coworker and volunteer information

The roles and responsibilities of vocational co-workers and volunteers vary from community to community, please read the relevant section of each communities website for more detailed information.

Vocational Co-workers

INDIVIDUALS from diverse backgrounds  join Camphill communities for extended periods of time. Many have families with children. Each Camphill community in the UK and Ireland is carried by a number of such 'Co-workers', who are keen to take on major responsibilities in the home, work, administrative, social and spiritual life of the community.
 

The tasks and responsibilities that Co-workers in a community carry are always varied. Many require specialist skills, experience and a high level of professionalism and accountability. Other tasks rely on more general human qualities and character.

Our Co-workers dedicate their energy, skills and human capacities in a voluntary, non-contractual way; their relationship to the community is based on mutual trust, a shared vision and inner commitment to the principles, values and aims of the community, and to all those participating in its life. Co-workers do not draw a salary, but their reasonable needs, including discretionary provision for their needs in retirement, are met by the community from its funds.

All our communities are involved in the work with vulnerable individuals - children, young people and adults. Co-workers are  the key people carrying the responsibilities for the welfare, safety, development and education of the vulnerable members of the community. They will carry major responsibility for the contractual relationships to placement and funding bodies and the statutory obligations that go with these. Whether this is as a House Guardian, workshop leader, teacher, therapist, administrator etc.

For each Co-worker this needs to be balanced against their personal interests and development needs beyond those arising from being a carrying member of the community; for many this also needs to be balanced against their commitment to their own family.

Volunteers

Depending on the type of community, and following initial induction training, you would be asked to provide support in a variety of forms. In a school or further education community you may be involved in classroom and training support. You may help those who are unable to do so on their own with clothing, personal hygiene, care of their possessions, mealtimes, recreational activities and their participation in the daily work routine. In an adult community you will often get involved in a craft workshop, store, perhaps transport duties, outdoor work with a team etc. 

You will normally be part of a house community, led by a House Guardian or House Guardian family, together with other Volunteers and a number of residents with learning disabilities. In the house you will take your share of the general tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning and evening activities.

You will take part in regular house and other meetings held to discuss aspects and arrangements of practical daily life or matters of wider community significance.

 

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