Boulder County Jail

Free parking.

7-minute walk from bus line 208.

The Jail Education and Transition (JET) Program provides educational tools, life skills/reintegration classes and employment counseling for inmates who will be transitioning back into the community. The goal is to ensure that jail clients are given the opportunity to learn tools and skills to function more effectively when back in the community and to avoid re-offending.

Volunteers bring materials for specific coursework, expertise, and a willingness to engage with clients who will be integrating back into our community. They engage with inmates, JET staff and deputies.

The Volunteer will bring coursework appropriate for the topic.

Current class topic needs include:

Parenting – Life Skills – Creative and Practical Writing – Job Search/Practical Writing and Communication Skills

The JET program engages clients who are specifically chosen based on their commitment and authentic interests in improving themselves. If you possess these skills and experience and believe you would be comfortable working in a jail environment, please email meldred@bouldercounty.gov for an application.

Typically, classes are taught once per week for the male and female units based on student numbers. The commitment for the volunteer is at least 1 year (we work with your schedule, vacations/illnesses, and within the limitations of available of classroom space). You must be 21, mature, unflappable, with a desire to help those who will soon be returning to our community.

Pre-COVID, we had more than 12 volunteers teaching various classes. Due to restrictions in the jail for health reasons, we were unable to retain those volunteers, and many have moved on to other organizations. We are growing our program again and we need you!

Must be 21 years old to apply. A one-year commitment is required, 2-3 hours total within the jail (including escort and class time) once per week.

A background in teaching or adult education is helpful. Must have the ability to work effectively with inmates while demonstrating boundaries, compassion, strong communication and problem-solving skills. Personal values should include flexibility, patience, openness and a good sense of humor.

Background check and fingerprinting are required.

Volunteers who are approved for service must attend a mandatory jail safety orientation and will prepare coursework in collaboration with JET staff. Shadowing JET employees helps to familiarize volunteers with the program and individual jail inmates.

All volunteers in the Boulder County Jail must attend a Jail Safety class before placement.

Justice System Volunteer Program (JSVP) website: http://bouldercountyjusticevolunteers.org/

Thank you for your interest in helping our clients be successful when they return to the community.

Mary Eldred

JSVP Coordinator

303-441-3718

Email: JSVP@bouldercounty.org

Request an application.

Submit completed online application with accurate information including 3 references, resume and statement of purpose for volunteering.

Background check is performed. Reference requests are sent and received.

Documents sent to the JET Manager who decides to move forward with an interview of the candidate.

Decision made by JET Manager for each applicant.

Approved applicants are fingerprinted and scheduled for Jail Orientation and Safety Class.

Shadowing and start dates determined by volunteer and staff.

E-mail Mary at JSVP@bouldercounty.gov for link to the online application form.