Volunteer Opportunity

CAPSTONE PROJECT – Research & Planning – Racial and ethnic disparities analysis

Application or Registration Deadline: 12/19/2024
Opportunity Type: Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity
Department: Community Services
Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Time Commitment & Minimum Age: 4 months starting in January 2025. Min age: 21
Location:

The bulk of the work can be completed virtually after training with staff at Boulder Justice Center 1777 Canyon Blvd., Boulder

Program Summary:

Boulder County Community Justice Services provides humane and constructive community-based interventions, education, alternatives to incarceration, and reparation to the community for criminal behavior. Our commitment is to assist individuals in functioning lawfully and constructively in the community while ensuring public safety.

The Research and Planning unit provides in-depth professional analysis of current trends and data from CJS programs in the jail, local community programs that intersect with the justice system and statewide data.

This Capstone Project objective is to better understand racial and ethnic disparities across decision points in the justice system, how Boulder County compares to Colorado overall, and what trends are seen over time. Depending on the requirements of your course, we are flexible about assisting with your final reports/summary/project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Generate data from online dashboards on racial and ethnic disparities at key decision points in the justice system, accurately enter data into Excel spreadsheets, conduct analysis and create graphs of major findings. Research strategies to reduce disparities. Create power point presentation summarizing data and recommendations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Detail oriented person with an interest in research, analysis, and the criminal justice system. Ability to take direction, have patience, work independently, and ask questions as needed. Confidentiality and integrity with information is critical. Basic Excel and data graphing skills are important. Must be 21 years of age. Must agree to and pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting. The bulk of the work may be completed virtually after training, with occasional in-person meetings required throughout the 4-month commitment.

Time Required: 5 hours per week for 3-4 months (for a total of approximately 80 hours). Work hours can be flexible/hybrid within normal office hours during training period. Hours are negotiable after training is completed and can be adjusted to meet school schedule and requirements.

Training Dates and Information:

Training and ongoing supervision available. There will be a general orientation to the Justice System and an introduction to relevant dashboards and research sites.

Additional Information:

Excellent opportunity to contribute to an important field of data and research. Learn about the justice system and the demographics of the populations involved, as well as strategies for reducing disparities.

Contact:

Mary Eldred, Justice System Volunteer Program Coordinator

EMAIL: meldred@bouldercounty.gov

Telephone: 303-441-3718

Se habla español.

For more information about Community Justice Services go to our website:

https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/community-justice-services/

Application Process:

Send an email of interest to meldred@bouldercounty.gov noting R&P Capstone project. You will receive application instructions and an online link.

The application requires a resume and three professional or academic references and a current resume.

Once received, JSVP staff will run background checks and vet the applicants prior to sending those documents to R&P staff who will make final decisions on selected applicants for formal interviews. The candidate who accepts the position must be fingerprinted at the Justice Center prior to onboarding and training.