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 Newark office seeks an intern 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 May 26, 2026. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 10 weeks for 30-40 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, and case referrals.
- Community Outreach: Present Know Your Rights presentations at resource fairs, schools, or other community outreach initiatives.
- Client Engagement: Schedule legal screenings with prospective child clients, adult sponsors, and/or other agencies; observe and conduct legal screenings; draft case summaries and routine client correspondences.
- Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff, as needed; research country conditions and psycho-social services to support casework in asylum cases; update training materials, such as PowerPoints presentations.
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 30 hours per week for 10 weeks during Summer semester.
- Ability to work within an office environment (hybrid) 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.
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/. 