Positions
CEP volunteers make a difference by helping Illinois families move toward financial security. Whether you want to work directly with clients or behind the scenes, there is a place for you!
Click on any of the following opportunities for more information:
Tax Preparer
Work one-on-one with tax site clients, preparing federal and state income tax returns and providing basic counseling on tax law and credits.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are asked to volunteer a total of 20 hours or more from January to April after completing training. Scheduling is flexible; sites generally operate on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Training
Online training is available. Volunteers may study independently and take the certification test online. Training for new volunteers generally takes about 10 hours.
Required Skills
No tax experience is necessary. Basic computer proficiency is helpful.
Next Steps
Register online.
Tax Site Assistant
Aid in the overall flow of tax sites by helping with administrative activities, including client intake and outtake, copying and filing documents and child care. Site managers determine volunteer roles depending on the needs at each site.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are asked to volunteer a total of 20 hours or more from January to April after completing training. Scheduling is flexible; sites generally operate on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Training
Online training is available. Volunteers also receive on-the-job training from site managers and other volunteers on their first day at the tax site.
Required Skills
No prior experience is necessary.
Next Steps
Register online.
FAFSA On-the-Go
Help college-bound students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Work one-on-one with low-income students and their parents at Chicago-area high schools to complete their FAFSA applications and help them qualify for federal and state grants.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are asked to volunteer a total of 16 hours or more from January to April after completing training. Scheduling is flexible; FAFSA events are held weekdays, weeknights and some weekends.
Training
New volunteers complete 2 hours of training via online lessons.
Required Skills
No FAFSA experience is necessary. Basic computer proficiency is helpful.
Next Steps
Contact us via email or at 312.630.0288 to be notified when registration begins for next tax season.
Office Volunteer
Support CEP’s mission behind the scenes. Projects are available on an as-needed basis and may include data entry, mailings, research and more.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is flexible and may be as little as 2-3 hours one time; we ask that volunteers complete projects to which they have committed. Telecommuting may be available for volunteers outside the Chicagoland area for certain projects.
Training
On-the-job training and special sessions are provided as needed.
Required Skills
No prior experience is necessary.
Next Steps
Please note that office volunteers must register with an email address to receive any communications from CEP. Sign up as an office volunteer using our online registration system; you will receive our monthly email newsletter, where we share current opportunities.
Tax Representative
Represent low-income clients on federal and state income tax issues.
Time Commitment
Time commitment is flexible, and telecommuting is available. Volunteers may complete cases from their home or office and can take on cases according to their availability.
Training
On-the-job training and special sessions are provided as needed.
Required Skills
CPAs, attorneys and Enrolled Agents are able to take cases. Other volunteers may help out with administrative activities; the only requirement for administrative assistance is a willingness to learn.
Next Steps
Sign up as a tax representative using our online registration system; we will contact you for a short written or phone interview.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Services via email or at (312) 630-0288.