Program Coordinator

Houston, TX, United States

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 Program Coordinator, field offices to provide support for legal services programming in the provision of legal services to detained unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings.

Essential Functions

Serves as case database expert for the team, including running weekly and monthly reports, and coordinating program's accurate, timely, and fulsome data maintenance.

Serves as central point of contact on the team for legal data management, data systems, and data integrity.

Prepares docket lists for upcoming court dockets and notify children who are still waiting for attorney placement of hearing date.

Conducts Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations and intakes with detained children and track detained child arrivals to ensure all detained children receive KYR and intake within required timeframe.

Drafts case summaries for cases accepted by the program.

Manages client referral systems for detained and released children; coordinates and maintains released child intake waitlist; assigns released intakes to be completed by other staff; and conducts KYRs and intakes of eligible released children.

Maintains regular contact with clients who have not yet been placed with direct representation or pro bono counsel.

For direct representation cases, updates clients' contact information in case file, case management database, and with required courts and agencies in coordination with attorney.

Maintains file and case management database with updates on case status and child well-being.

Refers detained children who are released to sponsors in other jurisdictions to legal service providers in said jurisdictions.

Prepares case file and a comprehensive set of referral documents and assists with duties relating to pro bono placement, support, and mentoring.

Assists with case preparation for direct representation of clients.

Oversees case file closing procedures and assists with case closures.

Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to administrative duties of the office, mail, supplies, and related tasks.

Qualifications and Requirements Undergraduate degree required.

Fluency in English and Spanish required.

Minimum 1 year experience working with at-risk youth, immigrants, and/or vulnerable populations.

Minimum 1 year experience working with legal databases, managing dockets, and leading projects.

Advanced fluency in Spanish language.

Demonstrated commitment to issues affecting immigrants.

Excellent organizational and time management skills, and attention to detail.

Strong cultural competency and cross-cultural communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with multiple attorneys.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

Ability to adapt to a high-volume workload with fast-changing deadlines and priorities.

Experience conducting legal intakes or interviewing children preferred.

Experience working in an office setting preferred.

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 the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.

Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.

Commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, 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.

Ability to multitask 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.

$22 - $27.23 an hour

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/.