Fun in the Sun 2026 - Site Aide

Job Title: Fun in the Sun - Site Aide

Supervisor: Community Impact Manager

Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez Valley, Guadalupe

Status: Part-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Required Training Dates: April 18, May 16 and 30; June 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026

Program Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026 (No program on Friday, July 3, observance of Independence Day Holiday)

Program Overview

Fun in the Sun (FITS) is a national award-winning summer learning and enrichment program serving students across Santa Barbara County. The program operates as a free, full-day experience, Monday through Friday during the summer, in partnership with more than 80 community organizations.

FITS provides a comprehensive, student-centered learning environment that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning with hands-on enrichment and exploration. Students participate in evidence-based SEL curriculum, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), gardening and environmental education, arts enrichment, physical fitness and recreation, outdoor learning, and community field trips.

In 2025, FITS will serve more than 450 students from Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade across multiple school districts. Enrollment is coordinated in partnership with school districts to expand access for students and families who would benefit most from high-quality summer learning opportunities.

Position Overview

Supports site leadership, assists with logistics, and ensures a positive program experience for youth and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily program activities and special events to ensure engaging, high-quality experiences for all participants.
• Facilitate recess and lunch recreation activities that foster a positive, inclusive environment for students.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized site.
• Help manage student attendance, snack distribution, and child supervision to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all safety procedures and site regulations.
• Provide support in organizing program materials and maintaining accurate records.
• Assist with the administration and collection of pre- and post-program evaluations.
• Communicate regularly with the Site Coordinator regarding site needs, concerns, and important updates.
• Represent the program positively and professionally to volunteers, partners, and community members.
• Serve as a substitute for Program Leaders as needed to support program continuity.
• Act as a positive role model for children, promoting respect, responsibility, and kindness.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, using culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to build authentic, developmentally appropriate relationships with students and families.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a service-oriented approach.
• Associate’s degree or some college coursework preferred; experience in education, expanded learning, or youth development programs strongly valued.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required (or ability to obtain prior to program start).
• Negative TB test within the past four years (per Education Code 49406).
• Must successfully complete Live Scan fingerprinting, DOJ criminal record clearance, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check (per Education Code 45125.01).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

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.

Conditional Offer of Employment

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment documentation and clearances. Candidates must complete all hiring requirements within two (2) weeks of receiving a conditional offer. This includes, but is not limited to, Live Scan fingerprinting and DOJ criminal record clearance, Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) check, TB clearance in accordance with Education Code 49406, and any other required employment eligibility documentation.

Continued employment is further contingent upon successful completion of all required onboarding and training requirements, including mandated safety and program-specific trainings. Failure to complete required documentation or training within the designated timeframes may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.