Recruitment

Camphill Co-worker information - Mourne Grange

A person living and working in a Camphill Community is known as a Volunteer Co-worker. Camphill Community Co-workers live and work along side adults with a learning disability contributing to the overall well being of the community.

The following information provides a brief outline of life as a volunteer in a Camphill Community. Please contact us for an application pack should you wish to progress your interest.

Living Together

You will be part of a "house community", where you will live together with adults with special needs, long-term co-workers (House-coordinators) and their children. During the week, you will help in the house or workshop, or on the land and you will be asked to contribute to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone is expected to share the necessary cooking, cleaning and house tasks in their own house community. During the weekend, you will spend time together with your house community both at home and going for outings. Participation in community activities such as festivals, concerts, activity groups, events and talks in the hall also constitute an important part of your experience with us.

In life sharing it is helpful for a Co-worker:

• To have a genuine interest in living and supporting people with special needs - including personal care and hygiene.
• To enjoy working as part of a team as well as independently.
• Openness to experience the complexities of life sharing (which may involve a long day's work)
• To be tolerant and flexible.
• To communicate in English.
• To be enthusiastic and willing to learn

All work is on a voluntary basis. Board and lodgings are provided by the Community as well as pocket money (about £100 a month) to cover personal necessities.

Co-workers are responsible for their travel expenses and fares to and from Mourne Grange.

During your time in Camphill Community Mourne Grange, you will receive support, supervision and guidance from senior Co-workers.

Workshops

The needs of the Community will determine where you will be asked to work. Some individual preferences can be catered for but it is part of the Camphill approach to do what is needed.

Length of stay

Our greatest needs are for volunteers who are prepared to commit to Camphill for a year or longer. This gives stability, continuity, and security for our adult residents. It also provides you with the opportunity to experience the Camphill festivals and how life in Mourne Grange changes with the seasons and you will have the opportunity to become more deeply involved and take responsibility in the workplace and house community.

Free time

Co-workers have one free day a week and are asked to be available at all other times, according to a reasonable daily routine and the needs of the individual house community.

There are many different things to do on your day off as each Camphill Community in Northern Ireland is surrounded by a host of local attractions and in close proximity to most major towns and cities. Public transport is to a reasonably high standard with regular services provided.

Foundation course

All new co-workers must attend the mandatory Induction and Foundation courses. The course will teach you the skills you require to provide care for our residents. You will get a better understanding of our way of life and the wider aspects of Anthroposophy, the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, on which the ethos of Camphill is based.

An important aspect of our Community is our Spiritual and Cultural life. Evenings and weekends are full of different activities, therefore we encourage all Co-workers to participate in Community plays, join the choir or band, show a film, or help to lead arts and crafts or sporting activities.

Health Needs

Basic health needs and emergency treatment for Co-workers are covered by the Northern Ireland National Health Service. Please ensure that your dental and ophthalmic requirements have been met before arrival at Camphill Community Mourne Grange. If you are an E.U. citizen, please obtain the form from your country, which allows you reciprocal medical treatment if you are coming for two months or less.

Application process

If you wish to apply to become a Co-worker in Camphill Community Mourne Grange, this is the procedure you need to follow:

• Request Application form preferebly by e-mail from Mourne Grange application group: mgapplications@yahoo.co.uk
• Fill in Confidential Medical Report.
• Obtain medical certificate from a doctor, stating that you are physically and mentally fit to work and live with adults with Learning Difficulties.
• Send names and e-mail addresses of two referees. Your referees must be two people you have known for at least two years. Teachers or someone you have worked with (not family members or intimate friends).
• National police check.
• Access NI (we will send you the forms to complete the requirements for the UK Border Agency)

Challenge or "Real life Experience"

When you join us, you will be part of a group of people attempting to live a very special kind of community life. There is a diversity of nationalities and age groups working and life sharing in Camphill, with each individual contributing with their own qualities and strengths.

Most people who come find that they make interesting and rewarding experiences, learn new skills, grow within themselves and meet many new friends. Our experience has taught us that you will find life in a Camphill Community very fulfilling and satisfying.

Camphill is a Christian community based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. This does not mean that you need to be a practicing Christian, or have knowledge of Anthroposophy. What we ask is that you come with an open heart and mind and a willingness to understand that life in a community needs some considerable give and take to create a harmonious wholeness. This means accompanying our residents to services, taking part in our festivals and participating in the daily and weekly household observances. With enthusiasm and humor, we can all learn a great deal from each other.

Short term co-workers

 Term: Preferably 12 months

 This is the ideal opportunity to do your civil service or social year.

However, we can consider applications for at least 6 months or more.

Opportunities:

We have a few vacancies for people who would like to join us in September or October 2010.

House co-ordinators

 Term: Full time

 Opportunities:

We are looking for a mature responsible couple to live in and manage a house community for up to 6 residents, and to support one of our workshops. We are very open to families with young children. Applicants must be willing to commit and support the aims and values of our community, and be willing to train for an NVQ 3 or NVQ 4 in Health and Social Care.

Good organizational skills, experience of adults with learning difficulties, flexibility and a some humour are essential.

If you are interested in working and living is Camphill Community Mourne Grange, Please send an email to:
Mourne Grange Application Group

email: mgapplications@yahoo.co.uk

Mourne Grange
169 Newry Road.
Kilkeel
Co. Down
BT34 4EX
Northern Ireland
or
Office Telephone:
0044(0)2841760128
0044(0)2841760100

Fax:02841765372