The JSVP began in 1961, one of the first justice related volunteer programs in the country. Through the years, as more volunteers became integrated in Boulder County government, many departments started their own programs. Currently, the JSVP recruits, screens, and places interns and volunteers in Community Justice Services (CJS) program units and in collaboration with other offices like Probation and the Boulder County Jail.
Volunteers in the JSVP play a vital role in enhancing services to jail clients and juveniles, and as valued assistants to program staff. Our interns and community volunteer members are essential in helping us maintain an open and responsive criminal justice system. The JSVP plans and administers program development, provides vetting and orientation of new volunteers and interns, as well as staff technical assistance and training in volunteer resources management. The program also works closely with other county departments and community groups to expand volunteer initiatives.
What Do Volunteers Do?
We have opportunities for undergraduate interns who are 21 and older (Juvenile Assessment Center) and graduate students in Counseling and Social Work, seeking to gain practical experience and explore career options in mental health and substance use, resource navigation and re-entry support, as well as meaningful ways for residents, many with lived experience, to share their time and talents with a responsive local government. When the Alternative Sentencing Facility opens in 2025 (TBD) the program will expand to include justice system administration, criminal justice, sociology and other academic disciplines.
Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved:
- Become a mentor to a youth 11-21 involved in Probation
- Intern or volunteer in the Juvenile Assessment Center
- Work with an adult defendant in the Jail Education & Transition Programs (JET)
- Create an engaging Special Project in the youth detention center
- Become an intern in one of our many direct-service programs for people who interact with the justice system
- Volunteer as a placement assistant for people who are court-ordered to perform community service
- Assist with data entry, updating organizational liaison information, or tracking and analysis of criminal justice statistics
Volunteers and interns may be based in the jail, the Justice Center in Boulder or the courthouse in Longmont depending on the position. Lived experience can be valuable and is approved on a case-by-case basis for specific positions. Background check and fingerprinting are required.
For current openings, visit the Criminal Justice and Public Safety page. For application information about any current opening, call 303-441-3718, or email jsvp@bouldercounty.gov
