Hiring Department University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement MoTax: Missouri Taxpayer Education Initiative Job Description MU TITLE: Educational Program Associate III LOCATION: Coverage of Jackson, Clay and Platte County - Independence, MO 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 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 program volunteers also provide free tax help to people with disabilities, the elderly and English-as-a-second-language taxpayers. 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 VITA/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. A combination of in-person and virtual (remote) work is anticipated. 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) site.
- 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 the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other 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 the diversity of clients, 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 region affirmative action plans. Other duties and responsibilities will be expected to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.
- 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 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 inclusivity, 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.
- Ensure all youth and adults in the county have an equal opportunity to participate in extension programs which offer a safe environment.
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.Shift 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. Minimum Qualifications 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. Preferred Qualifications
- 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 economically vulnerable families.
- Access to reliable transportation.
- Ability to manage volunteers in a team environment.
Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 hourly Grade: GGS-007 University Title: Educational Program Associate III Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. Benefit Eligibility 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 . Values Commitment We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-###-####. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-###-####.