VITA Volunteer

Description

The volunteer’s responsibilities include completing assigned tasks for the VITA program at Goodwill. Volunteers will maintain a high degree of professionalism with internal and external customers that align with Goodwill values.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

· Partner with the taxpayer and follow the process to complete federal and state tax returns.

· Remain professional in their interactions with all internal and external customers.

· Communicate to management when you are running late or unable to fulfill your duties.

· Consistently perform all duties within the framework of our Core Values.

Volunteer as Client Facilitator:

· Welcome and orient the tax filers to the tax site. 

· Provide taxpayers with intake forms and answers non-tax questions.

· Ensure the taxpayer has brought all required documents to verify taxpayer identity and complete tax return. 

· Determine if the return is within the scope of returns, we are allowed to do and determine which certified volunteer can prepare  

  the return. 

· Manage waiting and entry areas to maintain the flow of taxpayers according to site operational procedures. 

· Refer taxpayers to Tax Preparers or Site Coordinators for tax questions.

· Inform taxpayers about other community resources when necessary.

Volunteer as Tax Preparer: 

· Interviews taxpayers using the IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet.

· Provide high-quality tax return preparation to taxpayers who qualify for VITA assistance. 

· Prepare only returns that are within their certification level(s) and within the scope of the program. 

· Enter tax information into the tax software. 

· Answer questions and/or use available resources to assist taxpayers. 

· Always adhere to quality site requirements and Volunteers Standards of Conduct. 

· Maintain taxpayer privacy and confidentially standards.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Ability to access the FREE VITA training and attain appropriate VITA IRS certifications and to apply skills learned. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

· Business Acumen: Utilize information acquired from required VITA training and certifications.  

· Customer Focus: Approachable and patient providing consistent positive interaction with all customers. 

· Accountability: High level of integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information.

· Continuous Improvement: Finds solutions and proactively addresses challenges. 

· Drive for Results: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively as needed.

Description of physical environment: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

· Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment in an office environment.

· Occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. 

EEOC statement:

Goodwill of South Central of Wisconsin provides equal opportunities to all applicants for volunteer opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of volunteering at Goodwill.