Canada Summer Jobs Positions
The Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition (VIHRC) is hiring through the Canada Summer Jobs program for two summer roles: Legal Advocate (Human Rights) and Policy Analyst (Nonprofit). These roles offer youth aged 15–30 paid experience in legal advocacy and community education or nonprofit policy development.
Position Overview:
Hours: 30 hours per week
Rate: $21 per hour
Duration: 9 weeks (June 1 – August 7, 2026)
Two roles available: Legal Advocate (2 positions) and Policy Analyst (1 position)
Application deadline: May 15, 2026
How to Apply
Please apply by reviewing the job posting of interest and writing a brief letter about why you are aligned with this position. Send the letter along with your resume to contactvihrc@gmail.com.
We thank everyone for their time and interest, but only those selected to move forward with the hiring process will be contacted.
Learn more about the positions by clicking the buttons below.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion statement
VIHRC is committed to building a team that reflects the communities it serves and to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute. The organization recognizes that systemic discrimination and historical injustices have disproportionately impacted Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, immigrants and refugees, people with precarious status, and people living with low income. VIHRC actively encourages applications from individuals who identify as members of these communities and from others who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to human rights work.
Hiring and employment practices aim to be equitable, transparent, and grounded in human rights principles. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process and employment upon request, and the organization works to identify and remove barriers related to disability, caregiving responsibilities, language, and other factors. The goal is a learning environment where staff and students can grow, receive mentorship, and participate in a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and ongoing reflection about power, privilege, and oppression.
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Social Media Coordinator (Volunteer)
Position Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to manage and grow VIHRC's presence on LinkedIn and Instagram. This role will amplify our human rights advocacy, community education, and social justice initiatives by creating engaging content that informs, inspires, and mobilizes our audience. Ideal for someone passionate about digital storytelling, equity, and nonprofit communications (approx. 4–6 hours/week, flexible).
Key Responsibilities
Develop and schedule 3–4 posts per month across LinkedIn (professional networking, thought leadership) and 1-2 Instagram posts per week (visual stories, community spotlights).
Create original content including graphics, captions, short videos/Reels, infographics, and carousels aligned with VIHRC's campaigns (e.g., accessibility, anti-discrimination, anti-racism, human rights).
Engage with followers: Respond to comments/DMs within 24 hours, moderate interactions, and foster community dialogue.
Monitor trends in human rights, social justice, and BC-specific issues to curate shareable content (e.g., reposts, quotes, live updates).
Track basic metrics (reach, engagement, growth) monthly and share simple insights with the team.
Collaborate with ED, staff, and volunteers to align posts with events, workshops, reports, and grant wins.
Qualifications
Experience with LinkedIn and Instagram (personal or professional use).
Strong writing skills for clear, inclusive, trauma-informed messaging.
Basic graphic design/photo editing skills (Canva, CapCut etc).
Familiarity with human rights, equity, or nonprofit work is a plus.
Reliable, self-motivated, and comfortable working remotely with occasional team check-ins.
Alignment with VIHRC's values: social justice, accessibility, cultural humility.
What We Offer
Hands-on experience in nonprofit communications and advocacy.
Letters of reference/portfolio pieces for future opportunities.
Training on VIHRC branding, content strategy, and best practices.
Flexible schedule, remote work and meaningful impact on BC communities.
To Apply
Email your resume, 2–3 sample posts/graphics (or links to your social profiles), and a brief note on why you're excited about this role to [contactvihrcl@gmail.com]. No deadline—positions filled on a rolling basis.
VIHRC is committed to equity and welcomes applications from 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, racialized, and disabled people. 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!
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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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