Join SARC: Be the Lifeline for Survivors
Are you ready to make a real difference? At SARC (The Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resources Center), we are more than an organization - we are a movement. We stand with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and stalking, providing safety, advocacy, and hope. Now, we're looking for strong, compassionate, and mission-driven individuals to join our team as Residential Advocates.
About SARC
Founded in 1978, SARC has been a cornerstone of safety and support in Harford County. what started as a grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive resource center offering shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and community education. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Grace, Safety, and Integrity - guide everything we do, and together, we work to end abuse and empower survivors.
About the Role: Residential Advocate (Safehouse)
As a Safehouse Advocate, you will be the heart of our shelter - a steady, compassionate presence for survivors in crisis. You'll ensure a safe, welcoming environment while responding to urgent needs with grace under pressure.
What You'll Do:
- Be the first point of support for residents - greeting them, answering requests, and ensuring their needs are met.
- Conduct intakes and orientations to help survivors and their children settle into a safe space.
- Maintain the shelter's environment - restocking supplies, organizing donations, keeping common areas clean, and conducting security checks.
- Respond to crises with confidence, including answering the emergency hotline, safety planning, and providing emotional support.
- Work collaboratively with on-call staff to handle urgent situations and ensure residents receive the care they need.
Who You Are:
- Mission-Driven and Reliable - You believe in this work and show up, no matter what. Survivors need consistency.
- Resilient and Level-Headed - You don't back down in the face of crisis; you rise to the challenge.
- Adaptable and Solution-Oriented - Every day is different. You can think on your feed and adjust as needed.
- Compassionate, Yet Strong - You provide warmth and empathy while maintaining firm boundaries.
- Independent, Yet a Team Player - You know when to take charge and when to collaborate.
Schedule: Every other Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm
Salary: $20.00 per hour, plus a weekend shift differential of $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 8am and 8pm.
Requirements
What You Need:
- Commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Emotional maturity, flexibility, and attention to detail.
- Physical ability to climb stairs and occasionally lift bulky items.
- A valid driver's license with a clean driving record (you may need to drive the agency's van to pick up donated items).
Preferred: At least one year of experience in crisis intervention or a related field.
Benefits
What We Offer:
- A team that has your back. We work together to support survivors - and each other.
- Competitive benefits including employer-paid health insurance for individual coverage (discounted premiums for family coverage), vision and dental options, and a $1,500 employer-paid HSA contribution.
- Paid time off you can actually use: 11 paid holidays, floating holidays, and up to 112 hours of vacation in your first year.
- Opportunities for growth and impact. This isn't just a job - it's a calling. We provide regular training opportunities on a variety of crisis-centered topics.
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Important Note: Our emergency helpline is for survivors in crisis.
For application updates, please email thanna@sarc-maryland.org
with your name and the job you applied for.
If you're ready to be a steady, compassionate presence for survivors and a vital part of our mission, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in holding the line against abuse.