VITA Support Specialist - United Way of South Central Michigan (Lansing)

Position Title: VITA Support Specialist
Host Site: United Way of South Central MI: Lansing
Position Type: Full-time, 1700 hrs, 38-40 hrs/week
Site Supervisor: Michelle Wasylecki
Dates of Service: September 9, 2024 - August 15, 2025
Stipend: $ 26,000
CEDAM's AmeriCorps Information: CEDAM's AmeriCorps program connects local and statewide agencies to meet neighbors' critical needs. Members create community, build capacity and serve neighbors across Michigan. Our AmeriCorps program advances equity for Michiganders in two key ways 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community economic development field and 2. Supporting economic inclusion for Michiganders.
Organizational Information : United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) gathers the power of three legacy organizations-Capital Area United Way, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and United Way of Jackson County-to mobilize financial and volunteer resources, partners, and voices, creating equitable and lasting change for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Our vision: Strong, caring communities where every person is valued, thriving, and connected for the common good.
Our path: Our work lifts our local communities by reducing racial and economic disparities; addressing the needs of ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in financial stability, education, health, and basic needs; and creating opportunities for every person to reach their full potential.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
UWSCMI is committed to dismantling systemic inequities that continue to cause harm for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) people, women, and people with disabilities. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities. Together, we will continue to build capacity and accountability into our policies, practices, and partnerships.
Role and Responsibilities:

• Participate in CEDAM AmeriCorps monthly meetings, trainings, events, data collection, reporting and additional items as needed.
• Participate in AmeriCorps & Michigan's AmeriCorps events and trainings.
• Organize and participate in outreach and engagement activities and events to promote volunteerism and client services in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
• Plan a Show Me the Money event to promote financial education, awareness, and stability programs to low-income and ALICE populations in our region.
• Provide site coordination to VITA tax prep sites and high quality service to clients; appropriate application of tax law when preparing federal and state income tax returns, and compliance with IRS privacy and confidentiality agreements when administrating electronic tax returns. The position requires the use of computer equipment and software, professional management and interactions with a small group of volunteers and key stakeholders, and the application of high ethical standards and adherence to Internal Revenue Service policies, procedures, and guidelines. Tasks include:

• Coordinate small group of volunteers to work at site, includes volunteer work schedule to assure adequate coverage
• Set up and operate laptop computers and printers and address related IT challenges
• Conduct intake interviews with clients as needed
• Prepare state and federal tax returns as needed
• Conduct quality reviews of tax returns as needed
• Submit returns electronically at the close of each site day
• Provide support to both volunteers and sites ensuring appropriate coverage for each shift
• Resolve minor situations that arise in the daily operations exhibiting the judgment to refer more difficult or sensitive concerns to VITA associate.
• Maintain relationship and communication with United Way of South Central Michigan VITA Associate for obtaining site materials and other pertinent information.
• Coordinate client appointments and walk-ins, ensuring an efficient flow of clients through the site.
• Ensure compliance with all IRS and VITA program guidelines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in learning more about income tax law
• Strong computer skills, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well with diverse populations
• Strong communication skills - including English fluency, specifically the ability to translate tax law into understandable concepts for clients and other volunteers
• Ability to Complete all IRS training and certification requirements: Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake Interview and Quality Review, Advanced Tax Law, and Site Coordinator.
• Ability to Pass an IRS certification exam at the Advanced Level - training provided

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have HS diploma, GED or working toward the completion of one.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and State & National Sex Offender Registry

Compensation:
Members will receive a living allowance of $26,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care package, childcare assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service an education award in the amount of $7,395 will be issued. Members will serve 1,700 hours for the term = 40 hours/week. CEDAM's AmeriCorps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. All interested candidates must be available to spend 40 hours in training the week of September 9.