Fall Undergraduate Intern

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’s Central American Minors (CAM) Program seeks an intern for the Fall semester of 2024 (approximate dates are 8/26/2024 to 12/6/2024) to support in-house (direct) and pro bono (volunteer) legal representation of unaccompanied children. The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship. The anticipated start date for this internship is August 26, 2024. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 15 weeks for 12-16 hours. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work-study and funding from external sources is welcomed.

Essential Functions

• Case Management: Maintain case data management system through data entry, such as tracking court hearing dates and deadlines, case activities, client communications, case referrals, and key indicators
• Client Engagement: Respond to CAM hotline inquiries; assist with reviewing and assigning referrals; observe and conduct eligibility screenings; draft routine correspondence to clients and referrers
• Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff, as needed; support pro bono program by assisting with application preparation and case audits; update program materials, such as training guidance and resources for parents and children
• Community Outreach: Assist with virtual and in-person information sessions and other community outreach initiatives
  
  
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• Experience and interest in working with children, immigrant communities and/or victims of trauma preferred
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish required
• Ability to commit to at least 12 hours per week for 15 weeks during the Fall 2024 semester
• Ability to work remotely and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team
• This internship is unpaid, but KIND is happy to support school credit, work study and stipends that interns can seek through their academic institutions
  
  
  
  

A laptop will be provided for this role.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.

Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.

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/.