Summer Undergraduate Intern

KIND • Newark, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.
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.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and interest in working with children, immigrant communities and/or victims of trauma preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees