About Seedco:

Seedco is a $60+ million national nonprofit organization that works with local partners to create economic opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers, workers and neighborhood entrepreneurs. Seedco uses practical, effective strategies to address the challenges confronting Americans who are struggling to leave poverty and achieve economic progress. Working on these issues for more than two decades, Seedco is a leader in implementing innovative, multi-partner initiatives that foster financial advancement and security.

Position Overview:

Seedco is a national nonprofit organization that partners with local, community agencies to create economic opportunities for low-income families. The EarnBenefits program is a key component of Seedco’s effort to connect low-wage workers to work supports and public benefits. Benefits counselors screen clients for a range of income-enhancing benefits, such as public health insurance, child care vouchers, and housing assistance, which have helped millions of Americans to maintain long-term employment and to achieve financial security. In 2009 alone, Seedco’s community partners helped nearly 13,000 people access benefits valued at over $13 million dollars. EarnBenefits also sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax assistance to connect low-income clients to tax credits and refunds. More information on Seedco and EarnBenefits can be found at www.seedco.org and www.earnbenefits.org.

Responsibilities:

Seedco’s dedicated AmeriCorps members are critical to the success of the EarnBenefits and VITA programs. During the 2010 tax season, AmeriCorps members led the VITA campaign in delivering over $9 million back into the pockets of our clients. As an AmeriCorps member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work one-on-one with low-income families at a Seedco office or at a partner community organization;
• Screen clients in EarnBenefits Online to connect them to income-enhancing benefits and services, such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and the Earned Income Tax Credit;
• Participate in trainings on topics such as work supports, volunteer recruitment, tax preparation and community outreach, and earn IRS certification to file taxes;
• File electronic tax returns and manage the day-to-day operations of your tax site (no previous tax experience required);
• Conduct community outreach to increase awareness of benefits and work support programs;
• Deliver workshops to clients on how to access benefits;
• Attend regular professional development sessions, networking and special events, to enhance your professional skills and gain career guidance; and
• Recruit volunteers to assist at VITA sites and in other EarnBenefits work.

As an AmeriCorps member, you will have a direct impact on the lives of the people you serve. We hope that you will take advantage of this unique and rewarding opportunity!

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree strongly preferred; minimum of high school diploma/GED;
• Customer service or social service experience preferred, particularly in low-income communities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong computer skills required;
• Excellent people skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends, as required;
• Bilingual skills in Spanish preferred, but not required;
• Basic knowledge of government benefit programs a plus; and
• Experience preparing tax returns a plus.

Compensation: 

$16,000 stipend plus benefits, including health coverage; an end-of-service
Educational Award of $5,350; student loan forbearance; child care assistance (if eligible) and a monthly Metrocard.

Eligibility Requirements:

According to federal guidelines of the AmeriCorps program, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

·        Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should forward their resume and a brief cover letter to: americorpsjobs@seedco.org. Email is preferable to fax. Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to personally acknowledge the receipt and status of each one. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please, no phone calls about this position.