VITA Site Coordinator, Tax Preparer

Mission of United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN)

United Way of Greater Newark, founded in 1923, envisions a future where every individual and family can live with dignity, security, and opportunity. Our mission is to build strong, inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. Building on UWGN’s strategic plan and framework, our goal is to build thriving communities for ALICE. ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is working but not making enough to make ends meet.

Background to Newark Free Tax Prep

Newark Free Tax Prep is an initiative under the Newark Prosperity Hub (formerly the Newark Asset Building Coalition), which is a coalition of organizations that provides free tax prep services by IRS-certified tax preparers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Through the Newark Free Tax Program, we offer free tax assistance to low- and moderate-income “ALICE” individuals with a taxable income of $80,000 or less on their tax return. Newark Free Tax Prep has been instrumental in helping hard-working ALICE families in Greater Newark take advantage of the tax credits to which they are eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and education credits. In 2025, Newark Free Tax Prep provided a value of $7 million back to the community through tax refunds and avoided fees across eight in-person locations and the online program.

UWGN seeks an independent contractor to serve as a site coordinator 20 hours a week for 11 weeks beginning February 2, 2026. This role will be split between community-based locations in the Essex County Area. East Orange Public Library 21 S Arlington Ave East Orange NJ, Bloomfield Public Library 90 Broad Street Bloomfield NJ, New Community Corporation 274 South Orange Ave, Newark and Urban League 508 Central Ave, Newark NJ.

Duties

Newark Free Tax Prep is an initiative under the Newark Prosperity Hub (NPH) that provides free tax prep services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Through the Newark Free Tax Program, we offer free tax help to people with $80,000 or less taxable income on their tax return. Newark Free Tax Prep has been crucial in helping hard-working families in Newark take advantage of all of the tax credits they are eligible for including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and education credits.

Through the Newark Free Tax Prep program, tax returns are prepared free of charge for low and moderate income individuals by site coordinators and trained and certified volunteers. The Site Coordinators oversee all aspects of tax intake, preparation, and quality review and oversees volunteers.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to perform the following tasks:

• • Performs all responsibilities that will ensure the safe and efficient operation of the VITA sites, including maintaining privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information
  • Manages VITA site operations during the tax season alongside lead site coordinator and ensures site is open as scheduled and can meet the demand of appointments
  • Ensures that all volunteers working at the site have completed the required certification and recognize and appreciate volunteers
  • Ensures that all volunteers working at the site have the proper tools and information to accurately file tax returns
  • Tax preparation, E-Filing/Transmission, and Quality Review: Acts as the e-file administrator
  • Reviews tax returns to be e-filed to ensure quality and completeness
  • E-files returns within 48 hours of preparation
  • Maintains files for accepted returns and paper returns
  • Reviews rejects and informs tax filers within 24 hours. Take necessary action to fix the problem and resubmit the tax return
  • Attends orientation Zoom meetings and check-in meetings, as needed
  • Completes additional related tasks when requested
  • Represents the work of United Way of Greater Newark and their partners professionally and responsibly
  • Other duties as assigned

Experience

• • Prior VITA experience a plus
  • Familiarity with TaxSlayer Software a plus
  • Associate or Bachelor degree in accounting, tax, or related-field preferred
  • Required to pass the online IRS certifications in Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality review, Advanced VITA certification and Site Coordinator Training (all online tests to be completed prior to date of hire)
  • Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus
  • Strong Customer Service and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Must be available to work flexible hours to evenings and a half day on Saturdays
  • Ability to manage and coordinate an all-volunteer staff alongside Lead Site Coordinator
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Strong analytical skills

United Way of Greater Newark is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to Tony Vicente, VITA Manager at Tvicente@uwnewark.org. Positions will be filled as soon as possible.

Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus