Staff Attorney - ORR Project

Staff Attorney - ORR Project

Department: Legal Programs

Location: midland, TX

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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 Staff Attorney to provide core legal services to unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings including Know-Your-Rights orientations, legal screenings, and case assessments. The staff attorney will serve an essential role at each of KIND-s on-site program to provide these services to unaccompanied children placed at Emergency Intake Sites (EIS) maintained by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at 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 6 months (with the possibility of extension).

Essential Functions:

• Provide Know-Your-Rights orientations and individual legal screenings to unaccompanied children awaiting expedited release from ORR custody and children identified as particularly vulnerable;

• Supervise senior paralegals, paralegals, and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including:

• Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, regular check-ins, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight;

• Ensuring delivery of high-quality, child-centered and trauma-informed services by supervisees.

• In coordination with team members, develop and implement effective program procedures including scheduling, case flow, and data tracking systems to ensure consistent delivery of services to a high-volume of children;

• Help develop and implement of on-site programming with external volunteers and pro bono partners;

• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND-s case management systems.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• J.D. and admitted to state bar.

• 1-3 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 vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma; experience working with detained individuals desired.

• Advanced fluency in the Spanish language.

• 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.

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:

• Up to $2,000 in relocation expenses

• Up to 5 paid days in hotel

• Paid roundtrip flight

• Two medical insurance plans with 100% employer-paid options for medical, dental and vision (Eligible on day of hire)

• And lots more!

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.

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