November 19, 2024

SPANISH SPEAKING UNITY COUNCIL

Oakland

TEMPORARY & FULL TIME

VITA Tax Preparer

Title: Income Tax Preparer – VITA

Reports To: VITA Site Supervisor

Department: Community Programs

Location: Oakland, CA

Hours: Monday through Friday, some weekends may be required

Travel: Local travel may be required

Salary: $28-$30

Employee Status: Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt (Lasting from the hire date until April 2025)

Union: N/A

Supervises: N/A

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 57-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 8,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 250 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is part of the Community Programs department. VITA offers free tax preparation to people who generally are low-income, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. In partnership with Earn It! Keep It! $ave It! from United Way of the Bay Area, The Unity Council participates in the VITA program to assist the community with free tax assistance.

Program Summary

The Income Tax Preparer is part of the VITA Program Team and provides accurate support preparing VITA tax returns. This may include scheduling appointment, conducting client interviews to obtain additional information, supporting in the preparation of Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN) applications, and conducting quality reviews on tax returns prepared. The Income Tax Preparer is required to pass the IRS certification at the Advanced Level upon hire.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Complete necessary VITA training and pass IRS certification at the Advanced Level upon hire.
Prepare accurate tax returns for VITA program individuals.
Schedule appointments for clients with specialized tax needs and rejected returns.
Assist in preparing Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications.
Respond to all questions regarding self-employment and homeowners under the scope of VITA.
Coordinate drop offs, including communicating with clients who are missing documentation.
Provide excellent customer service to all VITA clients.
Review tax returns to be e-filed to ensure quality and completeness.
Perform all responsibilities that will ensure the safe and efficient operation of the VITA site, including maintaining privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information.
Assist to complete the final report to VITA site funder in a timely manner, including program reports, and client success stories if necessary.

Essential functions

Strong computer skills with strong MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point).
Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, photocopier, fax, etc.).
Regularly required to sit for long periods of time and occasionally stand and walk.
Regularly required to use hands to operate computer and other office equipment.
Must be able to, reach, bend, lift occasionally 15-20 pounds.

Qualifications

Required to pass the IRS certification at the Advanced level.
Demonstrate history of passing IRS certifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and in Spanish.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Interest in working with diverse communities and the mission of The Unity Council.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Background Check

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

***Please submit your cover letter and resume.***

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.