Last year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) supported 210 individuals to file their income taxes which put $410,736 in refunds back into the pockets of community members and the local economy. VITA is fiscally sponsored by Chaffee County Community Foundation, and is looking for their next Volunteer Site Coordinator
Summary: The Site Coordinator is responsible for managing and overseeing the VITA Program. This role involves recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, ensuring they are effectively placed in roles that match their skills and interests, and maintaining accurate tax records.
- Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment: Identify and recruit volunteers through various channels, including
conversations with friends and neighbors, social media, community events, and
partnerships with other organizations like CCCF. This is a year-round task, but one that
does not take much time.
Training and Orientation: Direct volunteers to online training programs through the
IRS. Review and make available YouTube training programs the Colorado Asset
Building Coalition (CABC) program provides. Provide written reminders and orientation
sessions for new volunteers to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
My experience is that a comprehensive calendar and a list of educational resources
gives volunteers the tools they need to pass required IRS tests and participate in the
program. The time frame for this task is November through the end of January.
Schedule Weekly Tax Appointments: Our VITA program is a weekly program available
only by appointment. Clients call a dedicated cell phone to schedule. Often, the site
coordinator must return the call. This has been a very time-consuming process. I
estimate 20 hours a week during the season. Program plans to install an online scheduling
program using the cellphone as a backup. The goal is to cut the scheduling time in half.
Coordination for the Weekly appointments.
o Securing space for appointments – Work with Town of BV for space in the
Community Center. This typically happens the previous spring for the next tax
season.
o Order tax preparation software – Timeframe October/November.
o Test equipment – One-time process best done in the middle of January
o Set up the computers, printer and other equipment each week at the community
center. Typically arrive 45 minutes before appointments start.
o Order lunch for the volunteers
Placement: Match volunteers to appropriate roles based on their skills, interests, and
availability. Schedule more complicated tax returns with more experienced volunteers.
Support: Provide ongoing support and supervision to volunteers, addressing any issues
or concerns that arise.
Record Keeping: Electronically file tax returns weekly, and backup returns onto a flash
drive. Gather demographic data at the end of the season.
Communication: Keep volunteers informed about any relevant IRS updates, upcoming
events, and opportunities.
o Participate in weekly Zoom calls organized by the Colorado Asset Building
Coalition (CABC) an organization that supports VITA sites throughout Colorado.
Although the IRS doesn’t require these calls, it is extremely helpful to get tips and
information from other site coordinators and IRS agents. The calls last one hour
and run throughout the tax season.
Recognition: Organize volunteer appreciation events and recognition programs to
acknowledge the contributions of volunteers at the end of the season.
Qualifications:
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Prior experience preparing taxes is helpful. However, willingness to learn tax
preparation and use the educational tools provided by the IRS, provides a strong
foundation for this job.
Ability to problem solve.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Passion for the organization’s mission and goals.
Benefits:
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Seasonal volunteer opportunity with most of the work happening January through April.
Professional development opportunities.
