Employment Type : Full-Time
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. Since 2008, 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 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 Supervising Attorney to supervise and lead teams at each on-site program to provide core legal services to unaccompanied children placed at Emergency Intake Sites (EIS) maintained by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at one of the following five sites: San Diego, CA; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; El Paso TX; and Midland, TX. Please specify in your application which location you are applying to. This position will be for a temporary contract of 2-6 months (with the possibility of extension). Essential Functions: In consultation with site’s Managing Attorney, supervise and oversee delivery of core legal services by staff and volunteers including group Know-Your-Rights presentations, legal screenings for those subject to expedited reunification or particularly vulnerable children, and case referrals; Conduct individual legal screenings and/or case analysis in cases identified as in need of urgent assessment, and make appropriate referrals dependent on case needs; Provide guidance and technical support to supervisees to ensure high-quality, child-centered and trauma-informed service delivery, support professional growth and achievement of program deliverables; conduct regular check ins with supervisees ; In collaboration with on-site team members, implement and oversee programming including scheduling, case flow, and data tracking systems to ensure consistent delivery of services to a high-volume of children; Help develop and implement on-site programming with external volunteers and pro bono partners; In collaboration with the Managing Attorney, maintain effective relationships with stakeholders including children served, facility staff and/or other on-site service providers; local community partners; pro bono and volunteer partners; and relevant government representatives; Provide positive leadership, cultivate strong and collaborative team culture, and promote team and individual wellness amid high-volume, high-stress environment; Oversee data management, technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems, and oversight of data upkeep and accuracy by supervisees. Qualifications and Requirements: J.D. and admitted to a state bar. 3-5 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. Experience working with children or adolescents, 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. 2+ years of experience supervising attorneys and non-attorney staff. Experience working in a detained setting preferred. Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated collaboration, deep engagement, and contributor to overall team; ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently. Advanced fluency in Spanish language required. Benefits: At KIND we value every employee and the vital role they play in carrying out our mission to protect unaccompanied children on the move. Each employee hired as part of the ORR Project will be eligible for: Application Instructions: 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.