The Johnson County Office seeks a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) Coordinator to join their team.

Job Description

***Applicants for this position are required to submit a résumé and encouraged to submit a cover letter to provide additional information about their qualifications and interest in the position.***

**VITA Coordinator is a part-time seasonal position working approximately 10-25 hours per week from December to April. The work schedule includes some evenings and Saturdays.** 

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under the direction of the Community Services Manager, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site Coordinator provides coordination, organization and supervision for the VITA site operations. The VITA program serves low and moderate-income families, providing free tax preparation and filing in Johnson County. The Johnson County VITA Program is provided in collaboration with the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state income taxes and tax software
• Basic computer skills for inputting tax return information into tax software
• Volunteer management practices
• Basic office practices and procedures including record keeping and filing systems
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

Ability to:

• Work with individuals from various socio-economic groups and diverse backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality and security of protected information
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Collect data, keep accurate and organized records, and ensure timely preparation of  reports
• Follow complex oral and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, co-workers and members of the public
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases
• Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Type accurately and use a computer for the purposes of word processing, email and the Internet
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, and photocopiers
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet established deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials both in electronic and hardcopy forms
• Lift, move, push and pull up to 10 pounds
• Sit, stand, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, twist and reach
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various facilities
• Work flexible schedule including some evenings and Saturdays

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High school graduate or equivalent AND two (2)years of previous tax preparation experience preferred.

Special requirements: Must complete training and pass online IRS certification at Advanced levels. Training and certification materials provided. Must pass background investigation.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.         

• Complete all IRS training and certifications (Basic, Advanced, etc.).
• Collaborate with project partners, including the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business for implementation of VITA sites.
• Ensure the tax site complies with all IRS VITA site requirements.
• Recruit volunteers, ensure volunteer training requirements are met and schedule volunteers for the site.
• Ensure the VITA site is open and operating as scheduled and ensure adequate volunteer coverage, supplies, tax materials and equipment are available.
• Provide tax preparation for taxpayers and conduct Quality Reviews.
• Verify all tax returns are electronically filed with the IRS in a timely manner, and acknowledgements are reviewed.
• Correct any errors on rejected returns, contacting the taxpayer when needed and assisting with paper filing if electronic filing is not possible.
• Ensure a quality review is conducted on every return prepared by volunteer tax preparers.
• Inform volunteers about new or relevant site or tax law updates.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer certifications and volunteer hours.
• Answer taxpayer questions regarding tax law and/or their tax return.
• Assist with compiling mid and post-season reports including end-of-season wrap up and evaluation.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.

Supplemental Description

Johnson County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer. For assistance please contact: Human Resources at humanresources@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or 319-356-6003.

Compensation Grade

05