VISTA, Campaign for Working Families

Posted by on September 9, 2005

Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is committed to helping low wage working families move up the economic ladder. One of its major programs is to provide free tax services throughout Philadelphia (12,000 taxes for returns of almost $20 million in 2005). The Campaign also does outreach to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and PA TAX BACK to eligible households in Philadelphia. The Campaign is a partnership of 17 major organizations.

Two (2) AmeriCorps*VISTAs are needed to provide IT support to help put money back in the hands of Philadelphia. Some of the responsibilities are the following:

? Develop and execute electronic filing hardware/software assistance for site managers and host CWF sites
? Loading software on all training computers
? Loading software on all site computers, once new software comes in
? Coordinate getting all of the taxpayer files (State tax forms) into filing system
? Work with the Operations Coordinator in coordinating and delivering electronic filing training (including electronic filing software).
? Maintain working relationship Host Organization to gather electronic filing hardware/software information, updates, and other pertinent information
? Provide day-to-day technical support for hardware and software needs to CWF sites throughout the filing season
? Work with the Site Manager to evaluate the need for computer hardware
? Install and uninstall tax software onto computers
? Maintain electronic filing hardware inventory and specifications of hardware listed to assigned CWF sites, including site information and e-filing statistical data
? Maintain and report weekly backups and data collection materials to Operations Coordinator
? Develop sources for software maintenance, repairs, and upgrading

What are the benefits?
Training, a living allowance, limited health benefits, and relocation expenses (if you move). You may also be eligible for childcare assistance should you need it. AmeriCorps*VISTA members successfully completing a term of service in an approved national service position are eligible to receive either a $4,725 education award or end-of-service stipend of $1,200. Education awards can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training, or to repay qualified student loans. The education award option is subject to available education trust allocations to AmeriCorps*VISTA and must be selected prior to the start of service. AmeriCorps*VISTA members not enrolled in an approved national service position are not eligible for an education award.

For more information on the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, please visit <a href="http://www.americorps.org/joining/basics.html">http://www.americorps.org/joining/basics.html</a>

What are the qualifications?
You must be at least 18 years old. Most programs seek members with college degrees or at least three years of work experience. There is no upper age limit, and many AmeriCorps*VISTA members bring significant work and life experiences to their assignment. Self-initiative, flexibility, and organizational skills are a must. Fluency in Spanish or other languages also can be helpful in certain programs

This job posting is listed on the AmeriCorps website, reference number PA314814-4 (Campaign for Working Families/GPUAC).

For more information on this AmeriCorps*VISTA position, please contact:

Kelleigh Johnson, Director
Teaming for Technology
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
<a href="http://www.t4t.uwsepa.org">http://www.t4t.uwsepa.org</a>
<a href="http://www.thebeehive.org/philly">http://www.thebeehive.org/philly</a>
kelleigh@uwsepa.org
Phone: 215-665-2427
Fax: 215-665-2650