Volunteering at TAPS
Our volunteers are a crucial and beloved part of what keeps TAPS up and running. Bringing with them a vast and diverse set of skills and helping with everything from filing tax returns, to answering the phones, and helping folks navigate disability applications, they generously donate hundreds of hours to supporting our clients. Keep reading to learn more about the different volunteer roles we have available and how to express interest.
Please note that depending on when we are in need of volunteers, you may not receive an immediate response from a coordinator.
Volunteer Disability Advocacy Project (VDAP)
Volunteer Disability Advocates work one-on-one with clients applying for Persons with Disabilities designation status through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Volunteer advocates assist clients to draft aspects of their application, help liaise with their health practitioners, and review completed applications prior to submission. There is an application process for this position and volunteers must participate in a training program provided by TAPS, offered twice a year in September and January. Volunteer disability advocates must have strong organizational, writing, interpersonal, and analytical thinking skills.
Time commitment: 8 hour training program, spread over two weeks (2 hours, 2 nights a week); then 4-6 hours a month for at least 6 months.
Interested? Recruitment for VDAP volunteers happens a few times a year. To find out if we're recruiting volunteers or to express interest for next time, please contact our VDAP Coordinator at: vdap(at)tapsbc.ca!
Front Desk
TAPS has two different volunteer opportunities to provide reception and administrative support to our busy front desk:
1. Front Desk Volunteers work at our busy reception desk, welcoming clients to the office, answering the phone, and providing referrals to other organizations as needed. This is a challenging and engaging role and one that is vitally important to the day-to-day functioning of TAPS. At the front desk, you will quickly gain a feel for the work that TAPS does and the part it plays in the larger network of anti-poverty organizations in our community. No experience is necessary, and thorough training and support will be provided. Time commitment: 3-6 hours of training and then one 3.5 hour shift per week.
2. Front Desk Support Volunteers may help out with photocopying documents, assisting visitors to fill out their tax forms, call-backs, and other miscellaneous office tasks. The scheduling and time commitment for this role are much more flexible than the primary front desk position. Time commitment: 3-6 hours of training, and a flexible commitment week-to-week.
The ideal candidate for these roles has a willingness to learn, a calm demeanour, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Interested? We are currently recruiting front desk volunteers to fill some of our vacancies. Please email Grant at grant@tapsbc.ca to express interest!
Volunteer Income Tax Project
Volunteer Tax Preparers are crucial for the functioning of our year-round tax program. Our tax volunteers singlehandedly file thousands of tax returns every year. Main duties include: Preparing and filing basic income tax returns, answering basic tax questions and working with the Tax Coordinator. Volunteers must be approved by the Canada Revenue Agency’s volunteer screening process. Experience filing taxes is an asset, but not required. This position requires good communication skills, punctuality, attention to detail and basic computer skills.
Time commitment: Two 3 hour shifts per month.
Interested? If you're interested in volunteering or have questions about our Volunteer Tax Program, please email our volunteer coordinator Rick Kwan at rick@tapsbc.ca.
Board of Directors
TAPS Board of Directors helps to support staff and management through the facilitation of office policies and initiatives, budgeting, and other various forms of guidance. Directors are expected to work to become and remain knowledgeable about TAPS’s structure, programs, budgets and strategic directions.
Time commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month.
Interested? For more information and to fill out the application form, click here.