Program Assistant

Lao Family Community Development, Inc.•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Lao Family Community Development, Inc. (LFCD) is a community development non-profit agency established in the City of Richmond in Contra Costa County in 1980. Today, Lao Family has expanded its operations and service footprint to two additional counties, including Alameda and Sacramento. LFCD's headquarters office is in Oakland, CA. It delivers programs and services from 7 locations in 35 languages. The agency provides community development, real estate facilities, and a diverse array of workforce, education, and human services that directly support predominantly low-income US-born high-barrier families and individuals, refugees, immigrants, transitional-age youth, seniors, and other special populations such as individuals with disabilities. Job Summary: Under the direction of the Lead VITA Coordinator, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Assistant offers free tax preparation to those who meet the IRS annual income threshold. The role of the Program Assistant is to provide income tax preparation to low-income individuals, accurately report their annual income, make the correct deductions, and follow IRS regulations. This is a temporary full-time position from February 2026 to April 2026, with an extension available depending upon the funder's request. The mission of the VITA Program is to assist eligible taxpayers in satisfying their tax responsibilities by providing free tax return preparation. To establish the greatest degree of public trust, volunteers are required to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and provide quality service.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Must have at least 1 year of experience doing similar work. Bilingual in Mien, Burmese, and/or Spanish is required.
Able to successfully meet program goals by working remotely and in the office, as needed. Able to work independently with minimal to no direct supervision.
Must pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) certification test and agree that they will adhere to the VSC by signing and dating Form 13615.
Strong organizational and time-management skills and consistent attention to follow-up
Proficient in computer skills, MS Office, Gmail, Internet, and Email.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, compassionate ability to work with the public, and work well with diverse populations of clients and volunteers.
Must be available to work on a non-standard work schedule, including as needed (evenings and weekends).
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire; must pass a background check
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work on the computer; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear; and move objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Collect relevant documents, including pay stubs, W-2, and income statements, and inform customers of their tax preparation process.
Input data into VITA TaxSlayer.
Using VITA TaxSlayer to determine deductions and how much clients will pay or earn on their returns.
Completing and filing tax documents as appropriate and responding to inquiries as needed.
Communicate with the Lead VITA Coordinator and program staff, and attend program meetings and check-ins.
Maintain all tax returns for filing and reporting records. Monitor data and report deadlines, review, and follow up to ensure all returns are accurate.
Schedule all tax appointments for screening and intake services. Assist the VITA Coordinator and Lead VITA Coordinator in cross-reviewing volunteers filing tax returns, and with the collection of required IRS forms, site material orders, and pick-up.
Electronically file tax returns with the IRS within 24 hours, and resolve rejected returns in a timely manner.
Professionally represent LFCD in the community to promote and expand services.
Other duties as assigned.