Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and reliable Live-In Caregiver/Personal Valet to support Don in his home in Lancaster, CA. This W-2 role includes paid training and offers the opportunity to build a meaningful one-on-one relationship. We’re looking for someone patient and trustworthy, dedicated to enhancing Don’s quality of life while respecting his independence.
Don would love to share his space with…
- Someone kind, patient, dependable, and easy to get along with
- Someone comfortable being “within earshot” during their shift
- A person who communicates clearly and respectfully
- Someone who can be easily roused and go back to sleep without significant effort
- Someone interested in a long-term, stable living situation
"I find that I thrive in the company of open-minded creatives, whether they are Burners, Dead Heads, or adventurous souls. There’s a unique energy and inspiration that comes from engaging with those who embrace life with passion and creativity." ~ Don
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Position Responsibilities
- Supportive companionship
- Assisting with administrative tasks like paying bills and making phone calls
- Preparing simple meals and feeding (usually once daily at dinner)
- Occasional suctioning (training provided)
- Colostomy care when needed (training provided)
- Helping with transfers using an electric Hoyer lift
- Medication prep and occasional errands
- Going with me to appointments
- Nursing agency point-of-contact and being available if a nurse unexpectedly calls off
- Perform light housekeeping duties such as laundry, cleaning, and organizing
Required Qualifications
- Non-smoker
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Good time management
- Neat and clean
- Basic understanding of healthcare practices, including hygiene & infection protocols
- Good conversationalist, philosopher, intellectual, curious learner
- Valid CA driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Positive can-do attitude
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations
- Physical stamina for repositioning in bed or a wheelchair
- Sense of humor
Nice to Have Qualifications
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Advanced degrees
- Previous caregiver/valet/healthcare experience (CNA, LVN, RN, etc.)
- Familiarity with medical equipment (power wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, ventilators)
- Familiarity with electronics, basic tools, and troubleshooting
- Experience with spinal cord injury, tracheostomy, colostomy, and/or suprapubic catheter
- 😊😊 BONUS: Knowledge of how to play chess with a chess.com rating between 550-800 😊😊
Benefits & Compensation
Annual Compensation
$66k ($48k thru IHSS + $18k thru WPCS)
Van Access
Wheelchair-accessible vehicle provided for errands and appointments
Private Room
Free rent in a comfortable home
Guests are welcome (within reason)
Learning Environment
Supportive, intellectual atmosphere
Opportunities to develop new skills
All Home Utilities
Fast, reliable internet
Electricity, water, heating/cooling
Flexible Time Off
32 hours a month covered
Established alternate caregivers
More About Me, Don
I am paralyzed from the neck down and use a ventilator, but I live a very whole and social life. I am finishing my master’s in psychology online, so most evenings I am studying, writing, or doing classwork. I keep up on all of the current medical treatments for my condition. I am self-sufficient for the most part, with technology handling the majority of my needs. I am a techno-file and have advanced training in artificial intelligence. I am currently working on creating autonomous AI agents to help find a solution to my condition and make life easier for everyone.
Before my injury, I enjoyed a successful 20-year career as a photographer in Los Angeles. Don’t let my age fool you—mentally and energetically, I still feel around 38 years old. I have been a mentor, a Rotarian, and one of the founders of the Black Rock Yearbook camp at Burning Man, which has been running for over 15 years. While I am fully committed to my eventual recovery and to making the most of the life I have left, my dedication extends to helping as many people as I can, even if it’s to inspire hope.
The atmosphere in my home is inclusive, friendly, and uplifting. People who come here always say it feels motivating, positive, and comfortable. I enjoy hosting bi-monthly gatherings for a large, inclusive, and varied friend group, and I hope this person will enjoy them as well.
I also have 16 hours of nursing care every day through an agency, so nurses handle the majority of my medical tasks. Your role would be to cover the remaining hours, be within earshot, help if I call, feed me during your shift, and provide basic assistance as needed.
Application Process
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the caregiver role and why you are the right candidate for the position. If inspired and prefer immediate consideration, skip all this and use the number below to discuss.
Qualified candidates will be contacted for a preliminary phone interview followed by an in-person or virtual meeting. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and reference verification.
Looking to fill the position by January 1st to start training.
818-693-9114
