Job Description

• 5102872

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• Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

• Health and Human Services

• Full-Time (Salaried)

• Closing at: Apr 10 2026 - 23:55 EDT

• Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Title: Human Rights Advocate

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: UP to $68,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central Office

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ (DBHDS) Office of Human Rights is seeking a highly skilled professional accustomed to working with a high level of autonomy for advocacy to individuals being served in community programs in the Tidewater area, DBHDS Region 5. This position requires the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment, manage multiple and competing deadlines, and navigate complex interactions with consumers and service providers. This position is responsible for delivering direct services to support the implementation of a community-based human rights system for individuals receiving services licensed and funded by DBHDS. Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the review and investigation of complaints and serious incidents; representation and support of individuals and their families; provision of guidance and training to community providers; consultation with and education of individuals, family members, and providers regarding the human rights system; identification of systemic human rights concerns; monitoring compliance with applicable human rights regulations; and review of provider policies to ensure regulatory compliance. This position is highly responsible for taking appropriate action to safeguard the health, safety, and rights of individuals receiving DBHDS licensed and funded services. A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Driver Safety Program are required due to frequent travel in and around Central Virginia, with some travel statewide for training. Use of a private and secure home office is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use disorders and/or Mental Illness.
• Demonstrated involvement with examining program compliance and service quality; monitoring and developing quality improvement activities and experience in supervising and monitoring the work of others.
• Practical knowledge and ability to prioritize and manage high volumes of case coordination to include conducting thorough investigations, analyzing problems, and recommending solutions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with human service delivery system managers; maintain accurate detailed records; and produce professional reports.
• Proficiency utilizing strong organizational and time management skills to meet critical deadlines.
• Understanding in human rights advocacy or a related occupation, i.e. conflict resolution, crisis intervention and case investigation.
• Significant experience and knowledge in public and private human service delivery systems, DBHDS licensed services and Medicaid funded programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within the framework of DBHDS technology, including, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Adobe, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in human services.
• Experience in providing advocacy or mediation services.
• Experience in conducting investigations.
• Experience with case documentation and report writing.
• Experience in supervising/monitoring the work of others.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

For consideration, interested applicants must apply by completing the online application and/or submit a resume. However, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m., on the listed closing date. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.


DBHDS welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the U.S. For more information on how to seek this authorization, please refer to Working in the United States or contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office directly.


For any technical assistance with the jobs.virginia.gov website, please contact applicantinquiry@dhrm.virginia.gov.

Contact Information

Name: ShaKiera Miles

Phone: N/A

Email: shakiera.miles@dbhds.virginia.gov - Inquiries Only/No Submissions, to include resumes.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

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