JOB SUMMARY
Beyond the typical tax season, the VITA Program Specialist will work to reach eligible taxpayers in their own communities and networks with the message of free tax preparation. Establish connections with trusted local organizations where VITA services might be offered in future tax seasons, and recruit VITA volunteers who can serve taxpayers in their preferred languages. The VITA Program Specialist will also assist in translating and distributing print and other materials. During the tax season, the VITA Program Specialist will review tax returns for accuracy, contact taxpayers to review their tax returns and facilitate transmitting returns. The VITA Program Specialist may answer questions from tax return preparers regarding returns they are working and may contact taxpayers for additional tax-related information to ensure accurate tax returns.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Facilitate outreach to potential VITA clients, volunteers and partners, securing new tax preparation locations, volunteers to staff the location and taxpayers to serve.
- Assist in preparation and translation of needed materials and supplies to serve non-English speaking taxpayers, and serve as a resource for non-English media inquiries.
- Certify annually with the IRS as a tax preparer at the Advanced Level prior to the tax season.
- Complete annual IRS training required to be a VITA Site Coordinator and Quality Reviewer.
- Assure that IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Quality Site Requirements are met.
- Assure that all taxpayers are told that the tax return is prepared with the information that was provided to the tax preparer and that the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the accuracy for the tax return.
- Use online tools for client management, tax return preparation and other tasks as needed.
- Attend scheduled VITA team meetings and Financial Resilience team meetings.
- Review and be familiar with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa safety policies, programs and procedures. Adhere to all safety rules, regulations and safety codes, and attend safety training sessions and safety meetings.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Other duties as assigned.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 21 years of age.
- Bilingual preferred, speaking English as well as Spanish, Zomi or Burmese. Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to use an online client management database.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with digital technologies.
- Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver’s License, with a good driving record.
- Must be eligible for positive outcome on required State of Oklahoma criminal conviction background check.
- Must maintain appropriate requirements for legal vehicle operation including current automobile insurance, inspection and license plates.
- Must maintain compliance with Goodwill’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy.
- Goodwill considers this a safety sensitive position because it includes tasks or duties that Goodwill reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee or others.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High school graduate or equivalent with demonstrated proficiency with computer skills using a personal computer, with similar level of experience for at least one year.
- Certification with the IRS as a tax preparer at the Advanced Level is a plus.
- Completion of IRS training as a VITA Site Coordinator and Quality Reviewer once hired.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Talking, hearing, reaching, handling, fingering, seeing and accommodation.
- Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: Medium Work--Lifting 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Goodwill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and service provider for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Goodwill does not discriminate against any person, but rather bases all employment decisions on an individual’s demonstrated, job-related ability, skill, and knowledge. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all without regard to mental or physical disability, genetic information of any individual or of his/her family, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, or veteran status. Equal opportunity is also provided in assignments, training, compensation, transfers, promotions, classification, referral, benefit programs, and discharge.
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position