The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The DART is composed of a roster of on-call professionals trained to respond within a complex international environment to save lives and reduce suffering in the name of Jesus Christ. “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Our DART members work in the midst of devastation and tragedy. We need flexible people who can overcome daunting logistical challenges to bring help to those who need it most. Every DART needs resourceful and competent professionals experienced in providing international assistance, program management, administration, logistics, communications, and medical care.
~ Kelly, Registered Nurse
The DART Member position is an employment opportunity requiring an application to be considered. To apply please email employment@samaritan.ca. Our HR department will review all applications and contact qualified applicants for a preliminary interview.
Top candidates may then be invited to attend a DART training. DART trainings are held both domestically and internationally multiple times a year and enrollment is as space allows. Upon successful completion of DART training, candidates will then be eligible to be added to the DART roster of qualified responders who may be called upon for deployment following a disaster.
NOTE: The recruiting, selection and training for DART positions takes place throughout the year. We will review your information and consider you for the next steps during our next applicant review cycle.
Working in a disaster setting requires you to adapt to uncomfortable surroundings and living conditions. Your privacy and level of comfort will be limited. In some cases, accommodations in the field could range from a tent to a mud hut or shared room without fan or air conditioning. Bathroom facilities are shared and often times basic. In other cases, DART members may have accommodations in a comfortable hotel, while the people affected by the disaster are struggling to survive. This disparity is often difficult for some responders.
Post-disaster conditions often result in electricity and internet access being limited, sometimes for extended periods of time. Choice of food is often poor. Weather conditions can be extreme (hot, dry, cold, rains, or desert conditions) and challenging for some individuals.
You should ask yourself if you are physically able and willing to sacrifice your physical comforts before applying to DART.
Your communication will typically be limited. Due to the disaster conditions, rural environments, and the high-paced nature of a DART, there will be limited access to telecommunications. The emergency telecommunication systems utilized during deployment may only be used for operations critical data and communications unless staff members have a personal need. You and your family members should be aware of this before you deploy.
No. DARTs are not volunteer opportunities. Due to the extreme and sometimes hazardous environments typically found hours after a major disaster and the need for skilled, humanitarian professionals, Samaritan’s Purse DART responders are short-term, contracted employees of the organization.
For volunteer opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse please visit: https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/employment#volunteer
Depending on the type of disaster, international location, and DART mandate, deployments will look different. A typical DART deployment lasts two to four weeks. A few common themes to expect are:
Our DART responders work in complex, international disaster contexts in extreme environments so an appropriate amount of international humanitarian relief work experience is highly recommended. DART members should also be able to contribute professional experience in the key area(s) in which they deploy.
Minimum qualifications for a DART member include:
Yes. Samaritan’s Purse offers domestic and international training opportunities for DART applicants to gain a better understanding of Samaritan’s Purse international disaster response structure and develop practical skills to utilize in the field to boost success and add value to the DART.
Samaritan’s Purse has extensive experience in relief programming, specifically in the sectors of shelter; food; medical care; and water, sanitation, and hygiene. During the initial phase of disaster response, our DART focuses on conducting distributions of sector-specific nonfood items such as tarp, cooking kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and mosquito nets, depending on the context and community needs.
Our medical response has the capacity to function anywhere using small, mobile medical teams traveling to multiple communities and setting up a fully staffed and equipped emergency field hospital.
Additional programming can also include shelter reconstruction, water point rehabilitation, and community hygiene education.
~ Dr. Gary, DART member
Upon receipt of your application, we will review your information and qualifications. If you are selected for the DART program, we will contact you regarding available training prior to being added to the DART on-call roster.
Orthopedic Surgeon, Trauma/General Surgeon, Operating Room (OR) Nurse/Technician, Anesthesiologist/ Nurse Anesthetist, Emergency Medicine Physician, Internal/Family Medicine Physician, Critical Care Physician, Pediatrician, Registered Nurse, Lab Technician, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Radiology Technician, Biomedical Technician
Food Distribution, Non-Food Item (NFI) Distribution, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, Program Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Construction, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operation, Mechanical (Auto/Diesel), Mechanical (ECU/HVAC), Plumbing
Logistics, Procurement, Warehousing
If you have questions, or need more information, please call 1-800-663-6500 or email employment@samaritan.ca
MATTHEW 5:16