Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

About KIND  Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.   Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children. Position Summary: KIND seeks a Senior Social Services Coordinator to serve alongside the Social Services Management team. Senior Social Services Coordinators provide therapeutic support to high-risk cases, clinical consultations, and contribute to the design and implementation of trauma informed outreach and training within KIND and to external partners.  Essential Functions: Supports the development of programmatic framework for Social Services including metrics, logic models, and narratives, for grant applications and reports. Supports fundraising and development efforts, as well as grant reporting for the Social Services team. Provides consultation on high risk and vulnerable cases across KIND offices. Creates, updates, and implements ethical policies, procedures, and guidelines to be implemented across all field offices and compiled in an updated Social Services Handbook. Creates, updates, and implements guidelines for the Social Services team in an interdisciplinary model pertaining to attorney-client and work-product privilege, federal and state confidentiality, and mandatory reporting laws. Creates and implements guidelines on working with unaccompanied children working with pro bono volunteer attorneys with a focus on trauma informed care. Creates guidelines and leads Social Services team on self-care, wellness, prevention of vicarious trauma and burnout, as well as appropriate professionalism in client relations. Maintains working partnership with local graduate program and provide supervision to graduate level interns from social work/mental health programs. Monitors and evaluates case activities, including client referrals, intakes, case strategy, and case closure through case rounds and regular check-ins of social service interns. Consults and works regularly with KIND staff to integrate holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered services that consider both legal strategy and social service needs. Evaluates and provides expert consultation to the Social Services team and KIND attorneys on services referral, needs assessments, advocacy strategy, safety planning, and crisis management. Directs client work, technical assistance, therapeutic supports, training, and outreach. Works with small caseload of high-needs clients utilizing a range of therapeutic interventions with an emphasis on screening for trauma, establishing safety, building trust, increasing coping strategies, and providing in-depth support during legal proceedings. Conducts needs assessment with KIND’s U.S./Mexico Special Programs team to design and implement quarterly trainings for staff and PBAs. Trainings will include such topics as Trauma Informed Interviewing Skills and Culturally Responsive Practices with Indigenous Populations. Provides technical assistance and expertise to KIND staff and community partners with an emphasis on Trauma Informed interventions when working with UAC and refugee populations. Works with community partners to coordinate services and collaborate in efforts; with emphasis on include language access, mental health supports and avoiding re-traumatization. Assists with trainings and presentations. Represent KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies. Qualifications and Requirements: Graduate degree in social work or related field or 6 years of work experience, combined with Undergraduate degree in social work or related field, in lieu of advanced degree. Depending on location- at least 2 years of experience working with Tender Age children, foster care, at risk youth.  Minimum of 3 years of experience in social services or non-profit organizations; community organizing, or grassroots and partnership development experience preferred. Advanced skills in Microsoft Suite including Outlook, Excel (including formula function), and Teams; competence with technology-related items including audio-video set-up and execution. Demonstrated commitment to improving and/or understanding issues impacting immigrants in the U.S.; preferred experience working with trauma survivors. Experience working with immigrant and refugee children and youth, LGBTQA communities.      Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Experience supervising interns and volunteers; highly skilled at conducting outreach and managing external partnerships. Experience in data entry and/or data management; experience in case and document database navigation such as ShareFile and Legal Server, including running and interpreting reports. Ability to handle tech related responsibilities including management of digital calendars and video conferencing.  Strong record of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills, responsive practices, and a racial equity lens. Ability to effectively conduct trainings to diverse audiences in person and virtually. Experience working with multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams. Excellent organizational, time management skills, and attention to detail; ability to work collaboratively; excellent writing an oral communication skill. Ability to thrive in a high-volume workload with fast-changing deadlines and priorities. Advanced fluency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, required. Ability to travel as assigned. Ability to work within an office environment, have regular interaction via telephone, teleconference, IM and email with KIND’s team and have in-person meetings with clients. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.). Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities. Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate. Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.  Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.  Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.  Salary Range: $61,360 - $76,700 a year Our Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the two medical plan options, dental, and vision. Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care. Pre-tax transit and parking spending account. Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.    For a complete list of benefits, please click  here .   Our Focus on Wellness  KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities.  For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this  link .   KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

About KIND: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Summary: KIND seeks a Senior Attorney to provide senior-level expertise and leadership in the provision of legal services by KIND attorneys and pro bono partners to unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings. Serve as a thoughtful leader and expert advisor on complex and novel legal issues for internal and external stakeholders. As needed, supervise Staff Attorneys, Senior Paralegals, and other non-attorney staff. The Senior Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney. The temporary position is scheduled to commence February or March 2024 and will conclude August or September 2024. Essential Functions: Provide both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients: In the pro bono mentoring function, provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case. In the direct representation function, perform ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies, and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits. Supervise staff attorneys, fellows, supervising paralegals, senior paralegals, or other non-attorney staff as needed, including: Onboarding, legal skills training, and case technical assistance, daily support, and coaching conducting regular check-ins and performance evaluations, reviewing work products, case audits, and providing consistent and effective feedback and oversight to ensure high-quality legal work. Place cases with pro bono attorneys, and provide ongoing expert mentoring, training, and technical assistance in individual and group settings. Engage in outreach to foster and expand relationships with community stakeholders and pro bono partners including law firm and in-house corporate counsel; provide expert contribution and oversight in the development of guidance materials and samples. Contribute to overall office functioning, including actively participating in the field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, field office and KIND-wide committees, and providing leadership in-office events. Oversee data management, ensuring data integrity through regular case audits, technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems, and oversight of data upkeep and accuracy by supervisees. In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team as well as the Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships, as needed, develop local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. Assist with development and conducting of local and national KIND training for both staff and external partners and stakeholders. In collaboration with Legal Programs Management, and in coordination with other organizational departments such as Development and Finance, assist in developing and implementing grant and contract-funded programming, including monitoring performance against grant and contract commitments. Collaborate with other KIND departments on specific projects and initiatives as needed, including KIND’s Policy, Advocacy, Communications, and Regional departments. Represent KIND at local stakeholder meetings, trainings, conferences, and events. Participate in and lead local and national KIND meetings, committees, retreats, and events. Provide leadership and oversight in ensuring overall field office functioning and developing KIND’s legal services program at large. Qualifications and Requirements: J.D. and admitted to the local state bar. Fluent in English and Spanish. Minimum of 4 years of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas. Minimum of 3 years of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma. Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers. Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff if the position requires supervision. For non-supervisory senior attorneys, a minimum of 2 years demonstrating proven legal expertise or exemplary skills in managing complex legal projects. Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles. Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life. Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights. Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. Experience working and communicating in a remote environment. Salary Range:  $86,880 - $108,600 a year Benefits: Discover the perks of working for KIND KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions. Application Instructions: In order to be considered for the desired role please apply here .  Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role. KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website:  https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/ .

About KIND: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Summary:   KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to unaccompanied children needing legal representation through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff. The Staff Attorney will report to the Managing Attorney, Washington, DC - Released.  Essential Functions: Provides both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients.  In the pro bono mentoring function, provides robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case.  In the direct representation function, perform ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case, conducting client interviews, appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits.  Supervises interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including, onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.  Places cases with pro bono attorneys and actively builds relationships between KIND and the pro bono community.  In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, helps develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets; with supervision, presents trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups.  Contributes to overall office functioning, including actively participating in field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events.  Ensures entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems.  Represents KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies. Qualifications and Requirements: J.D. and admitted to the local state.   Fluent in English and Spanish.  Minimum of 1 year of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas.  Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.  Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers if the majority of the caseload is working directly with pro bono attorneys.  Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills.  Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).   Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.  Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate.  Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.   Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.   Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.  Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment.  Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.   Experience working and communicating in a remote environment.   Salary Range:  $67,440 - $84,300 a year Benefits: Discover the perks of working for KIND KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions. Application Instructions: In order to be considered for the desired role please apply here .  Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role. KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website:  https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/ .

About KIND: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Summary: KIND seeks a Social Services Supervisor to manage daily social services operations of 2-3 field offices to include in-house programming, data management, reflective supervision, subject matter expertise and training on trauma-informed and client centered interventions, and crisis responses. The Social Services Supervisor will also oversee specific program areas and support the national Social Services team with other essential management duties, including fostering a culture of wellness, supervising MSW interns and leveraging community resources. They will staff a small caseload of critical cases and provide clinical consultation for the legal teams.  Essential Functions: Staffs a small caseload of critical referrals in office where the supervisor is located.  Oversees daily management and operations of 2-3 field offices (grouped regionally or by commonalities of programming, reporting laws, etc.,).  Ensures Social Services Coordinators (SSCs) adhere to policies and procedures.  Provides weekly reflective supervision to Social Service Coordinators and meet monthly with Managing Attorney at field offices.  Develops a framework for new supervision structure to support implementation across other offices.  Provides therapeutic support and crisis management with the legal team.  Coordinates Crisis Planning and protocols as part of the agency-wide implementation. Supervises MSW interns housed in field office where supervisor is located.  Monitors, reviews, and makes recommendations for in-house therapeutic activities, resource fairs and preventive programming.  Completes reports to meet both internal and external program requirements in a timely manner. KIND will evaluate proven local practices and institutionalize and share them across all of KIND’s offices.  Develops a consistent, high-quality approach to supervision, and expansion of in-house programming.  Supports assigned offices’ therapeutic programming and specific initiatives around client support.   Qualifications and Requirements: Master’s degree in social work or advanced degree in a related field, preferably in social work, counseling, or related specialty (LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LMHC).  Advanced fluency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, is required.  Licensure (or able to obtain licensure within six months of hire), SIFI certification, and experience supervising MSW interns.  Minimum five years of experience working with immigrant populations, unaccompanied minors, at-risk youth, or young children (depending on the location).  Minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory role in social services or non-profit organizations.  Experience providing guidance and crisis management and direct oversight of administrative and clinical supervision and staff performance evaluation.  Advanced skills in Microsoft Suite including Outlook, Excel (including formula function), and Teams; competence with technology-related items including audio-video set-up and execution.  Demonstrated commitment to improving and/or understanding issues impacting immigrants in the U.S.; preferred experience working with trauma survivors.  Experience working with immigrant and refugee children and youth, LGBTQA communities.       Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative in a high volume, fast-paced environment.  Experience supervising interns and volunteers; highly skilled at conducting outreach and managing external partnerships.  Experience in data entry and/or data management; experience in case and document database navigation such as ShareFile and Legal Server, including running and interpreting reports.  Ability to handle tech-related responsibilities including management of digital calendars and video conferencing.  Strong record of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills, responsive practice, and a racial equity lens.  Ability to effectively conduct trainings to diverse audiences in person and virtually.  Experience working with multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams.  Excellent organizational, time management skills, and attention to detail; ability to work collaboratively; excellent writing and oral communication skills.  Ability to thrive in a high-volume workload with fast-changing deadlines and priorities.  Ability to travel as assigned.  Ability to work within an office environment, have regular interaction via telephone, teleconference, IM and email with KIND’s team and have in-person meetings with clients.   Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).   Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.  Salary Range:   $80,000 - $85,800 a year Benefits: Discover the perks of working for KIND KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

About KIND: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Summary: KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to unaccompanied children needing legal representation through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff. The Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney. Essential Functions: Provides both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients. In the pro bono mentoring function, provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case. In the direct representation function, perform ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies; and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits. Supervises interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including: Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight. Places cases with pro bono attorneys and actively build relationships between KIND and the pro bono community. In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, helps develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups. Contributes to overall office functioning, including actively participating in field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events. Ensures entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems. Represents KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies. Qualifications and Requirements: J.D. and admitted to the local state bar (If not admitted to local state bar, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment). Must be fluent in English and Spanish; or fluent in English and must participate in and complete the Spanish immersion program. Minimum of 1 year of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas. Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma. Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers if the majority of the caseload is working directly with pro bono attorneys. Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles. Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life. Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights. Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. Experience working and communicating in a remote environment. Salary Range:  $75,000 - $84,300 a year Benefits: Discover the perks of working for KIND KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

About KIND: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Summary: KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff. The Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney. Essential Functions: Oversee paralegals ensuring the provision of high-quality intakes and legal orientations for unaccompanied children residing in immigration detention facilities. Review legal screenings conducted by paralegals to determine children's preliminary eligibility for immigration relief. Make "friend-of-the-court" appearances on the juvenile detained docket in Immigration Court on behalf of detained children. Enter representation in certain cases. Communicate regularly with shelter staff regarding the status of children in detention; advocate for alternative placements on behalf of children who are in danger of "aging out" of ORR care or seeking placement in long-term foster care facilities. As needed, represent a smaller docket of children in their applications for relief who do not have reunification options and must remain longer in detention. Once children are released locally from detention, provide zealous direct legal representation to children in their removal proceedings and in their applications for immigration relief. In certain cases, depending on experience, caseload, and organizational priorities, place those cases with pro bono attorneys and provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys. The percentage of mentoring and direct representation caseloads will be determined by management in the Legal Programs component. Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing direct representation, including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state court or agencies, and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits. Place cases with pro bono attorneys and build relationships between KIND and the pro bono community. In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present training to pro bono attorneys and community groups. Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems. Contribute to overall office functioning, including joining field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, participating in the field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-legal staff including onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins, and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight. Qualifications and Requirements: J.D. and admitted to the local state bar (If not admitted to local state bar, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment). Fluent in English and Spanish. Minimum 1-year experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas. Minimum 1-year experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, or experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma. Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing. Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently. Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers preferred. Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team. Regular/weekly travel to local immigration detention facility required. Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles. Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life. Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights. Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. Experience working and communicating in a remote environment. Salary Range: $75,000 - $84,300 a year Benefits: Discover the perks of working for KIND KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.