Part Time Intake & Outreach Specialist

Position Summary

Congreso’s Tax and Benefits Department provides free tax preparation, utility counseling, and public benefits counseling to community members, among other housing-related services. The temporary/seasonal Part Time Intake and Outreach Specialist is responsible for preparing client intakes, conducting community outreach, and supporting the overall administration of the tax site services at Congreso. This position provides services in both Spanish and English to the community. Intake responsibilities include greeting clients, managing appointments, and completing thorough intake packets. Outreach activities include canvassing the community door-to-door, presenting information at community events, and stationing information booths at high-traffic locations, such as libraries, to educate and mobilize the community to claim the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. The Intake and Outreach Specialist also prepares client tax returns in line with VITA site requirements.

This position reports to the Tax and Benefits Manager. This is an on-site position, with additional outreach work conducted at community hubs and in residential neighborhoods in the 19122 and 19133 zip codes and surrounding areas. During the tax preparation season (January through April), this position works during evening hours and on Saturday mornings. In total, this position works 20-25 hours weekly.

The Intake and Outreach Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and being an ambassador of our work.
• Provides a high level of customer service to clients, staff, and external entities.
• Greets clients, manages scheduling, and completes client intake packets to ensure smooth operations.
• Becomes VITA certified each year to have a basic understanding of IRS regulations and policies that pertain to individual tax returns
• Completes tax client intake interviews and income tax returns.
• Accurately records each service and contact with clients and community members into the program database and maintains a file for each client with the proper documentation.
• Conducts community outreach by hosting resource tables at community hubs and through neighborhood canvassing to meet program goals.
• Prepares mailings and informational packets to send to eligible participants.

• Maintains confidentiality as indicated by the agency’s policy and procedure.
• Provides administrative support functions for the program (i.e copying, faxing, data entry, etc.)
• Completes other duties as assigned

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED/HISET required.

Minimum Experience:

1-3 years’ experience in an office setting preferred, with demonstrated Microsoft Suite skills.

Certification/License:

VITA certifications are required and may be completed post-hire