Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Intake Assistantvolunteer Agreement

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Intake Assistantvolunteer Agreement

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Intake AssistantVolunteer Agreement

This agreement describes the arrangement between El Programa HispanoCatólico and ______. The agreement states what you as a volunteer can expect from us, and how we anticipate your rolewithin the organization. The intention of the agreement is to establish clear expectations of the service you will provide and to demonstrate our commitment to making your volunteer experience here enjoyable, productive and rewarding. We thank you for your pledge and offer you the deepest appreciation of your services.

Our Mission

El Programa HispanoCatólicois committed to increasing self-sufficiency within the Latino community, to empower individuals to achieve a better quality of life and to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures.In support of the mission of El Programa HispanoCatólico, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides the low income and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities free and accurate tax preparation in a trustworthy and culturally appropriatesetting. As well as providing direct service, VITA offers its clients the tools and education necessary to betterunderstand and take control of their personal tax situation.

VITA’s Commitment

It is essential that your participation as a VITA Volunteer Intake Assistantbe valuable toour organization, to our clientsand to you as a volunteer. Our intention is to offer the supportfundamental to your successful volunteer participation. To aid in your success El Programa Hispano Católico and the VITA Site Coordinator agree to provide you:

  • The basic training to prepare you with the skills vital to participate as a Volunteer Intake Assistant
  • The necessary supervisionand support to ensure a positive volunteer experience
  • Open and honest communication and constructive feedback
  • A safe volunteer environment

A Volunteer’s Commitment

A volunteer’s successful participation with VITA demands complete fulfillment of the responsibilities described on Page 2 of this document and of the requirements presented on Page 3.Additionally your open and honest communication and suggestions with the SiteCoordinator and fellow volunteers will further contribute to your success and the success of the program.

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I have read and understand the VITA Volunteer Intake AssistantVolunteer Agreement, Position Description and Position Requirements and agree to the terms of this agreement.

VITA Site Coordinator signature: ______Date: ______

Volunteer Intake Assistantsignature: ______Date: ______

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Volunteer Intake Assistant Position Description

A Volunteer Intake Assistant will complete VITA’s Intake Assistant training and successfully certify in the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct and in the use of agency and IRS intake forms. He or she assumes a variety of responsibilities including provide intake assistance to our clients, and bears certain significant qualities including a strong desire to help people and the ability to provide direct service in a compassionate and respectful manner.

Job responsibilities

  • Assist taxpayers with IRS, El Programa Hispano Católico and CASH Oregon intake forms
  • Provide direct service in a compassionate and respectful manner
  • Communicate effectively with clients with special attention given to accurate understanding and input of taxpayer information
  • Consistently utilize training resource materials in order to accurately complete taxpayer intake forms
  • Consult with fellow volunteer Intake Assistants and/or Site Coordinator for help in finding answers to questions
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and protect security of all taxpayer information and records at all times
  • Maintain Volunteer Hours record on a daily basis (provided)

Knowledge, abilities and qualities

  • Commitment to the mission of El Programa Hispano Católico and VITA
  • Passion for helping underserved populations
  • Ability to provide direct service in a compassionate and respectful manner
  • Intermediate to high level of Spanish
  • Cultural competency to serve the Latinocommunity
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Motivated self-starter
  • Detail-oriented
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and honesty
  • Committed to working as a member of a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining highest standard of quality in work performance

From this experience a volunteer can expect to:

  • Provide vital service to the low-income and Spanish-speaking communities
  • Gain knowledge about the workings of a free tax preparation site
  • Acquire experience and skills to apply in a job setting and other areas of life
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Practice Spanish language skills

Volunteer Intake AssistantPosition Requirements

In order for the VITA program to functioneffectively and give its clients the highest quality of service while providing all staff and volunteers the bestpossible work experience, a VITA VolunteerIntake Assistantagrees tomeet the following expectations. Failure to meet these expectations will result in the forfeiting of your volunteer position.

1)Attend one of the followingVITA’s Intake Assistant trainings at our Gresham office (333 SE 223rd Ave, 97030):

  • Sunday January 14th,1:00-4:00pm.
  • ORWednesday January 17th, 5:30-8:30pm.

2)Pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Certification Test with an 80% score or higher.

  • Your test will be turned in for correction to the Site Coordinator at the Gresham office or via e-mail no later than 5:00pm, Tuesday January 23rd.

3)Attend and arrive promptly for scheduled shift each week during tax season, January 25th to April 17th, 2018. Our program and our clients depend on each volunteer’s attendance and reliability.

  • Shift options are as follows (arrival/departure hours may vary slightly depending on volunteer availability):
  • Wednesdays: 3:30-7:30pm
  • Thursdays: 3:30-7:30pm
  • Fridays: 12:00-3:00pm
  • Saturday mornings: 8:15am-12:15pm
  • Sundays 8:15am-12:15pm
  • We welcome those seeking to volunteer more of their time any extra shifts you are able, especially during our busiest month of February. The more volunteer hours provided the more low-income taxpayers we are able to serve!
  • If you must miss a shift due to an unforeseen emergency or illness, please contact your Site Coordinator via e-mail or text message with at least three hours advance notice.
  • If you need a future day off please give the Site Coordinator at least one week’s notice.
  • Please notify the Site Coordinator as soon as possible via e-mail or text if you will arrive late.

4)Attend one of VITA’s mobile site visits to the following underserved areas (unless otherwise agreed upon by Site Coordinator):

  • Casa Verde Apartments, Canby, OR - Sunday February 11th, 1:30-5:30pm
  • Plaza los Robles Apartments, Molalla, OR - Sunday February 18th, 1:30-5:30pm

5)(Depending on volunteers’ availability) Attend our final shift on Tuesday, April 17th, 4:30-9:00pm. Tax Day falls on a Tuesday this year instead of Sunday the 15th so we will offer taxpayers special hours the 17th.

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