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Human Rights Advocate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HR Generalist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Be an advocate of DRT's mission by helping to foster a positive work culture and environment ... For additional information, please review the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal ...

$15 - $18/hr

Clarify and enhance self-advocacy skills. Encourage peers to develop independent behavior that is ... human rights, ethical, and legal concerns as they relate to providing clinical and residential ...

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Advocates on behalf of the individual for appropriate treatment/interventions. * Develops community ... Individuals' human and civil rights; * Local service delivery systems, including support services;

Person-Centered Services & Advocacy * Ensure the implementation, monitoring, and ongoing review of ... Provide training and coaching in person-centered planning, Mandt, CPR/First Aid, Human Rights, and ...

Division Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$85K/yr

Person-Centered Services & Advocacy * Ensure the implementation, monitoring, and ongoing review of ... Provide training and coaching in person-centered planning, Mandt, CPR/First Aid, Human Rights, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Human Rights Advocate information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do human rights advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights advocate in Virginia is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a human rights advocate?

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 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.

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 related 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 advancement.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Advocate jobs in Virginia? For Human Rights Advocate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Advocate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Advocate jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Human Rights Advocate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,671 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Peer Recovery Specialist (Family Support Specialist)

Western Tidewater Community Service Board (WTCSB)

Suffolk, VA

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Western Tidewater Community Services Board

Peer Recovery Specialist Job Openings

Western Tidewater Community Services (WTCSB), established in 1971, is the single point of entry for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services in Franklin and Suffolk, and in the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton. WTCSB provides integrated and wraparound care for individuals within the region experiencing a decline in their mental health.

Peer Recovery and Family Support Specialist

Description:

As a Peer Recovery Specialist and Family Support Specialist, the aim is to continue working on personal recovery goals by assisting agency clients and supporting the agency's Wellness, Prevention, and Recovery-oriented activities, initiatives, and events. This non-clinical position provides wellness-focused prevention and recovery support to individuals and families. They will share their lived experiences in recovery to inspire hope, increase engagement in treatment and within their communities, and support individuals in articulating personal goals for wellness, recovery resilience, and self-advocacy.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Work closely with team members or clinical supervisors to provide a consumer perspective on assessment, treatment planning, and service provision. Participate in treatment planning meetings for clients as needed to ensure continuity of care.

Assist individuals with implementation of their wellness plans, general problem-solving, and development of skills to support consumers in maintaining stability and independence in the community.

Links and educates individuals to available services within the community, which may include Veterans Affairs. Primary care providers, behavioral health providers, housing resources, financial support, the Department of Social Services, the Social Security Administration, and others, as needed, to recommend per the individual's treatment team. Develop and maintain a community referral network.

Advocate for services on behalf of the client and their families or caregivers as needed. Documents and reports suspected violations of clients' rights.

Assist individuals in developing self-directed strategies for wellness recovery and for periods of potential crisis, to empower them in taking a proactive role in their treatment.

Assist individuals in making and keeping appointments related to mental health, substance abuse, and/or medical treatment services. Work also includes mental status observation and recommendations.

In some instances, interaction with professionals from other agencies or service providers may be necessary as part of a multi-disciplinary team. A Peer Recovery and Family Support Specialist may need to initiate and maintain relationships with staff from law enforcement, hospital systems, Veterans Affairs, and other human services agencies, as well as with informal community resources.

Develop appropriate relationships, using good judgment and discretion, with a variety of individuals with mental health and/or substance use in accordance with the Code of Ethics statement from the Peer Recovery Specialist Certification.

Promotes communication with all staff members and parties providing services. Engages and develops relationships with the target population and connects individuals to needed services.

Must maintain all communications, written or verbal, that comply with HIPAA standards and regulations.

May participate in Local, state, and national Peer Recovery Advocacy and/or Prevention events.

Adheres to agency policies, procedures, and complies with human rights regulations.

Performs all required duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) with the state of Virginia Licensing with the State of Virginia Licensing Board, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with the Certification Board, preferred or ability and willingness to obtain registration status within five to six months (5 to 6) months from the hire date (unless otherwise approved by the agency).

Has lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use challenge or is a parent or caregiver of an individual with a mental health and/or substance use challenge and confirms experience in treatment and recovery began at least one year ago.

High school Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Salary range is based on qualifications, experience, budget, and internal equity.

Benefits for Full-Time:

Health/Life insurance

Virginia Retirement System plan

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Vacation/Sick leave/Holiday pay

VA529-Tuition Savings

Critical & Accidental Insurance

Tuition discounts- South University

Aflac

Working Advantage- shopping discount

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and either a WTCSB application or a resume to: Western Tidewater Community Services Board, Human Resources Dept. 7025 Harbour View Blvd. Suite 119, Suffolk, VA 23435. Visit our website at www.wtcsb.org to apply.

WTCSB is an equal opportunity employer.

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