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Human Rights Advocate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

JRI

Program Director

Tewksbury, MA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

Oversee all daily operations, including integrated treatment services, admissions, individual program activities, community integration, human rights advocacy, social and life-skills training ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Advocate JobsHuman Rights Advocate Jobs in Boston, MA

Human Rights Advocate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do human rights advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights advocate in Boston, MA is $23.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $27.93 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.

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Advocate jobs in Boston, MA? For Human Rights Advocate jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Advocate jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Advocate jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Human Rights Advocate jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Human Rights Advocate job openings:
Human Rights Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Advocate job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,948 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Humans Rights and Quality of Life Coordinator

Humans Rights and Quality of Life Coordinator

General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Waltham, MA

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Humans Rights and Quality of Life Coordinator. This position is based out of our Metro Regional Office in Waltham and works directly with Metro Residential Services (MRS), a division of DDS Metro that operates 20 group homes in the Boston area for adults with disabilities. The Human Rights and Quality of Life Coordinator oversees compliance with DDS certification criteria through the review and implementation of person-centered programming, as well as the education and upholding of Human Rights for the individuals supported through MRS.

Other duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Ensures each individual in Metro Residential Services receives a periodic assessment and record review to ensure programming is based on their unique needs and interests as well as MRS's Mission, DDS regulations and QE Certification standards.
  • Reviews and audits individual confidential records including assessments to ensure they are robust and meet the unique needs and interests of the individual.
  • Reviews ISP objectives and goals in HCSIS and provide support to RSs (Residential Supervisors) on creating person-centered objectives that speak to the individual's interests.
  • Collaborates with QA/HR Associate and other staff to conduct individual satisfaction surveys with individuals supported by MRS. Through these findings, makes recommendations to RSs, DRSs (Directors of Residential Services) and MRS Administrators.
  • Develops a monthly calendar of events to distribute to MRS residences that spotlight a variety of activities, events and special programs that may be of interest to individuals supported by MRS.
  • Serves as a liaison between MRS and other key stakeholders, vendors, and businesses to develop relationships and identifies resources that may be available to individuals supported by MRS (ex: WDC for use of pool, DCR for adaptive skating, etc.)
  • Attends house meetings to provide input and assistance on developing in-house and external activities and events.
  • Serves as Human Rights Coordinator to staff and individuals served by the Metro Residential Services, and the Human Right Committee, to ensure the rights of Individuals are respected, protected and affirmed
  • Provides training as needed or requested to the DRSs, Human Rights Advocates, Residential Supervisors and Residential Staff on issues related to Human Rights.
  • Provides administrative support to MRS's Human Rights Committee (HRC).  by following up on questions and concerns of the committee and ensuring the committee has the information it needs to do its job.  The coordinator also reports to the committee on efforts to meet its human rights training responsibilities.  The other primary function of the coordinator is to oversee and support the work of the agency's human rights officers
  • Sets up a database to more effectively track and monitors information which is routinely reviewed by Human Rights Coordinators (HRCs)
  • Ensures Executive Director and Director of Residential Supports (DRS) are aware of specific HRC concerns and assist to the extent indicated in addressing and resolving issues/concerns
  • Pursues new membership for HRC as needed.
  • Serves as a liaison to the Regional Human Rights Specialist
  • In conjunction with the DRS, there is a Human Rights Advocate assigned to each home.
  • Provides support to HRA through training and materials.
  • Attends relevant trainings and conferences
  • Coordinates the self-advocacy group, MRS Speaks Out, including setting up meetings, providing training or speakers of interest and coordinating agency involvement in self-advocacy conferences
  • Directs the internship program through the Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC) and identifies opportunities within the region for intern placement
  • Provides oversight and supervision of the interns including conducting weekly meetings, attending statewide events and ensuring compliance with the standards set by the UYC program.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory or law enforcement work, or regulatory administration work (B) and equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

 A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for the required experience.*

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of resources for self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Ability to apply conflict resolution skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with developmentally disabled adults. 

Please Note: This is Full-time, 40 hour position. 

                       Shift: Days

                       Days Off: Saturday and Sunday 

                       Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Office.

About the Department of Developmental Services: 


The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds 

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

       Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

       Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

       Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

       National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory or law enforcement work, or regulatory administration work (B) and equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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