What Is a Human Rights Administrator?
A human rights administrator works for a county’s office of human rights, which is typically an entity of the county government. A county office of human rights investigates occurrences of hate or violence and charges of discrimination in a community. Victims of violent or other types of hate crimes can seek retribution through the office of human rights.
The office of human rights works to promote equal opportunity for all citizens. A human rights administrator would work with victims of all types of human rights crimes and facilitate the legal process with the victim’s rights in mind. Human rights administrators also work to protect rights in areas such as employment, public accommodation, housing and commercial real estate.
Human rights administrators need to be highly analytical, compassionate and excellent at working with individuals who have been through potentially traumatic events.
How to Become a Human Rights Administrator
In order to become part of an office of human rights, an individual typically needs to be appointed by a county executive and affirmed by the city council. Members are usually chosen in order to represent the broadly diverse population of the county.
Students looking to become human rights administrators should pursue bachelor’s or associate degrees in law, criminal justice, or human rights law. Students should seek to do independent research on human rights topics. Students will also benefit from internships or work experience within the realm of human rights or government.
Candidates who can demonstrate a passion for human rights and strong communication abilities will be highly desirable. Those who have an extensive working knowledge of human rights case law will be especially valuable within an office of human rights, so applicants should be sure to highlight any research or previous law work.
Human Rights Administrator Career Outlook & Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for human rights administrators will be good for the decade from 2008 to 2012. The employment of workers in community and social services occupations, to which a human rights administrator is comparable, is estimated to increase by 10.6% in the 2008-12 period. Growth will be largely due to the rising demand for public health and safety services at the state and local levels.
The median annual salary for human services directors was $75,961 in May, 2008. The salaries for human rights administrators will be accordingly lower. Salaries will differ from state to state and from local to state levels.
Human rights administrators with the most experience in human rights will have the most potential for advancements and see the best salaries. Also, human rights administrators who can speak second and third languages will be especially valuable to an office of human rights.
