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Human Rights Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND ... This classification performs duties in accordance with the Patients' Rights Advocacy Program. IDEAL ...

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Human Rights Advocate information

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How much do human rights advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights advocate in the United States is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do human rights advocates get paid?

Human rights advocates' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and organization, but typically range from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced advocates or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Many roles also require strong research, communication skills, and sometimes specialized certifications.

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

To thrive as a Human Rights Advocate, you need a solid understanding of human rights law, research skills, and often a background in law, social sciences, or international relations. Familiarity with legal research databases, advocacy tools, and data management systems is typically required, and certifications in human rights or related fields are advantageous. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience help you effectively engage with diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for influencing policy, raising awareness, and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

What are human rights advocates?

Human rights advocates are professionals or activists who work to promote and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups. They may operate locally, nationally, or internationally, raising awareness about human rights issues, lobbying for legislative change, and supporting victims of abuses. Their work often involves research, public education, policy analysis, and direct advocacy with governments, organizations, or communities. Human rights advocates can work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, or as independent activists.

What do human rights advocates do?

Human rights advocates work to promote and protect fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals. They may conduct research, raise awareness, lobby policymakers, and support victims of human rights violations, often working with NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations.

What are some common challenges Human Rights Advocates face when working with at-risk communities?

Human Rights Advocates often encounter challenges such as building trust with at-risk communities who may be wary of outsiders or fear repercussions for speaking out. Navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes, managing emotional stress from exposure to difficult situations, and balancing advocacy with the need for objectivity can also be demanding. Successful advocates focus on active listening, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with local organizations to overcome these obstacles and create meaningful change.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Human Rights Advocates typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or advanced education. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include sales managers, real estate brokers, or certain skilled trades like electricians or commercial pilots, which often require certifications or licenses. These jobs usually demand strong skills, experience, or licensing rather than formal degrees.

How do you become a human rights advocate?

To become a human rights advocate, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in fields like human rights, law, or social sciences, and gain experience through internships or volunteer work with relevant organizations. Developing strong communication, research, and advocacy skills is essential, and some roles may require advanced degrees or specialized certifications. Building a network within human rights communities and staying informed about global issues also support career development in this field.

What is the difference between Human Rights Advocate vs Social Worker?

AspectHuman Rights AdvocateSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in human rights, law, or related fieldsRequires a bachelor's or master's in social work or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, international agencies, legal settingsHospitals, schools, community agencies, government offices
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, NGOs, government agencies focused on human rightsPublic and private social service agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for advocacy roles, policy work, legal advocacyCompared for direct client support, case management, community services

While both roles aim to improve well-being and justice, Human Rights Advocates focus on policy, legal advocacy, and systemic change at a broader level, whereas Social Workers provide direct support and services to individuals and communities. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the social justice field.

More about Human Rights Advocate jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Rights Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Human Rights Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Human Rights Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Rights Advocate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Human Rights Advocate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,058 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Human Rights Advocate

$68K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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Job description

Human Rights Advocate
Job no: 5107357
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Falls Church, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services
Title: Human Rights Advocate
State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II
Hiring Range: Up to $68,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Central Office
Agency Website: www.dbhds.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is seeking a highly skilled professional accustomed to working with a high level of autonomy to provide direct advocacy and regulatory technical assistance to individuals being served in DBHDS-operated hospitals. This position works out of Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI), which is located at 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, in Northern VA. This position provides direct services to implement a facility-based human rights system for individuals and their families. Duties include examining human rights complaints, instances of seclusion/restraint and serious incidents; representing and supporting individuals and their families; supporting , consulting and training facility staff about the human rights system; identifying and working to correct and mitigate systemic human rights issues; monitoring compliance with the human rights regulations; reviewing facility policies for compliance; providing orientation, training, and technical assistance to human rights committees and taking necessary action to ensure the health and safety of individuals receiving services operated by DBHDS. To meet the duties and demands of the position, it's recommended that the candidate reside in Northern VA or live close to NVMHI's proximity. A valid, unrestricted driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the Commonwealth's Driver Safety Program are required due to some travel statewide for training. A drug screen and background check is required.
Minimum Qualifications
• Extensive experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use disorders and/or Mental Illness.
• Demonstrated involvement with examining program compliance and service quality; monitoring and developing quality improvement activities and experience in supervising and monitoring the work of others.
• Practical knowledge and ability to prioritize and manage high volumes of case coordination to include conducting thorough investigations, analyzing problems, and recommending solutions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with human service delivery system managers; maintain accurate detailed records; and produce professional reports.
• Proficiency utilizing strong organizational and time management skills to meet critical deadlines.
• Understanding in human rights advocacy or a related occupation, i.e. conflict resolution, crisis intervention and case investigation.
• Significant experience and knowledge in public and private human service delivery systems, DBHDS licensed services and Medicaid funded programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within the framework of DBHDS technology, including, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Adobe, SharePoint, and Outlook.
Additional Considerations
• Experience in human services.
• Experience in providing advocacy or mediation services.
• Experience in conducting investigations.
• Experience with case documentation and report writing.
• Experience in supervising/monitoring the work of others.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
For consideration, interested applicants must apply by completing the online application and/or submit a resume. However, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m., on the listed closing date. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DBHDS welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the U.S. For more information on how to seek this authorization, please refer to Working in the United States or contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office directly.
For any technical assistance with the jobs.virginia.gov website, please contact applicantinquiry@dhrm.virginia.gov.
Contact Information
Name: ShaKiera Miles
Phone: N/A
Email: shakiera.miles@dbhds.virginia.gov - Inquiries Only/No Submissions, to include resumes.
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 02 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 14 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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