IRC San Diego Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Intern

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Scope of Internship:

The VITA Intern will assist IRC Tax Specialists in providing volunteer and client support to refugees, immigrants, and low-income individuals and help coordinate the day-to-day administration of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The intern will also provide volunteer management, reporting, and administrative support while working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and Tax Specialists to ensure effective program delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Support VITA site operations throughout the tax season period (January - April 2026).

• Assist VITA volunteers including greeters, tax preparers, and quality reviewers.

• Schedule tax appointments and provide high-quality customer service to clients.

• Participate in Site Coordinator Training and complete IRS Link & Learn tax training at the Advanced level. 

• Conduct quality reviews and electronically file tax returns in compliance with IRS and VITA procedures. 

• Coordinate and participate in marketing and outreach initiatives for the IRC VITA program.

• Ensure compliance with IRS and VITA program policies and procedures. 

• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to support volunteer recruitment, engagement, retention, and program administration. 

• Maintain accurate volunteer records, generate volunteer participation and program reports, and oversee volunteer data management using the Golden Volunteer Management Platform. 

• Ensure timely and accurate tracking of volunteer hours, activities, communications, and program compliance requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the IRC mission and objectives. 

Learning Objectives:

• Cultivate intercultural communication skills and competency for effective interaction in diverse settings. 

• Gain customer service skills, tax law knowledge, networking opportunities, and professional training.

• Develop an understanding of barriers affecting refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities and identify strategies to address those barriers. 

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Excellent customer service and organizational skills. 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in multicultural environments.

• Commitment to economic empowerment of underserved populations. 

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills. 

Working Environment 

The VITA site operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interns are expected to support the program 15 to 20 hours per week within operating hours.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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