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Disability Rights Advocate Jobs in Washington, DC

Washington Lawyers' Committee

Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$53K/yr

For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the ... disability, etc. are encouraged to apply. Compensation WLC's pay scale is available with this ...

Muslim Advocates

Senior Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · Remote

$110K - $130K/yr

Develop and present Know Your Rights (KYR) guidance * Develop trainings for advocates * Participate ... Black, indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, individuals with diverse ...

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Disability Rights Advocate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$36.7K

$68.4K

$96.5K

How much do disability rights advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights advocate in Washington, DC is $68,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,800.00 and $77,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Disability Rights Advocates?

Disability Rights Advocates are professionals who work to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. They help individuals understand their legal rights, challenge discrimination, and ensure access to necessary services and accommodations. Disability Rights Advocates may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or independently, and often engage in policy reform, legal representation, public education, and community outreach. Their goal is to promote equality and inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

What are some common challenges Disability Rights Advocates face when collaborating with organizations and policymakers?

Disability Rights Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal frameworks, addressing misconceptions about disabilities, and overcoming resistance to policy changes. Building strong partnerships with organizations and policymakers requires effective communication, persistence, and a thorough understanding of accessibility laws. Advocates must also balance the needs of individuals with disabilities while working within resource or budget constraints, making collaboration a nuanced and ongoing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disability Rights Advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Rights Advocate, you need a solid understanding of disability laws, advocacy strategies, and accessibility standards, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in social work, law, or public policy. Familiarity with legal research tools, case management systems, and accessibility technologies is often required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help advocates build trust and effectively represent individuals with disabilities. These abilities are vital for promoting equal rights, navigating complex legal systems, and driving meaningful policy change.

What is the difference between Disability Rights Advocate vs Disability Support Specialist?

AspectDisability Rights AdvocateDisability Support Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social work, law, or related field; certifications varyOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications in caregiving or support services may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAdvocates work in legal settings, nonprofits, or community organizations, focusing on policy and rightsSupport specialists work directly with individuals in healthcare, residential, or community settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, legal aid organizations, government agenciesHealthcare providers, residential facilities, community agencies

Disability Rights Advocates focus on policy, legal rights, and systemic change, while Disability Support Specialists provide direct assistance to individuals with disabilities. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Disability Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC? For Disability Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disability Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Rights Advocate jobs in Washington, DC are:
Disability Rights Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Disability Rights Advocate job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,408 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Paralegal

Washington Lawyers' Committee

Washington, DC • On-site

$53K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee's staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW.For more information on the Washington Lawyers' Committee, please go to www.washlaw.org.
About the role
Candidates should be prepared to commit at least two years of service in this role.
This position is part of a team of paralegals who provide support to the Committee's civil rights and racial justice advocacy andwill primarily support our housing and workers' rights teams, along with general duties. Paralegals work under the direct supervision of Committee attorneys and are not engaged in the practice of law.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities will vary by practice area and by case, but for this position will be comprised primarily of administrative duties, including:
  • Conducting intakes for new potential cases and clients.
  • Managing dockets and maintaining organized, up-to-date case files.
  • Supporting litigation and case development as needed.
  • Drafting and updating relevant informational guides for both the individual teams and the Committee as a whole.
  • Providing administrative support in arranging client and witness calls and meetings.
  • Facilitating the Committee's document retention and return policy with respect to closed matters, pending matters and matters not accepted by the Committee.
  • Ensuring case accessibility for clients (securing interpretation, translation, Optical Character Recognition compatibility, and any transportation or related issues).
  • Updating the Committee's client management system and be responsible for organizing closed case files.
  • Participating in the coordination of the Committee's undergraduate interns.
  • Other duties as assigned to support the Committee's advocacy work.

Preferred Experience and Skills:
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
  • Deep passion for civil rights and racial justice advocacy.
  • Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and to communicate effectively regarding the progress of various projects.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Familiarity with, or willingness and ability to learn, various case management, communication, and software systems (for example, Excel, Outlook, Legal Server).
  • Ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
  • Experience working with communities from a diverse set of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds strongly preferred.

Applicants with lived experience in communities historically under-resourced and marginalized due to race, class, gender, disability, etc. are encouraged to apply.
Compensation
WLC's pay scale is available with this posting. WLC offers a broad range of benefits including:
  • Generous paid time-off
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave)
  • 401k plan
  • Professional development
  • Telework option - two days per week (Mondays, Fridays)

How To Apply
Please include as part of your application package a letter detailing your interest (i.e., cover letter), university transcript, a resume, and a brief writing sample. Our system allows only two (2) documents you can attach to your application: cover letter and resume. Please include your interest letter, university transcript, and brief writing sample in one document as the cover letter attachment.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
This position is a hybrid position with three core days required to physically be in the office located in Washington, DC and up to two days of telework. We will be participating in-person when it is necessary to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients and the most effective advocacy.
The pay range for this role is:
53,240 - 53,240 USD per year (Yrs Exp 0)
53,540 - 53,540 USD per year (Yrs Exp 1)
54,272 - 54,272 USD per year (Yrs Exp 2)
55,808 - 55,808 USD per year (Yrs Exp 3)

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