Abuse/Neglect Advocate/Investigator
Date Posted: Apr 15, 2026
Requisition ID: 476136
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Indiana Disability Rights (IDR):
Indiana Disability Rights (IDR) is the designated protection and advocacy organization for the state of Indiana. We provide direct legal advocacy to people with disabilities across the state and covering a wide range of civil rights including access to education, health care, employment, community living, public access, self-determination, and freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Learn more about who we are by visiting www.indianadisabilityrights.org.
Role Overview:
The primary responsibility of this position is to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation and rights violations of people with disabilities across a variety of settings. You will also serve as an abuse/neglect advocate to assist individuals with disabilities with rights related issues within institutional and provider owned and controlled settings, including state psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment providers, juvenile treatment centers, nursing homes, group homes, waiver settings and correctional facilities. You will monitor these locations as assigned.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Assist attorneys and advocate with case management, documentation, and organization standards.
Assist attorneys and advocate with client communication.
Assist attorneys and advocate with litigation-related tasks, including but not limited to legal research, preparation of court filings, exhibit preparation, and hearing preparation.
Attend weekly case staffing, take notes on case assignments, draft declination of service letters for attorney review, and contact clients as directed.
Manage case opening and closing process.
Manage agency's documentation retention practice.
Assist with data reporting as assigned.
Assist on projects as assigned.
Serve as a back up to intake advocates, as necessary.
May monitor or give advocacy services to clients as assigned.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Must be able to manage a heavy workload and work well under pressure.
Must be able to manage and organize documents and physical files.
Must have computer skills in word processing and case management software.
Experience working for multiple attorneys.
Experience with Westlaw legal research tools and related products.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience drafting correspondence and pleadings.
Experience with e-filing in state and federal court.
Familiarity with disability rights issues and social services.
Familiarity with SharePoint, database management and report drafting.
Experience in use of various office equipment such as computer, printer, fax, telephone answering machine.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to manage projects.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to organize and plan highly detailed multi-functions simultaneously.
Notary certification, preferred.
A degree is not required.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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