers;
• Ensure Intake and Exit paperwork is available to all tax customers;
• Direct taxpayers on how to track refund status;
• Schedule virtual intake appointment in “GetYourRefund” portal, review documents and answer general customer questions;
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain welcoming demeanor;
• Be able to multi-task, work quickly and accurately;
• Promote and increase the number of EITC-eligible and CTC-eligible taxpayers;
• Help to maintain a healthy and safe environment by sanitizing work stations regularly, and wearing protective gear as required;
• Perform all tasks as detailed in job description;

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must ensure all rules of VITA program are followed
• Be able to multi-task, work quickly and accurately
• Strong problem-solving, organizational and customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with taxpayers and volunteers
• Ability to interact effectively with persons of different social and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to prepare informative program reports
• Personal computer skills to access “GetYourRefund” portal and type messages

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Tax Law and Preparation knowledge and/or experience
• High School diploma and combination of education and experience working with programs designed to increase self-sufficiency among persons of limited means
• Experience in tax preparation, accounting, human services or a similar field increasing asset development and financial education
• Knowledge and proficiency with using the Internet and ability to utilize IRS online tax preparation system.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have reliable transportation that ensures arriving to work at the designated time for tax clinic operations.
• Must be able to complete IRS-required training and “GetYourRefund” system training within one week at your own pace.
• Must complete and pass two (2) IRS tests within one day of hire date. The online training is available December 1, 2024.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
• – stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting; use of fingers for – picking, pinching and typing; grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• – sedentary work; exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
• – close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual acuity to operate motor vehicle and/or heavy equipment; must be able to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
• – worker is subject to noise; there is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise levels.
• - TAP is mandated vaccine employer and/or approved exemption required.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

TAP hires only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized aliens.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilinguals Encouraged to Apply

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Contract

Pay: $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14