Senior Investigative Reporter

About the role

The Senior Investigative Reporter leads Disability Rights California's initiative to use high-impact reporting to expose and share the experiences of individuals with disabilities and disabled communities victimized by systemic abuse and neglect.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex and detailed abuse and neglect investigations involving persons with disabilities
• Interview witnesses, victims, and other relevant persons regarding allegations of abuse and neglect involving persons with disabilities and document interview responses
• Conduct facilities and congregate living homes inspections regarding allegations of abuse and neglect involving persons with disabilities
• Request, review, and analyze records and other evidence
• Prepare reports and memoranda which detail the investigation, findings and recommendations for further advocacy or investigatory activities
• Participate with other agencies and organizations to address recurring problems and issues regarding abuse and neglect
• Cookout in-field investigations
• Aid in the development and implementation of systems reform activities
• Generate compelling narrative writings supported by factual findings
• Draft narratives and reports in close collaboration with investigators, attorneys, and communications staff throughout the investigation and drafting process
• Draft narratives that humanize individuals and communities affected by abuse/neglect by systems, entities, or individuals
• Take the role of DRC beat writer to report on relevant disability issues
• Lead efforts to incorporate journalistic values, integrity, and compelling stories that can galvanize and move communities, systems, lawmakers, and administrators into action
• Generate writings on complex issues that can be understood by public
• Fact check source materials
• Draft clear and concise detailed written documents, including internal memorandum and public reports
• Assist with unit development and planning
• Participate in one impact team
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on investigative storytelling, narrative ethics, and trauma-informed reporting practice
• Provide informal mentorship, feedback, and guidance to investigators or staff contributing to written narratives or reports
• Support skill-building within the Investigations Unit related to writing, interviewing, and story development
• Engage in community-based advocacy, outreach, and training to disability communities and organizations, particularly to underserved communities
• Prepare training materials, publications, reports and special projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in related subject but may be substituted for 3 years of relevant experience such as intern or work with newsroom or investigative agency.
• 4 years of experience writing for established news or media outlets or magazines.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills (both long and short form), including high standard of grammar, editing, and adherence to a style guide (like AP style).
• Strong experience and preference for drafting human interest stories centered around subject perspective.