Human Rights Advocate (Volunteer)
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Human Rights Advocate (volunteer) supports individuals and communities experiencing discrimination, with a primary focus on assisting with complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT). The role combines direct client advocacy, legal information, systems navigation, and community education in a fast‑paced environment where timelines are critical and an anti‑oppressive, trauma‑informed approach is essential to ensuring the greatest possible success for individuals seeking remedies.
Commitment: 3-5+ hours/week
Contract: Ongoing
Key responsibilities
Provide intake services to new clients, including gathering information, assessing urgency, and identifying human rights issues and appropriate next steps.
Offer appropriate support, de‑escalation, and referrals for individuals who may be in crisis, including referrals to legal, housing, health, income support, or other community resources.
Provide accurate, plain‑language legal information to individuals who have experienced discrimination under the BC Human Rights Code, with a focus on helping them understand their rights, options, and the BCHRT process.
Assist clients with forms and letter‑writing, including drafting BCHRT complaints, responses, supporting statements, and advocacy letters, either on behalf of or collaboratively with clients.
In collaboration with staff and volunteers and at times independently, maintain regular office hours (in‑person and/or virtual) to ensure VIHRC is accessible to as many people as possible.
Participate in the day‑to‑day functioning of the office, including responding to telephone and email inquiries, scheduling and conducting in‑person or virtual appointments, and keeping accurate, confidential records of client contacts and case progress.
Follow VIHRC policies and procedures at all times, including confidentiality, privacy, safety, and conflict‑of‑interest guidelines, and identify and evaluate risks to clients, staff, volunteers, the organization’s property, finances, goodwill, and public image, implementing measures to manage or reduce those risks.
In collaboration with the staff Advocate and/or volunteers, assist in the development, planning, and delivery of human rights education sessions and workshops (e.g., on the BC Human Rights Code, duty to accommodate, discrimination in services, and access to justice).
Communicate respectfully and professionally with community organizations, service providers, government agencies, BC Human Rights Tribunal staff, lawyers, and clients as part of casework and systems navigation.
Engage in regular supervision, reflective practice, and team communication to support learning, accountability, and high‑quality services.
Contribute to data collection, evaluation, and reporting as requested, to help VIHRC track needs, outcomes, and systemic issues emerging from casework.
Qualifications and skills
Enrollment in a social work, legal studies, social justice, or related program (or equivalent combination of education and experience) with an interest in human rights, access to justice, and community‑based advocacy.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen deeply, and communicate clearly and compassionately with people experiencing stress, trauma, or crisis.
Ability to understand and explain written information (e.g., legislation, policies, tribunal rules) in clear, accessible language.
Strong written communication skills, including drafting letters, forms, and case notes with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated commitment to anti‑oppressive, trauma‑informed, and strengths‑based practice, including an understanding (or willingness to learn) of how racism, ableism, colonialism, poverty, homophobia, transphobia, and other intersecting systems of oppression affect people’s experiences of discrimination and access to remedies.
organizational skills and reliability in managing multiple tasks, timelines, and client files in a confidential environment.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team, seek guidance when needed, and receive and integrate feedback.
Comfort using basic office and communication tools (email, word processing, shared drives, online meeting platforms).
Diversity and equity
VIHRC centres human rights, equity, and lived experience in all aspects of its work. The organization welcomes and strongly encourages applications from people who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, disabled, Two‑Spirit, trans, non‑binary, queer, neurodivergent, living in poverty or with low income, newcomers, refugees, and others who experience structural barriers and discrimination, including those with lived experience of the human rights systems we engage with. Consistent with VIHRC’s commitment to an anti‑oppressive, accessible, and inclusive workplace and board, the Human Rights Advocate (Student) is expected to uphold these values in their day‑to‑day practice and contribute to a respectful, learning‑oriented environment for clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
To Apply:
Send your letter of interest and CV via email to contactvihrc@gmail.com
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VANCOUVER ISLAND HUMAN RIGHTS COALITION (VIHRC)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Name of Position: Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)
Commitment: 20 hours/week
Compensation: $27.40 per hour
Location: Victoria, British Columbia (flexible work arrangement: fully remote in Victoria, hybrid, or in-person in Victoria)
Contract Duration: February 2026-March 2026 (with potential for extension pending funding)
About VIHRC:
VIHRC is a community-based, non-profit agency that helps individuals and organizations uphold and promote human rights. VIHRC provides clients with information and assistance bringing human rights complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal, as well as letters of support, training, and education in human rights.
Position Summary:
VIHRC is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Administrative Assistant to support the Executive Director and Board of Directors to contribute to the successful delivery of our programs. This role is essential for maintaining smooth operations.
Responsibilities:
Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, including:
Scheduling, correspondence, and calendar management
Preparation of program documentation and reports
Assist with program delivery logistics, including grant application and community outreach coordination
Support meeting preparation (internal and external), including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
Maintain digital and physical files, databases, and other organizational records
Perform other administrative duties that support program efficiency and delivery
Qualifications
Experience in office administration or nonprofit support roles
Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and support multiple priorities
Familiarity with human rights or social justice organizations is an asset
Reporting & Supervision
Reports directly to the Executive Director
Works collaboratively with staff, the Board, and volunteers engaged in program delivery
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience to vihrcdirectors@gmail.com by February 1, 2026 with the subject line, Admin Assistant Application. We thank all applicants, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals feel valued and respected. We encourage applications from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, neurodiverse persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We look forward to receiving your application!