Career Opportunity: Investigations and Monitoring (I&M) Investigator-Advocate
Agency Description
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the only organization that provides free legal advocacy services to people with all types of disabilities, of all ages, throughout North Carolina. We are the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and a recognized leader in advancing disability rights, with a strong staff and supportive, dynamic work environment. DRNC is well established and positioned for growth. Learn more at www.disabilityrightsnc.org.
Job Description
DRNC has an immediate opening for a full-time Investigator/Advocate on its Investigations and Monitoring (I&M) Team. Investigators/Advocates monitor and investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and rights violations occurring in public and private facilities and group homes across the state. In this role, the investigator/advocate will conduct methodical, objective investigations of serious allegations of abuse and neglect including those involving deaths, for achieving individual and systemic policy change to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and prevent future occurrences. The Investigator/Advocate is also responsible for conducting regular monitoring visits to various institutional settings as well as private facilities, including group homes to identify and prevent abuse, neglect, and other rights violations.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values: relentless pursuit of results, respect and humility, personal responsibility, positive outlook, problem solving, communication, organization, and effective internal and external relationships.
Job Duties include
- Provide information and short-term assistance to Disability Rights NC clients and constituents
- Conduct abuse/neglect investigations consistent with DRNC’s investigative protocol including interviewing witnesses and managing evidence
- Remain familiar with the federal statutes and regulations relating to DRNC’s access authority
- Stay up to date with state and federal statutes, regulations and policies governing care and treatment of people with disabilities
- Monitor assigned facilities to prevent, detect and address instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation consistent with DRNC’s monitoring protocol
- Interview people with disabilities to understand their concerns and identify rights violations
- Develop creative solutions when needed to address issues experienced by individuals with disabilities
- Prepare reports and training programs on issues related to abuse and neglect investigations and clients’ rights
- Collaborate with others regarding ongoing investigations and monitoring, as well as trends, issues and agency activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Direct experience with or general knowledge of services and issues affecting individuals with disabilities
- Recognition of the human and civil rights of people with disabilities
- Proficiency in using computers for word processing, data collection and communication
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to analyze complex factual situations
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Desirable qualifications
- Experience in conducting investigations, such as those performed by law enforcement, journalists, regulators, or other types of investigations
- Life experience with disability
- Experience in a legal services, nonprofit, or public interest environment
- Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish, or another non-English language
- Understanding of trauma and its prevalence among people with disabilities, valuing and using trauma- informed approaches
Essential functions (with or without accommodations)
- Ability to travel including overnight
- Ability to occasionally work long hours and/or weekends
- Ability to interact effectively with people with disabilities
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to research complex issues
- Ability to input and access data in the agency’s database
Disability Rights NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Individuals who increase the diversity of our team are encouraged to apply. We participate in E-verify.
DRNC offers an employee-friendly work environment and compensation package that is competitive with other non-profits. The current investigator/advocate salary range starts at $46,000 and increases based on experience. DRNC offers excellent benefits including 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, life and disability as well as generous paid time off, flexible work environment, and retirement plan with an employer match.
Send a detailed letter of interest explaining your qualifications and interest in the position and resume to: resumes.hr@disabilityrightsnc.org. Include I&M Investigator-Advocate in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please.
Closing Date: Priority given to resumes and cover letters received by February 23, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.