Volunteer District Coordinator Needed in Helena Area for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, presents rewarding opportunity

Alexander Raths - Fotolia

AARP Foundation is searching for a new volunteer district coordinator to implement its Tax-Aide program in the Helena area. With the help of volunteers, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most.

Current local Helena area coordinator Concetta Eckel, who has held the position for nearly 8 years, is planning to resign at the end of this year’s tax season.

Eckel said she takes great pride and satisfaction in volunteering for Tax-Aide.

“The people that come to us are so grateful they are able to get individualized tax preparation for free,” Eckel said. “It’s extremely gratifying to serve as a Tax-Aide volunteer in the District Coordinator position. I am thankful to have had the experience, but now it’s time to hand the reins over to a new volunteer.”

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification prior to working with taxpayers. The Helena Area District Coordinator is responsible for the implementation and coordination of the AARP Tax-Aide program within the Helena area including recruiting, appointing, training, supervising, and evaluating all volunteer coordinators in the district. Last year in the Helena area district, more than 540 tax returns were filed.

“Many older, low-income taxpayers miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation,” said Eckel “AARP Foundation Tax-Aide addresses this community need with volunteers who are not only helping their neighbors, but also learning new skills and giving their mind a workout as well. We have a wonderful team of Tax-Aide volunteers in the Helena area – the new District Coordinator will find them enjoyable and rewarding to work with.”

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown remarkably since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves nearly 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.7 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this program.

“The people we do taxes for are so appreciative of our service. It’s truly heart-warming to help people who really need help,” Eckel said.

A position description for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide District Coordinator position is below.

To learn more or to apply for the position, please call 406-933-8300.

About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.

Position description: AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer District Coordinator (DC)

Program: The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free personal income tax counseling and tax form preparation to middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older.

Purpose of Position: The District Coordinator implements program plans in one assigned geographic district within a state.

Responsibilities of Position: Supported by the policies and procedures of the Association and the AARP Tax-Aide program, the District Coordinator:

• Sets goals and coordinates the AARP Tax-Aide program within the assigned district.
• Coordinates with and uses the state management team’s expertise in carrying out the activities of the program.
• Recruits, appoints, trains, supervises, and evaluates Local Coordinators, Instructors, Communications Coordinators, and Technology Coordinators.
• Plans and conducts AARP Tax-Aide district meetings as required, and attends meetings of the State Coordinator as requested.
• Monitors the publicity, technology, and training activities within the district.
• Implements reporting procedures for site lists, volunteer rosters, and counseling activities.
• Coordinates with the Training Specialist to train and certify Instructors.
• Implements Counselor training and certification.
• Actively encourages the involvement of diverse populations in AARP Tax-Aide activities.
• Supervises volunteer expenditures and approves expense statements in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Implements corporate partnership program at the district level with Partnership and Communications Specialist guidance.

Qualifications: The DC must have the ability to implement program policy and provide specific oversight of the program and its volunteers within the designated district. The DC must be able to work effectively with diverse populations.

Term of Service: The DC is appointed for a one-year term, and may be reappointed for subsequent one-year terms.

Eligibility: The DC is eligible for other AARP volunteer positions, including those within AARP Tax-Aide.

Time Required: Time commitment varies according to geographic area and number of volunteers. The position demands more time from September to May, with the greatest commitment during fall planning and spring evaluation.

Training Required: The DC must acquire the knowledge of all procedures associated with the program. Familiarity with tax procedures is helpful but detailed tax knowledge is not required.

Travel Required: The DC is required to visit the sites and training locations to monitor operations, and to attend state and district meetings as necessary for performance of duties.

Appointment/Supervision/Scope of Authority: The DC is appointed by the AARP Tax-Aide State Coordinator (or Senior District Coordinator if applicable) with the concurrence of the AARP Tax-Aide Regional Coordinator. The DC reports directly to the AARP Tax-Aide State Coordinator, and manages and implements program policies and procedures within an assigned portion of the state (sub-state).

Working Relations: The DC supervises Instructors, Local, Communications, and Technology Coordinators and works closely with state management team specialists. Progress Review: The DC's performance is monitored on an on-going basis and reviewed annually by the State Coordinator.

Available Resources: The DC will be afforded the necessary guidance, training and materials needed to facilitate leadership responsibilities. Additional support and training are provided from the national and field office staff, State Coordinator, and IRS staff. AARP Tax-Aide reimburses volunteers for covered program related expenses as set out in the Coordinators Handbook.

Volunteer Policy: AARP Foundation volunteers will receive equal opportunity and treatment throughout recruitment, appointment, training, and service. There will be no discrimination based on age, disabilities, gender, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic status, or sexual orientation.