Tax Specialist

Temporary Full-Time Position

Mission Economic Development Agency MEDA

Hours: Vary by tax site.  Must be flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends

Supervisor:  Financial Assets Senior Coach

Start Date: January 3, 2022

Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) is a community-based, local economic development organization that for over 46 years has engaged individuals and small businesses in community-building strategies that together lead to appropriate and equitable economic development in the Mission District. MEDA primarily serves low-income clients, focusing on the Latino and/or Spanish-speaking community. In accomplishing its mission, MEDA is involved in small business assistance, financial capability, tax preparation, public benefits, homeownership services, and workforce development.

Since 2010 MEDA has coordinated the largest tax program in the Bay Area, providing free tax preparation services to low-income families and individuals. This effort has brought more than $30 million to the community by preparing more than 24,000 tax returns and engaging low-income folks in a long-term path toward financial capability.

The VITA site offers free tax assistance to low-income families and connects them to other asset development services such as public benefits, affordable financial products, and management of personal finances among others.

The Tax Site Asset Specialist will coordinate the delivery of asset development information, services, and products to tax program clients.

Responsibilities:

• Become an Advance Tax preparer and assist in the preparation of taxes.

• Collaborate with the FinTax Team as needed.

• Connect clients to relevant asset development services by referring to the intake and assessment forms.

• Actively engage and connect clients to asset-building product and service opportunities at multiple points during the tax preparation process.

• Assist clients in making connections to appropriate services/providers at the site.

• Work closely with all players at the tax site including site coordinators, volunteers, program staff, partners, and clients to generate a cohesive asset-building delivery process.

• Monitor and track the uptake rate of products and services offered.

• Promote asset-building products and services by coordinating and creating materials for the tax site. (like Vita-Card)

• Attend the volunteer appreciation event at the end of the tax season.

• Supporting client connections to other asset-building services.

Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and in Spanish.

• Strong initiative and project follow-through.

• Cultural competence in working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, LGBT communities, and persons of various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, health statuses, and abilities.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

• Commitment to social justice and asset building for low-income populations.

• Ability to pass the IRS certification at the Advanced level for the VITA preparation.