VITA Intern

The job listing expires on June 18, 2025.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is a FREE tax preparation service for low to moderate income families and individuals.

POSITION SUMMARY

The VITA intern assists paid Site Coordinators to ensure tax clinics (location and volunteers) are adhering to all program guidelines. The intern provides oversight for volunteers at the tax clinic and helps supervise services to meet standards of the IRS Quality Site Requirements. Adhere to all private and security measures set up through United Way of Greater Stark County, IRS, and Tax Slayer.

The VITA Intern will be certified as an Advanced Preparer. This certification will allow the VITA intern to assist in the quality reviewing process of the tax return filing process and answer questions in relation to the preparing process.

This is a part-time, seasonal position. The VITA Intern will work during the typical tax season (January 27th, 2025 – April 18th, 2025) not exceeding fifteen (15) hours a week for 12 weeks.

The VITA Intern will be required to travel to various assigned locations in Stark and Carroll Counties. Mileage is reimbursed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Within parameters established by the United Way of Greater Stark County, the VITA Intern is responsible for the following:

1. Assist with Oversight: Set up and ensure required resources are available for assigned tax clinics. Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed timely and accurately. Certify that all paperwork (filings, volunteer documentation, etc.) is completed to the standards of the VITA program requirements. Process and complete any required reporting.
2. Prepare State and Federal tax returns: Maintain strict confidentiality when completing returns for participants. Follow guidelines and procedures when assisting participants. Complete all necessary paperwork. Assist in troubleshooting minor technical issues with the software and be able to answer questions from volunteers. Act as the Quality Review and ensure all returns are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
3. Other Responsibilities: Participate in meetings as required throughout the tax season by the VITA Program Manager. Assist the Program Manager and other Site Coordinator(s) with completing other assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

To perform the essential functions of this job, the employee must possess the following:

1. Willingness to support our mission and culture by actively exercising our five core values: 1) Can-do attitude; 2) Be a Team Player; 3) Open to Change; 4) Humbly Confident; 5) Deep Respect for Human Potential.
2. Must have the ability to communicate professionally; demonstrate the ability to advocate and be an active listener; must be able to build relationships and relate to people in an open, friendly, and accepting manner, showing interest in others and their concerns; display confidentiality while achieving high levels of participant satisfaction.
3. Ability to work independently, yet function as a productive member of a team.
4. Licensed driver in the State of Ohio with automobile insurance.
5. Flexibility in handling the day-to-day work challenges and shifting priorities confidently; show resilience in the face of constraints, frustrations, or adversity; organize and plan effectively while using good problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound business decisions.
6. Ability to document accurately both participant records and program database.
7. Demonstrated ability to achieve measurable results and capacity to excel in a results-oriented environment.
8. Ability to maintain a consistently high level of cultural competency and cultural sensitivity.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Will be required to receive IRS Certification upon start. Training is provided. Training and certification support will be provided by the United Way of Greater Stark County VITA Program.

Experience in tax preparation, accounting or finances, or educational background in accounting, business management, and/or related finance degrees is preferred.