Householder/Co-Householder for Small House at Heartbeet

Overview

Heartbeet Lifesharing, nestled on 100 acres of biodynamic farmland and forests in the Green mountains of northern Vermont, is an innovative intentional community that includes people with a wide range of capabilities – including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – living, learning, and working side-by-side. In our mutually supportive inclusive community, we fill our days sharing in work on the land and in our artisan craft studios, nourishing each other with wholesome food, lively celebrations, and reciprocal relationships. 

With two decades of growth since our founding, Heartbeat is entering its second phase of existence. If you are an inquiring and passionate spirit with a steady, conscientious disposition, there is room here to make an important contribution to a very special community.

Each home at Heartbeet is unique. Householders are responsible for co-creating and maintaining beautiful therapeutic homes for people of all abilities. You will live with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who make their home at Heartbeet and with volunteers from all over the world who come to give 1 or more years of service. Larger households typically consist of 3-4 adults who have a disability, 2-3 service year volunteers, and 1-2 house leaders (and their children, if they have any). Smaller households typically consist of 1-2 adults who have a disability, 1 service year volunteer and 1-2 house leaders. Heartbeet is currently seeking applicants to run such a smaller household.

Heartbeet’s common striving is to create a stable, health-enhancing, joyful environment where individuals can meet as whole human beings and find their needs met holistically and collaboratively.

Requirements

An interest in living and working with people who have intellectual disabilities in a life-sharing community is essential. 

Additionally, applicants must have:

• • • Practical home making skills (i.e. cooking, care of the house, driving, scheduling) 
    • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
    • The ability to respectfully train and guide new volunteers who also support your house
    • A willingness to grow is essential and a sense of humor is also important.

A background or interest in Anthroposophy or Waldorf Education is helpful but not required. Previous experience working with a vulnerable population is also very helpful, but not required.  Prior Camphill experience is preferred but not required.  

Many successful Heartbeet householders have been passionate about pursuits such as:

• • • Sustainable agriculture
    • Healthy living and staying in touch with nature’s rhythms,
    • Authentic engagement with people who have a wide range of abilities, challenges and backgrounds
    • Spirituality and holistic community living

Families with children are encouraged to apply. 

Expectations

Householders’ will uphold and model/embody the values of the Heartbeet community, including: lifelong learning, cooperation, compassionate communication, consensus-building, accountability and trust, hospitality, flexibility, consistency, conscientiousness, and servant leadership.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• • • Ensuring exceptional day-to-day care for adults with disabilities
    • Providing mentorship and training to the new volunteers supporting your work
    • Coordinating, in collaboration with your team of volunteers, meal planning, laundry, housecleaning, grocery shopping, and health care services
    • Providing direct care and hygiene support and ensuring that volunteers are properly trained to do the same
    • Communicating consistently and graciously with parents
    • Maintaining records and other household administrative tasks, including the household budget
    • Facilitating and/or creating social activities and special celebrations