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VITA Intern

Tulsa Responds
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VITA Intern (Free Tax Filing Internship)

Tulsa Responds, LLC - Sheridan Tulsa, OK

Description

About the Organization:

Tulsa Responds is dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities in Tulsa County by providing free and easily accessible support for tax filing, comprehensive enrollment in publicly funded benefit programs and financial counseling. They increase reach and convenience by offering assistance in English and Spanish at a main central site and several partner locations. Together in collaboration with local non-profits and public agencies, Tulsa Responds simplifies enrollment in programs that increase opportunities for financial stability and economic mobility.

Position Summary:

VITA Interns support Tulsa Responds' mission to provide free 1:1 tax preparation services to low-income households. Our interns provide exceptional customer service while meeting IRS requirements. This position reports to the VITA Program Team Supervisor.

Responsibilities / Essential Job Function:

Interns will be trained and certified to help with all operations at Tulsa Responds tax sites from intake & interview to tax preparation and miscellaneous client needs. They work closely with a team and Site Coordinator to ensure every client gets through the process smoothly. Interns will receive regular feedback and coaching by their supervisor to support their learning and growth and participate in networking and career development events available through Tulsa Responds, as well as other nonprofit partner organizations. On-site responsibilities include:

IRS Certification and Training

  • Complete in-person training led by an IRS-certified, and experienced trainer
  • Successfully complete the three IRS-required certification exams.


Intake & Interview

  • Greet clients and explain the filing process
  • Verify clients have necessary documentation and identification, ensure they meet the IRS guidelines for our program
  • Conduct client interviews following Tulsa Responds guidelines
  • Assist clients with completing paperwork
  • Check clients in
  • Schedule new appointments or reschedule existing appointments as needed

Tax Preparation & Benefit Screening

  • Prepare clients’ tax returns using TaxSlayer
  • Consult the IRS handbook or the Site Coordinator as needed
  • Screen clients for additional benefits
  • All interns’ work will be quality-reviewed by a seasoned tax preparer before it’s transmitted

Quality Review

  • Review the prepared return to ensure accuracy
  • Have the client approve and sign their completed return
  • Print & transmit the return
  • Interns may gradually work their way to becoming quality reviewers towards the end of the tax season after demonstrating proficiency as a tax preparer

Client assistance:

  • Aid clients in retrieving materials needed for tax preparation
  • Navigate IRS.gov and ID.me to help clients obtain Identity Protection PINs and set up payment plans
  • Call the Health Insurance Marketplace to help clients retrieve their 1095-A forms
  • Contact employers and payers to help clients retrieve their income documents and other tax forms
  • Assist Site Coordinators with tax return rejection resolution
  • Help clients open affordable bank accounts to receive their refunds in direct deposit
  • Make appointments and referrals for clients

Team Check-ins & Meetings

  • Attend daily check-ins with the designated Site Coordinator, to stay informed about organization-wide updates
  • Join monthly team-building events (optional)
  • Any other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma, or equivalent (required)
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English (preferred)
  • Proficient in Google Suite or Microsoft Suite (preferred)
  • Experience in a customer service setting (preferred)
  • Experience collaborating on initiatives and projects with a team (preferred)

Skills and Abilities

  • Empathy: Our work involves supporting low-income families and individuals facing challenging circumstances. Empathy, compassion, and a spirit of altruism are essential traits for success at Tulsa Responds.
  • Customer Service Oriented: demonstrates the ability to offer high quality and positive service to clients from diverse populations experiencing adverse situations; maintains a positive, professional attitude with clients and colleagues.
  • Tech Proficiency: Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new platforms and software such as Slack, Google Apps, and TaxSlayer.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all tasks and projects.
  • Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time with minimal errors.

Physical Requirements

  • Extended periods of sitting: The position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation, analyzing and processing tax-related information. The ability to remain seated for extended durations is essential.
  • Manual dexterity: Strong manual dexterity is necessary to handle documents, and operate calculators, keyboards, and other equipment accurately and efficiently. It is preferable that the applicant can lift 30 pounds unassisted (for site setup).
  • Visual acuity: The ability to maintain clear vision is vital for reviewing and verifying numbers, data, and tax documents. This includes reading the fine print, identifying errors or discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy in all tax-related information.
  • Focus and concentration: This position involves dealing with regulations, calculations, and financial information. The ability to maintain focus and concentration for extended periods is crucial to ensure accuracy and minimize errors.
  • Stress management: The role of a tax preparer can be demanding, particularly during peak tax seasons. The ability to handle and manage work-related stress effectively is essential to maintain productivity and accuracy.
  • Additional Requirements: Candidates for this position must have a reliable source of transposition available to and from their shift. This source must remain accessible and functional throughout the workday.

Hours and Location

  • The main office for this position is located at the Alameda office at 2174 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74129.
  • Our standard work week is Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and potentially Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • While the typical schedule is weekdays, there may be occasional requirements to work weekends, evenings, or non-traditional hours.
  • This role may involve local travel to different events or worksites.
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Current Car Insurance