Spring 2025: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Intern (Unpaid)

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship* 

IRC BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and

resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has

resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous

program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately

7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different

Departments.

The IRC’s Center for Financial Opportunity (CFO) helps 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 building assets, and starting small businesses. Core to CFO, is the inclusion of financial literacy and asset-building services throughout all CFO services. These core services include integrated financial literacy and coaching sessions; asset-building training, coaching, and individual development accounts for asset acquisition; easy access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit; access to affordable consumer and credit-building loan products; and stabilization supports to address immediate needs.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP:

The VITA Internwill assist the IRC Tax Specialists in providing volunteer and client support to refugees, immigrants, and low-income individuals responsible for the seamless coordination and day-to-day administration of the IRC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the IRC El Cajon tax site. This role supports the delivery of free tax preparation services to individuals and families, resulting in millions in tax refunds to low-income communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• SupportVITA Site operations, encompassing the tax season period (January – April 2025).

• AssistVITA volunteers, including greeters, tax preparers, and quality reviewers.

• Schedule tax appointments and deliver exceptional customer service to clients.

• Participate in Site Coordinator Training to enhance proficiency.

• Complete the IRS Link and Learn tax training at the Advanced level.

• Conduct quality reviews and electronically file tax returns in compliance with established procedures.

• Coordinate and actively participate in marketing and outreach initiatives for the IRC’s VITA program.

• Ensure strict adherence to IRS and VITA program policies and procedures, guaranteeing compliance at all times.

• Undertake any other duties as assigned in support of the IRC’s mission and objectives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• The intern will cultivate strong intercultural communication skills and competency necessary for effective interaction in diverse settings.

• The Intern will acquirecustomer service skills, tax law expertise, broader network opportunities, and access to a thorough training that will enhance their career.

• The intern will develop a detailed understanding of barriers hindering refugees, immigrants, and low-income community membersfrom accessing economic empowerment services. The intern will identify strategies and resources to mitigate these barriers effectively.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, or a related field preferred; or mix of equivalent years of related work experience and education;

• Excellent customer service skills, including experience working with a diverse client base;

• Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail;

• High level of comfort, functioning, and effectiveness in multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams;

• Strong commitment to economic empowerment of low-income and underserved populations;

• Excellent written and verbal English.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity

Working Environment:

• The VITA Internship is in-person at the San Diego office

• Required Weekly Hours: 15-20 Hours

• The VITA Site will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm. We request Interns to support within operating hours.