Program Summary:
Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) is a community-based, local economic development organization which has engaged individuals and small businesses in community-building strategies for over 40 years. Our mission is to achieve economic justice for San Francisco’s low and moderate income Latino families through asset development. Four years ago, MEDA launched Plaza Adelante, a one-stop financial and asset development center.
This year, MEDA will be kicking off our fourth year of offering free tax preparation services to low-income families as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Last year, not only did MEDA staff and volunteers prepare nearly 3,800 tax returns and bring a total of $5.2 million dollars in tax refunds back into the community, but we also helped to connect our tax assistance clients to other services such as affordable financial products, microenterprise development, public benefits and financial aid for college students.
Purpose:
The Intake Specialist volunteer is the first person our clients will see when they walk into the VITA site. You will be providing support to clients and ensuring that they have the necessary information to complete their tax return. The Intake Specialist is responsible for assuring that every client is aware of all the services that are available to them. You will oversee client sign-in, and direct clients to on-site complementary services when appropriate.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Welcome clients to the VITA site and help create a friendly atmosphere
- Help clients sign-in and provide general information
- Provide taxpayers with intake forms to complete, and help with completion of forms as necessary.
- Ensure that taxpayers have brought all necessary documents.
- Ensure that the taxpayer qualifies for VITA assistance.
- Monitor site traffic to ensure sufficient time is allowed for taxpayer check in and that wait time is limited.
- Maintain confidentiality of all records and taxpayer information.
Qualifications:
- Exhibit a strong natural instinct for customer service
- Ability to work with the public in a helpful and supportive manner.
- Must be extremely reliable and able to meet deadlines and follow through on commitments.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills with people from diverse cultures and life circumstances.
- Must be flexible and willing to work in a fast-paced office environment
- Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are preferred
Benefits:
- You will receive ongoing training and support from skilled professionals.
- Help make a substantial difference in the lives of clients.
- Be engaged in the Mission community and give back to its residents
- Have a fun time meeting new people and learning about financial services
For more information, please contact Leticia Prado: lprado@medasf.org or (415) 282-3334 ext. 131.
