United Learning Center Tutor - Guadalupe

Reports To: Senior Community Impact Coordinator

Status: Part-time, Non-exempt

Dates: Academic School Year & Summer Program

Program Overview 

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s United Learning Center (ULC) provides free, small-group literacy intervention to elementary students who are performing below or approaching grade-level proficiency in English Language Arts. Hosted on campus at local elementary schools, the program is delivered in collaboration with school districts to support student literacy development and align with district goals. Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, trained tutors provide structured, multisensory instruction designed to build foundational reading skills. ULC sessions offer students a focused, supportive space to grow as readers while strengthening their reading confidence.  

Position Overview 

United Learning Center Tutors deliver high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction to accelerate student reading progress. Tutors administer pre-assessments to develop individualized tutoring plans tailored to each student’s literacy needs. They foster an affirming, student-centered environment where learners feel supported, engaged, and confident. This student-facing role is critical to achieving measurable literacy gains, which are demonstrated through post-assessments and ongoing progress monitoring.  Additional duties may be assigned to this role as organizational projects, activities, and priorities evolve. 

Instructional Delivery

• Provide small-group literacy tutoring sessions using the evidence-based Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, sequential, and multi-sensory method for teaching literacy.
• Align all lessons with individualized student learning plans to ensure targeted skill development.
• Incorporate approved supplemental materials as appropriate to reinforce and enhance Orton-Gillingham–based instruction.

Learning Environment

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students feel safe, encouraged, and engaged.
• Uphold all safety guidelines and program protocols to ensure a structured and nurturing learning space.

Lesson Planning

• Develop, adapt, and implement weekly lesson plans that reflect each student’s learning objectives and needs.

Data-Driven Instruction

• Administer and analyze assessments to guide instructional strategies and ensure they remain responsive to student progress.
• Monitor academic growth and make timely, data-informed recommendations for instructional adjustments.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including attendance, progress notes, and assessment outcomes.

Family Engagement & Reporting

• Prepare and submit comprehensive student progress reports to United Way within required timelines.
• Participate in meetings with families to share updates, celebrate progress, and plan for continued academic growth.

Program Support

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program, team, and participants.

Professional Conduct and Staff Participation

• Model professionalism and integrity in all interactions with students, families, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders. 
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions. 

 Additional duties may be assigned to this role as organizational projects, activities, and priorities evolve. 

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred; coursework in education, child development, or a related field is desirable.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in structured settings such as classrooms, afterschool programs, or camps.
• Proficiency in the language of instruction, strong reading and writing abilities, and effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of phonics and phonological awareness, the ability to assess and analyze literacy skills, familiarity with evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Adaptability to diverse learners, culturally responsive teaching practices, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. 
• Certification in Orton-Gillingham or similar literacy instruction methods preferred.
• Strong background in youth development and classroom management.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Technologically proficient and comfortable using learning platforms and data tools. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporter certifications required prior to the program start date.
• Negative TB test within the past four years, in compliance with Education Code 49406.
• Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting, DOJ background check, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) clearance per Education Code 45125.01.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

United Way of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

General: This description contains the essential functions necessary to evaluate the position. It is not intended and should not be used as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills or efforts.