Paralegal - Released

$45,760 - $58,240/Yr

Kind - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

San Francisco, CA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Since its inception in 2008, KIND has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and well-being of these vulnerable children throughout their journey to safety. With a strong foundation in the United States, KIND is now expanding its reach into the Americas and Europe, leveraging its extensive programming and successful model to address the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied and separated children. The organization focuses on meeting the legal and mental health needs of this population, fostering partnerships, and engaging in training and capacity building with governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Additionally, KIND advocates for systemic reforms to advance the rights of these children. The Paralegal position at KIND is crucial for supporting the delivery of legal services through various case support tasks in collaboration with attorneys. The role involves conducting client intakes, performing legal research, preparing immigration forms, drafting affidavits, maintaining case files, and assisting with hearing preparations and social services referrals. The Paralegal will report directly to the Staff or Senior Attorney and will play a vital role in ensuring that the legal needs of children are met effectively and compassionately. This position requires a commitment to the mission of KIND and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities and tasks. In this role, the Paralegal will also serve as a point of contact for clients, ensuring that case files are up-to-date and accurately reflect the current status of each case. Regular check-ins with children for direct representation cases will be necessary, particularly in instances where case adjudication is delayed. The Paralegal will assist in case audits for pro bono cases, ensuring timely updates from pro bono attorneys regarding case status and the well-being of the children involved. This position also involves liaising with Social Services Coordinators to address social services needs and referrals, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to the legal and social support provided to clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intakes and legal research to support attorneys.
• Prepare immigration forms and draft affidavits and basic motions.
• Assist with hearing and interview preparation, maintaining case files and data entry.
• Conduct client phone screenings and intake interviews, drafting intake memoranda.
• Provide support to pro bono attorneys during case placement and assist with training and mentoring tasks.
• Serve as the point of contact for clients, ensuring case files reflect current contact information and status updates.
• Conduct regular check-ins with children for direct representation cases and update attorneys on developments.
• Assist in case audit efforts for pro bono cases, ensuring timely and accurate updates are recorded.
• Conduct initial assessments of case referrals against acceptance criteria and program priorities.
• Liaise with Social Services Coordinators regarding social services needs and referrals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or undergraduate degree with 1 year of relevant experience; or high school diploma with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children, preferably at-risk youth, immigrants, or refugee children.
• Minimum of one year of experience conducting legal intakes or interviewing children in a professional setting.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel locally as assigned.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, or human trafficking.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Experience communicating in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND covering 100% of the employee-only premium for one medical plan option.
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for 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.