Program Associate

University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement

MU TITLE: Educational Program Associate III

LOCATION: Coverage of Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties - Independence, Missouri

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement's distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/

The MoTax: Missouri Taxpayer Education Initiative program offers free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Through this hands-on financial education program, IRS-certified student volunteers discuss and prepare tax returns for free at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. VITA sites, set up at community and neighborhood centers throughout the nation, offer electronic tax filing with direct deposit refunds.

This position will assist Extension personnel in the coordination and implementation of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs providing overall coordination of a large central-city tax site during the tax season and assisting in the support and operation of other sites as needed. Multiple software platforms are used to facilitate VITA/TCE and other Extension programs - the Program Associate will be expected to learn and use them regularly. The Program Associate must have the ability to travel and work flexible hours. Evenings and weekends may be required to fulfill assigned responsibilities, particularly during the tax season.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manage day-to-day operations and coordinate volunteers at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
• Troubleshoot, transmit, and correct rejected tax returns for VITA clients or supervise volunteers to do so.
• Assist Extension personnel with volunteer orientation, training, and support.
• Assist program/site coordinators to equip tax sites, which may include procurement and delivery of equipment and supplies.
• Assist with volunteer and taxpayer scheduling.
• Return calls and emails from program participants.
• Provide episodic site coordination for a mobile site focusing on vulnerable taxpayers across the metro on select dates during tax season.
• Recruit tax preparation and other volunteers to work at VITA site(s) as needed.
• Assist Extension personnel in identifying and recruiting new local partner organizations to support VITA.
• Assist Extension personnel in securing funding to support the VITA program.
• Assist Extension personnel in promoting the VITA program and providing information to the public about eligibility requirements for family tax credits.
• Assist Extension personnel in coordinating personal finance education for VITA clients.
• Maintain good relationships with both campus and off-campus Extension personnel, partners in local communities, and key media allies.
• Maintain productive working relationships with VITA volunteers and community partners.
• Exhibit respect and sensitivity to VITA clients.
• Demonstrate respect for volunteers and partners.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and federal regulations.
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Administrative supervision is received from the MU Extension Community Development (VITA) Specialist. This position is not responsible for supervision.

CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION STAFF

• Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate civility, and respect for all.
• Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills.
• Operate with minimal guidance and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system. It is the state's land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU's broad undergraduate programs and its' graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America's most livable cities. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

An associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 months of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Basic computer skills and an ability to learn TaxSlayer software.
• Excellent presentation and writing skills.
• Strong organization skills
• Knowledge of relevant tax law or an ability to acquire the knowledge through the training provided.
• Commitment to addressing the needs of qualifying families.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to manage volunteers in a team environment.

Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Grade: GGS-007

University Title: Educational Program Associate III

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.