Boulder County Jail – Airport Rd., Boulder, CO

Are you interested in working with the incarcerated population, with an intention of creating positive change? Do you value a focus on Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) that effectively reduce recidivism among the criminal justice population? JET (Jail Education and Transitions) is based out of the Boulder County Jail in Boulder, CO. We are part of the Boulder County Department of Community Services, under the Division of CJS (Community Justice Services). Familiarize yourself with the JCS programs on the Boulder County website. bouldercounty.gov

Our programming in the jail is unique in that we incorporate both interns and volunteers to create a supportive environment for men and women who are ready to shift their lives. This involves case management, counseling, and group support so clients can work through both internal processes and prepare themselves on a foundational level to be successful when re-entering the community. We offer a combination of evidence-based practices while incorporating mindfulness and trauma-informed techniques into our Program.

JET is working to create a progressive environment where our clients get exposed to education, skills and support for re-entry needs as they prepare to transition to the community. As an intern, you would have the opportunity to do both individual and group work with our male and female adult clients. Individually your role would be as a support for our clientele who may be facing challenges with mental health and substance use issues. . Additionally, you would be given training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) based methods that have been proven effective in reducing anti-social behaviors among our population.

The JET Program has a fast-paced work environment, and we seek talented interns who crave learning new skills and aren’t afraid to tackle ever-evolving situations. As an intern you will get to work with a variety of staff here at the jail, while working on projects that help our program to grow.

Our ideal candidate is someone who walks into a room of people and makes a strong connection with those they encounter. Someone who is dedicated to supporting others with compassion and understanding. We seek a person who is not afraid to be themselves with a balance of confidence and humility.

What You Will Learn:

1. How to run groups based on Evidence Based Practices that have been proven effective in lowering recidivism.
2. Guidelines on how to emotionally support our clientele within a jail environment, both during individual and group sessions.
3. How to organize and manage clients within a group setting.
4. How to look for levels of risk among our population, and various needs pertaining to mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
5. How to work alongside various clinical and operations staff with the intention of balancing safety and security with treatment.
6. How to create a disclosure statement that highlights the importance of confidentiality while including mandated reporting when necessary.
7. The importance of self-care within a clinical setting.

What We Require:

1. Current Ongoing Masters Education in Psychology, Social Work, or other related discipline in an accredited program.
2. A 12-month commitment (starting in August). 16-24 hrs./week, minimum.
3. Strong communication skills.
4. Organized, specifically with ability to manage time well.
5. Creative and Flexible.
6. Familiarity with self-care techniques, though we also offer training.
7. A secure level of comfort working within a jail setting.

We value all volunteers and interns and go the extra mile to make sure you receive a meaningful learning experience.

Minimum age: 21

Ongoing Masters studies in:

Psychology/Counseling (preferred)

Social Work

or other related discipline in an accredited program

Ability to be in-person in the Boulder County jail.

Understanding of boundaries, trauma-informed protocols

Ability to work in structured team and independently

Good time management skills

Training will be scheduled at the beginning of the internship and ongoing.

meldred@bouldercounty.org – 303.441.3718

Send an email of inquiry to Mary Eldred, Justice System Volunteer Coordinator: meldred@bouldercounty.org. You will be sent an application link and instructions.

A screening interview, formal interview, background check, references and fingerprinting are required.