Volunteer Tax Screener (UNPAID)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This is an unpaid volunteer position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

SCOPE OF WORK: The IRC’s Program Quality and Innovation Unit assists offices which help newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals reach self-sufficiency by finding entry-level employment and progress to living wage jobs; learn basic financial management skills and build assets; start small businesses; and access Earned Income Tax Credit. Under the supervision of the Tax Site Coordinator, Volunteer Tax Screeners will ensure that taxpayers have all the necessary information and documents required to complete a tax return. The program is offering services to clients in IRC offices located in Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Elizabeth, NJ; New York, NY; Dallas, TX; and Salt Lake City, UT. The IRC’s goal is to assist 4,000 taxpayers in preparing their returns in a safe, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

COMMITMENT: January- April 2023 between 3-15 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Refer taxpayers with ‘out-of-scope’ returns to a professional return preparer.
• Complete all IRC and IRS mandated trainings and certifications, including the Standards of Conduct (VSC) certification and Basic level certification (IRC prefers certifying at the Advanced level).
• Ensure the taxpayer has brought the required documents (e.g. valid photo identification, Social Security card(s), W-2, 1099, 1095, prior year’s return, etc.) for tax return completion. Give each taxpayer Form 13614-C and the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet to complete.
• Explain the site’s return preparation process to the taxpayer. Provide assistance in scanning and uploading necessary tax documents while also verifying taxpayer identification.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1.  The volunteer will learn how to effectively coordinate VITA program 

2.  The volunteer will learn about providing financial services to community members.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma required.  Students studying finance, accounting, or a related field, preferred.
• No previous experience as a VITA volunteer required – IRC will provide the required training for the program per IRC’s and the IRS’s policies.
• Excellent customer service skills, including experience working with a diverse client base;
• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail;
• High level of computer literacy;
• High level of comfort and effectiveness in working with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams;
• Strong commitment to economic empowerment of low-income and underserved populations;
• Go through an IRC background check

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Position will require travel to IRC office or other tax preparation location. Standard, professional office environment;
• Some evening and weekend work hours will be required;
• If working virtually, home internet and personal computer/laptop required.

This position reports to the Tax Site Coordinator and local Financial Capabilities Staff.

Interested applicants should complete their application online, and attach a resume and cover letter.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.