Financial Empowerment Intern

Job Overview:

The IRC’s Program Quality and Innovation Unit assists offices in helping newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals reach self-sufficiency by finding entry-level employment and progress to living-wage jobs, learn basic financial management skills, and build assets, start small businesses, and access the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Under the supervision of IRC SLC’s Financial Capability Program staff (e.g., Financial Coach or Program Manager), the Financial Empowerment Intern supports the coordination and day-to-day administration of the IRC’s Financial Capability programming, including the National Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, credit-building initiatives, and financial coaching efforts in Salt Lake City, UT. IRC’s goal is to assist local residents, particularly refugee and immigrant communities, in building financial independence and improving their economic well-being through accessible, culturally, and linguistically appropriate services.

Major Responsibilities:

VITA Tax Program:

Assist with the day-to-day operations of the IRC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site during tax season, including but not limited to:

• Screening clients for eligibility and scheduling appointments for tax preparation.
• Supporting the intake process, including collecting required documents from clients.
• Assisting clients in completing intake forms.
• Providing customer service and answering basic questions about the VITA program.
• Coordinating with volunteer tax preparers to ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct outreach to community members to promote the VITA program.
• Optional: Complete IRS Link and Learn tax training (Basic or Advanced certification encouraged but not required).

Financial Capability Programming:

• Support Financial Coaches in delivering group financial literacy workshops by helping with logistics and materials preparation.
• Join one-on-one financial coaching sessions to observe and provide logistical support.
• Assist with program data entry and reporting as needed.
• Help organize outreach materials and presentations related to Financial Capability programming.

Minimum Qualifications:

Job Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, social sciences, or a related field.
• Interest in gaining experience in financial empowerment, tax preparation, or community outreach.
• Excellent customer service skills, including experience working with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High level of computer literacy; familiarity with tax preparation or data entry software is a plus.
• Commitment to empowering low-income and underserved populations.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment;
• Some evening and weekend work hours may be required;
• Home internet and personal computer/laptop
• 10 – 20 hours/week, January 13th – April 25^th

This is an unpaid internship, no compensation is available, including for relocation costs.