Personal Assistant & Driver For Disabled Lawyer

I am an outgoing, Ivy-educated, quadriplegic attorney looking for a bright, compassionate, and responsible part-time worker to drive me in my wheelchair-accessible van and assist me with the personal care tasks necessary for me to fully engage in my advocacy work, social life, and cultural engagement. The ideal candidate may also be interested in assisting with administrative, IT, or social media-related tasks involved in my attempt to an educational consulting business.

Currently, I am looking for an assistant to drive my wheelchair-accessible van and provide personal care twice weekly. A typical shift would involve tasks at home (in Maplewood) such as feeding, toileting, and dressing. On some of the shifts (I would predict about half), the worker would also drive me in my van and help me when I’m out in New Jersey or New York City with activities such as meeting with friends, visiting museums, going to concerts or lectures, or trying out new restaurants. For decades, I have successfully trained first-time care workers, so absolutely no prior care experience or certifications are required.

Working with me, an active, gregarious, and highly-educated professional, you would have an opportunity to learn much more than how to do care work tasks. Many assistants over the years have told me that they have greatly enjoyed our conversations and mini-adventures (like trying new cuisines). Some of these conversations, I have been told, have led to interest in careers not previously considered. One recent student-worker, for example, went on to an Ivy League graduate program, where he directly used knowledge gained from his experience as a personal care worker in a major school project. Other former assistants are now doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, artists, lawyers, social workers, psychologists, actors, political organizers etc. This job’s schedule and opportunities to learn are ideally suited for students, artists, or others curious about the world.

The pay would be $20-$23/hour. Depending on how well our schedules matched, the two shifts would combine for about 9-15hours weekly. More hours may be available down the road.

While I do not require that applicants have any particular type of work experience, excellent communication skills, friendliness, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly are essential. Though the job does not involve any heavy lifting, some arm and back strength is required for some tasks. I have had successful workers of all shapes and sizes over the years.

Applicants must have a current driver’s license and an excellent driving record. Though they would be driving my van only, they would also be required to maintain insurance on their own personal vehicle. Applicants must provide documentation that they are legally able to work in the United States.

While not required, the ability to very occasionally travel out of town via my van, train, or air is preferred.

If interested, please send me specific information about you AND your interest in the position. Please keep in mind that we would be spending a good deal of time together, so you should give me a sense of who you are (i.e. your personality in addition to your qualifications) in the application.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 9 – 15 per week

Application Question(s):

• What are your long-term career goals?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Maplewood, NJ: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person