Advocacy Specialist-Investigator

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, working to uphold disability rights and ensure freedom from abuse and neglect. Through legal advocacy, individual representation, and systems change, our advocates and attorneys advance dignity, access, and justice across Wisconsin.

We were founded through the disability civil rights movement demanding an end to abuse and self-determination. That legacy continues to drive our work today. We are guided by core values of equal access, dignity, independence, accessibility, community integration, rights and safety, and self-determination.

We are working toward a Wisconsin that is accessible and just. We seek team members who are motivated by that mission and ready to make a meaningful impact. In return, we offer a collaborative, mission-driven workplace, supportive colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave to support your well-being and success.

Our programs include:

• Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, and access to services)
• Disability Benefits Specialist program (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance)
• Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman program (supporting people to remain in community-based settings)
• Victim Advocacy services for crime victims with disabilities

As part of DRW's Protection & Advocacy responsibilities, the Advocacy Specialist - Investigator plays a critical role in monitoring the quality of services available to individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin. This staff position is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, rights violations, and deaths of individuals with disabilities in the state. This role also conducts routine monitoring visits to facilities and programs that serve individuals with disabilities and documents observations and findings during these visits.

As a member of the Investigations and Monitoring (I&M) team, you will investigate and monitor services in all types of facilities, including state psychiatric hospitals, prisons, adult family homes, juvenile justice facilities, etc. Your work can involve any program or facility where individuals with disabilities are served. The team collaborates with state agencies, community partners, providers, and other stakeholders to highlight concerns and advocate for systemic change.

1. Conducting Investigations and Monitoring Visits - 90%

a. Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and client rights violations in services, programs, and facilities that serve individuals with disabilities. Make strategic recommendations to prevent such outcomes in the future.

b. Review, track, and analyze statements of deficiency, notices of violation, and plans of correction issued against facilities serving people with disabilities and maintain the database.

c. Draft letters and open records requests seeking records of investigations. Track records requests. Properly catalog records obtained from these requests.

d. Conduct investigatory interviews with individuals with disabilities, family members, direct care workers, and others by phone and in person.

e. Prepare and transmit letters to placing agencies, state, or county decision makers, and others, alerting them about problematic providers.

f. Review and analyze voluminous medical and/or other records.

g. Prepare internal written reports and summaries of completed investigations and assist in the preparation of public reports regarding these investigations.

2. Administration - 5%

a. Attend weekly Investigation and Monitoring Team meetings. Assist the Investigations and Monitoring Team Lead in preparing agendas, taking minutes, and updating investigation files.

b. Create and maintain a tickler system to ensure investigations and monitoring work is appropriately prioritized, tracked, and reported.

c. Edit and proofread investigative reports; ensure necessary redaction has occurred; attach all relevant documents; ensure reports are transmitted to proper recipients.

d. Maintain both electronic and paper files in compliance with DRW data reporting and confidentiality…