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Job Description
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 seeks a Managing Attorney, New York -Released to assist in the management of the delivery of legal services to children and families impacted by family separation and other emerging legal and policy changes affecting migrant children seeking safe haven in the U.S., provide direct representation, pro bono mentoring, and strategic legal counsel and program planning and implementation in a cutting-edge area of humanitarian immigration work on behalf of highly vulnerable children. As needed, the incumbent will supervise Staff Attorneys, Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, and program staff. The Managing Attorney, New York - Released will report to the Managing Director, New York.
Essential Functions
- Supervises and lead program staff in the relevant jurisdiction(s), in consultation with the Managing Director, including:
- Program oversight, direct representation and pro bono placements, supervising casework, managing caseloads and other assignments, promoting, and advising supervisees on professional growth, conducting employee performance evaluations, meeting regularly with each supervisee, and providing consistent and effective supervision to ensure high-quality legal work and achievement of deliverables.
- Plans and implements effective recruitment, mentoring, and case placement strategies to increase pro bono representation of unaccompanied immigrant children with support from the Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships; ensures staff adherence to KIND standards for pro bono mentorship.
- Leads, delegates, and develops pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets, in coordination with KIND’s Legal and Technical Assistance Team and Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships, assists with development and conducting of a local KIND training for both staff and external partners and stakeholders.
- Provides both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients:
- In the pro bono mentoring function, provides robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case.
- In the direct representation function, performs ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies, and drafts and files court pleadings and applications for benefits.
- Provides legal skills training and technical case assistance to in-house staff, pro bono attorneys, or other stakeholders, in coordination with field office colleagues and KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team.
- Supports the Managing Director to develop and implement management strategies to meet ambitious programmatic and funding deliverables, including staff recruitment and development-support functions, employee engagement, and quality control of KIND’s legal services delivery.
- Partners with the Managing Director to ensure mid-level supervisors in the field office are equipped and trained to effectively supervise and coach their direct reports.
- Oversees data management, ensuring data integrity through regular case audits, technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems, and oversight of data upkeep and accuracy by supervisees.
- In collaboration with the Managing Director, leads and manages large and complex programs, including oversees and drafts grant reports, metrics oversight, and assists in the drafting of funding proposals as needed.
- Maintains internal and external stakeholder relations; participates in local coalitions of various stakeholders supporting unaccompanied immigrant children.
- Collaborates with other KIND departments on specific projects and initiatives as needed, including KIND’s Policy, Advocacy, Communications, and International departments.
- Participates in and leads local and national KIND meetings, committees, retreats, and events.
Qualifications and Requirements
- J.D. and admitted to state bar.
- Must be fully fluent in English and Spanish.
- Minimum of 6 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.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience working with children, 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.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising attorneys and non-attorney staff.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in program management, including experience such as project management, tracking deliverables, hiring, planning and development.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a released setting, if the position is over a released program.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
- Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate.
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
- Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
- Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
- Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
- Experience working and communicating in a remote environment.
$98,821 - $123,526 a year
Our Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the two medical plan options, dental, and vision.
- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.
- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.
- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
For a complete list of benefits, please click here.
Our Focus on Wellness
KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities.
For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and 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/.
