Hi- I'm a proudly nerdy nature lover and children's rights activist with a disability and I'm looking for one or more new caregivers. Do you want to have Big Bang Theory-style debates on which D&D alignment and Hogwarts house random characters from musicals would fit into at work? Does going to a nature preserve and racing a wheelchair user down a hill sound like a good time? Does facilitating a disabled adult's ability to help children facing interpersonal violence by making sure that their own needs are being met sound worthwhile to you?
I really need 24-hour care and, ideally, would absolutely love to connect with anyone who might be willing to accept a daily rate of around $120/day for 24 hour shifts, including no more than eight hours of actively doing tasks that I need help with and just being physically present and able to respond to an emergency the rest of the time. I'd be open to virtually anything that would make that feasible, including things like a caregiver bringing other work to do (including doing a work from home job during times that I don't actively need assistance), bringing their children or (hypoallergenic) pets, planning to sleep during part of each shift (with safety precautions in place), etc., and I would consider a live-in arrangement with the right person. Students are welcome to apply if you live (or are willing to live) in this area year-round, and I have a background in education and wouldn't mind tutoring someone who's assisting me in subjects that I'm competent in for an hour or two each week.
However, I need to find caregivers quickly and would also be open to potential caregivers who could assist me for up to 40 hours/week (I'd prefer full-time hours, but am open to two caregivers working part-time) for $14.50/hour. Prior experience is great, but not required if you're willing to learn. The hours can be pretty flexible- I'd ask that you do your best to be here at times that I plan to go out, but you could entirely choose your own schedule on all but two days each week.
Requirements:
- Eligible to be paid as a caregiver through Medicaid, including being able to legally work in this country, not having a violent or otherwise significant criminal record, and not having a history of mistreating disabled people, children, or any other vulnerable people;
- Highly value disabled people's privacy, dignity and autonomy;
- Able to reliably follow health and safety requirements (if wearing a mask and avoiding allergens would be a deal breaker for you, please do not apply);
- Actively work to avoid ableism and other forms of discrimination against marginalized groups. If you think that there's any morally acceptable ending to the sentence, "I'm not racist/transphobic/antisemitic, but" or believe that things like avoiding exposing someone to a known allergen, respecting someone's chosen pronouns and honoring spiritual beliefs that don't line up with yours are just too annoying and inconvenient to be bothered with, please do not apply;
- Able to drive, lift a 46 pound wheelchair, and complete household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, mowing the lawn, and shoveling snow (please let me know if you have a disability and need accommodations to make this possible- I'm more than happy to accommodate as long as there's a way for my needs to be met).
If you're interested, please reach out by email to schedule an in-person interview. Phone calls are not physically possible for me.
