Job Opportunities at UWGMC
About United Way of Greater Mercer County:
We connect people with resources propelling individuals and families to reach their fullest potential creating a thriving community. In order to achieve our mission, we invest in programs, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement in youth and family success, economic vitality and health and wellness.
Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive greater Mercer County whereby all can thrive.
The strategic priorities of the organization include:
1. Increase organizational visibility and demonstrate value proposition
2. Build and expand community impact products (programs + services)
3. Demonstrate commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
4. Increase and diversify revenue
Position Summary:
The Bilingual Resource Specialist will ensure Mercer County’s Spanish-speaking community members are provided benefits screening and eligibility information regarding public benefits. The Resource Specialist will provide application assistance and community referrals. The Bilingual Resource Specialist will also work with different community agencies to increase access to supportive resources. The Bilingual Resource Specialist is part of United Way of Greater Mercer County’s (UWGMC) Community Impact Team (Program Department).
Reports to: Director of Community Impact
Position Classification: Grant Funded FT, salaried, exempt.
Primary responsibilities are as follows:
• The Bilingual Resource Specialist will receive referrals from community partners: local food pantries/soup kitchens, non-profits/community agencies, Mercer County Corrections Center, etc. to screen and enroll individuals in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal benefits.
• Work in partnership with members of the Community Impact Team (Program Department) to promote free tax preparation services (VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and other financial wellness resources.
• The Bilingual Resource Specialist will work with individual participants to identify public benefits and community resources available to clients and their families. Additionally, the Resource Specialist will:
o Utilize CRM tool for benefits screening, case management technology, operational support, and evaluation tools.
o Conduct telephone outreach and identify potential clients for referrals and benefits eligibility screening.
o Assist in the completion of new and renewal benefits applications on behalf of clients.
o Assist in the completion of Get Covered NJ application if participant does not qualify for NJ Family Care benefits.
o Offer additional assistance for all the energy assistance programs (LIHEAP, USF/HEA, NJ Shares, TRUE Program, and Cooling Assistance), General Assistance, TANF, PAAD applications, and NJ SAVES applications.
o Provide telephone benefits enrollment counseling services to potential applicants in a fair, impartial manner and in a way that is individually appropriate.
• Provide light-touch case management for all applications, following up with applicants to ensure that respective applications and required documentation are submitted and informing clients about their application status.
• Assisting clients in resolving problems, answering questions about their benefits, and when needed, advocating on behalf of clients with the appropriate public agencies and service providers.
• Conduct Screening and/or Enrollment at community events and tax sites to provide information as to whether the client qualifies for federal/state benefits, such as food and nutrition programs (SNAP, WIC) and health insurance (CHIP, Medicaid).
• Represent United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) in community meetings and events to maintain a presence/voice in the community.
• Assist in exploring partnerships with faith-based groups, community organizations, Mercer County schools and other stakeholders to increase awareness and participation in the community benefits program and other UWGMC community impact programs.
• Perform other tasks assigned to fulfill the United Way’s mission.
Reporting Requirements
• Ensure that all program outcomes are properly documented in an accurate and timely manner through CRM reporting system.
• Ensure that UWGMC’s programmatic goals and individual targets, as they relate to outreach and application completion, are achieved.
• Work with UWGMC staff and community partners/nonprofit organizations, to use program performance data to drive improvements to the program design and implementation at each of the sites.
Expectations
• Must work well with a diverse community.
• Participate in all required trainings and meetings and maintain a strong and current expertise in public benefits eligibility, application, and enrollment, as well as community resources and tax services available at and near host sites – county and statewide.
• Participate in community meetings.
• Must complete CRM web-based training.
• Provide daily and weekly updates including schedule through phone calls, emails, virtual or face-to-face meetings.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends or early mornings as needed.
• Participate in UWGMC Staff Meetings.
• Work in conjunction with the Community Impact Department.
• Must submit timesheets and expense reports by due date.
Skills & Experience:
• Three-to-Five (3 to 5) years of experience with benefits enrollment and case management.
• Proficient in Spanish/English.
• Three-to-Five (3 to 5) years of experience working within the Mercer County community preferred.
• Project management experience a plus.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Dynamic, energetic, and driven personality required.
• Solid time management and effective multi-tasking required.
• Must demonstrate attention to detail, strong critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficient computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite).
• Experience working with web-based platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle, automobile/vehicle with valid insurance.
Core Competencies:
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following core competencies:
• Passion for mission and community
• Collaboration oriented
• Inclusiveness and welcoming
• Integrity and trust
• Emotional intelligence
• Flexibility, creativity, and adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Results-focused
• Supports self-sustaining efforts
Compensation:
United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) is committed to continuous awareness and improvement in the services we provide and the organization where people work. UWGMC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Salary $50K/per year. Medical benefits, 401 (K) offered, paid holidays including two (2) floating holidays and flexible schedule. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@uwgmc.org. Write “Bilingual-Spanish Resource Specialist” in subject line.
Position Overview:
The Tax Program Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Mercer County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) during tax season. The Tax Program Coordinator will work in conjunction with the Director of Economic Mobility Initiatives at United Way of Greater Mercer County to ensure programmatic goals and grant deliverables are met.
UWGMC’s goal is to assist at least 2,000 taxpayers in preparing their returns in a safe, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
The Tax Program Coordinator position is Part-Time/Seasonal, grant funded December through May. Compensation/Salary is $31 per hour.
Major Responsibilities:
Site Coordination Management:
• Overall technical management of all VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program) tax sites in the Mercer CASH Campaign during tax season
• Accountable to IRS, IRS Grants office and Director of Economic Mobility Initiatives on all issues concerning the VITA program
• Supervision of virtual and in-person volunteer tax preparers
• Provide requested information for the grant management and data collection
• Oversight of opening and closing the tax sites on each operating day
• Manage any taxpayer issues along with site coordinator(s)
• Liaison with the tax software and IRS
• Ensure all equipment is in working condition and troubleshoot as needed
• Conduct all mandatory site coordinator meetings
• Develop and distribute site coordinator’s weekly email which includes IRS Tax Alerts, etc.
• Complete, review, and transmit tax returns when needed
• Make sure surveys are collected at tax program sites
• Providing customer service to clients, as needed
Volunteer Management:
• Manage volunteer management system (making sure volunteers are entering hours into volunteer management software)
• In partnership with the Director of Economic Mobility Initiatives recruit and vet tax preparer volunteers
• Spearhead volunteer deployment to specific tax sites and at designated times to meet demand
• Ensure all volunteers adhere to the Volunteer Standard of Conduct and Quality Site Requirements along with site coordinators
• Sign each Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement (Form 13615), acknowledging that you have verified the required certifications and proper identification for all volunteers prior to allowing them to work at the VITA/TCE site.
• Coordinate training logistics
• Regularly communicate with volunteers and site coordinators to provide updates, announcements and to problem-solve.
• Support tax site coordinators to ensure they have appropriate materials and volunteers
IRS Training Requirements:
• Complete Tax Law training, electronic filing software training, and the submission and signing of the Confidentiality Statement
• Successfully pass Tax Law tests (Advance, HSA; Link and Learn; www.irs.gov)
• Complete the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conducts, Intake and Interview training and testing
• Complete SPEC Site Coordinator Training
• Sign the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement (Form-13615)
Requirements:
• Enroller Agent or a CPA license preferred
• Experience completing tax returns in a professional manner required
• Experience with employee and volunteer management required
• Must have flexibility with scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings
• Must have a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and be comfortable driving, parking, and conducting outreach in urban areas
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. of equipment in and out of a car
• Provide daily and weekly updates of progress through phone calls, emails or face to face meetings
Skills and Experience:
• Strong understanding of tax preparation processes and IRS regulations
• Team oriented personality; willingness to help where needed
• Attention to detail; ability to multi-task; proactive problem solver
• Ability to use and troubleshoot technology including computers, printers, hotspots, internet, and web-based platforms
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations and supervise large, diverse group of volunteers
• Commitment to economic empowerment of low-income and underserved populations
• Strong project management experience
• Familiarity with TaxSlayer software is a plus
Working Environment:
• Standard, professional office environment
• Some evening and weekend work hours will be required
• Strong ability to work independently
• Superb ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced work environment
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity:
United Way of Greater Mercer County is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
United Way of Greater Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to:
Jessica Figueroa, Director of Economic Mobility Initiatives
Email: Jessica.Figueroa@uwgmc.org
Write “VITA Tax Program Coordinator” in subject line.
