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 provided nearly 18,000 children with high-quality representation in their immigration proceedings by training more than 41,000 attorneys and legal staff and cultivating partnerships with over 600 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 Description:

KIND seeks interns to assist KIND’s Baltimore office (remote optional) in developing, maintaining, and overseeing the in-house and pro bono legal representation of unaccompanied children. We are seeking part-time (20 hours) candidates for an internship during the Fall 2023 semester. The tentative dates for the internship are September 11,  through December 22, 2023. Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 14 weeks. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit.

Essential Functions:

• Case Management: Help maintain KIND’s case management system through data entry and related assignments.
• Community Outreach: Assist with community outreach initiatives such as Know Your Rights presentations and resource fairs.
• Client Communication: Draft routine client correspondence.
• Research: Research country conditions and psycho-social services to support case work and clients.
• Programmatic Support: Complete special projects for KIND attorneys and staff, as needed.
• Meetings: Attend weekly virtual staff meetings, legal trainings, and presentations, if available.
• Translation and Interpretation: If fluent in Spanish, assist with phone calls to clients, interpreting for client meetings, and translating documents.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
• Professional fluency in Spanish preferred, though not required.
• Experience and interest in working with children, immigrant communities and/or victims of trauma preferred.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work within an office environment (remote optional) and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.

Location: Baltimore, MD (Remote Optional)

KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

Application Instructions:

Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be submitted 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.