Investigator

Individuals who are Deaf or Disabled are encouraged to apply.   SALARY RANGE (Depending on Experience): $23.34 - $31.29 hourly    Employment Status: Regular, Non-Exempt, Full-Time, 37.5 hours   LOCATION: Los Angeles, Ontario, San Diego, or Remote in Southern California   WHO WE ARE Disability Rights California (DRC) is a statewide, non-profit legal organization dedicated to advancing the rights of Californians with disabilities to live with autonomy, dignity, and respect in a barrier-free, inclusive, and diverse world that values each individual and their voice.    Investigations Unit The Investigations Unit (IU) is a statewide team of zealous advocates who engage in non-litigation strategies to eliminate the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. IU investigates allegations of abuse and neglect in facilities and programs such as state hospitals, developmental centers, nursing facilities, group homes, community crisis homes, jails, and immigration detention facilities. IU investigates individual incidents of abuse and neglect, failures of the abuse response system, and the root causes of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. IU strives to address the intersectional needs of people with all types of disabilities experiencing abuse and neglect, especially those from traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations.   We value lived experiences with disability, incarceration, and/or institutionalization, and experiences working with our clients across a range of settings. Please consider discussing such experiences in your cover letter, especially if they are not reflected in your resume.   PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Investigator conducts investigations, evaluates, and tracks allegations of abuse and neglect involving persons with disabilities. This includes analyzing records and data, writing detailed case reports and publications, and conducting trainings for people with disabilities and other professionals.   The Investigator works under the direct supervision of the Managing Attorney of the IU and in collaboration with other DRC attorneys, investigators, and advocates in their legal, advocacy, and outreach efforts. This position will require traveling throughout the state, and occasional travel out of state. This position primarily serves Southern California, with extensive travel in and around the Southern California area (including Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego), moderate travel to the Bay area, Sacramento area, and the Central Valley/Coast, and occasional travel to other areas in California.   JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Investigator essential functions: Assist Clients – 60% - Conduct abuse and neglect investigations involving people with disabilities. - Interview witnesses, victims, and other relevant persons regarding allegations of abuse and neglect involving people with disabilities and document interview responses. - Conduct facility and congregate living homes inspections regarding allegations of abuse and neglect involving persons with disabilities. - Request, review, and analyze records and other evidence. - Provide short term, technical assistance and referrals to clients, callers, and others. - Participate with other agencies and organizations to address recurring problems and issues affecting people with disabilities.   Support – 30% - Maintain written and electronic case files in accordance with DRC protocols. - Prepare reports and draft memoranda which detail an investigation, the investigatory findings, and any recommendations for further investigatory activities.   Outreach / Training – 10% - Participate in the development and pursuit of systemic reform activities that address issues of abuse or neglect. - Prepare and conduct outreach, education, and training for consumers, community groups, advocates and others. - Perform other duties as assigned.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities.   TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Ability to travel routinely for activities such as conducting investigations, participating in out-of-town meetings, client visits, inspecting and monitoring facilities, and participating in education, training, or outreach activities up to 50% of the time.   WORKING CONDITIONS The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations. Duties are performed between an office environment and the field in a wide range of settings, including health care facilities; in client, group, or family homes; community agencies; or in community-based outpatient settings. Work areas are often noisy. Duties frequently require sitting, talking and/or hearing and occasional periods of standing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Weights to be lifted and/or moved up to 10 pounds are frequently encountered. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, facilities, etc.