Compliance Investigator

Job Summary

Disability Rights California (DRC) is seeking a self-motivated investigator to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will conduct investigations and provide community-based advocacy to ensure compliance and uncover misuse of Social Security Administration (SSA) representative payees.

Location

Remote - Must live in California

Employment Status

Non-exempt, Full-time (37.5 Hours), Regular

Salary Range

$25.64 - $36.59 per hour / $50,000-$71,358 Annually

Benefits

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter).
• Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans
• Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc
• Affordable vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Disability Rights California (DRC) is committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, people of color, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org .

Job Responsibilities

• Investigations: 90%
• Conduct site reviews and investigations as requested by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Conduct additional reviews/investigations that DRC has determined are warranted
• Develop corrective action plans to assist representative payees to conform to requirements specified by the SSA
• Submit a report to the SSA on each completed review/investigation
• Conduct an initial onsite assessment of any organization that begins collecting a fee for its services as a representative payee to ensure that it is properly established according to SSA requirements
• Provide short-term, technical assistance and referrals to clients, callers and others, including to Social Security disability beneficiaries who have representative payees.
• Community-Based Advocacy: 10%
• Engage in community-based advocacy and community leadership, representing DRC
• Prepare written materials and conduct outreach to, and education and training of, consumers, community groups, advocates and others, particularly those from traditionally underserved communities on issues pertaining to their rights as SSA beneficiaries and the duties of their rep payee.

Success in this Role

• Conduct thorough, timely, and well-documented investigations, producing clear, accurate reports that meet SSA standards and contribute to meaningful oversight and corrective action.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and attention to detail when reviewing financial records, interviewing clients and stakeholders, and identifying potential misuse or noncompliance.
• Build trust and communicate effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, community partners, and payee organizations.
• Work independently in a remote and field-based environment while managing a high volume of cases, travel requirements, and shifting priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with attorneys and team members, contributing to a supportive, mission-driven, and solutions-oriented team culture.
• Provide practical, respectful guidance to representative payees to help them achieve compliance and improve their financial management practices.
• Uphold the organization’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity in all interactions, especially when working with vulnerable and underserved communities.
• Contribute to broader programmatic improvements by identifying patterns, raising systemic issues, and helping refine investigative practices and outreach efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus 3 years related experience and/or training
• Associate’s Degree (AA) in related subject may substitute for 2 years’ experience
• Experience conducting interviews of individuals with disabilities, including cognitive or mental health disabilities, and gathering relevant information from multiple sources, including documents and witnesses
• Experience that demonstrates attention to detail and understanding of confidentiality of client records
• Desirable Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in any related area
• Knowledge of federal disability benefits programs (i.e. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income), housing, employment or wage laws
• Experience reviewing financial, disability related benefits, or medical records or other clinical documents
• Paid work experience conducting investigations, auditing or financial accounting, or serving as an advocate in the social service, human service, community-based, public interest or health care environments
• Experience with electronic case management systems
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities and/or experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities
• Life experience as a person with a disability OR direct experience as a caregiver of a family member with a disability

Bilingual Ability

Preference will be given to bilingual candidates (any language including ASL) who also meet all other minimum requirements.

Licenses / Certificates

No licenses or certificates are required.

Travel Requirements

Significant travel will be required. Ability to travel routinely for activities such as rep payee reviews, inspect facilities, team meetings, workshops, education, training, or outreach activities up to 60% of the time. Valid CA driver’s license and ability and willingness to drive is required (unless a disability related accommodation is necessary and can reasonably be granted).

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; locked mental health settings; in client, group, or family homes; community agencies; or in community-based outpatient settings. Duties frequently require sitting and communicating. Weights to be lifted and/or moved up to 20 pounds may be encountered.