Jail Employment Education Program (JEEP)

Recently released offenders are at the highest risk of re-offense. Employment provides stability and security and helps reduce that risk. The BI Jail Employment Education Program (JEEP) begins preparing offenders for a productive life after incarceration while they are still in custody. JEEP includes job skills training as well as classes designed to promote pro-social habits and curb criminal thinking.

The JEEP curriculum helps offenders modify their behavior and develop valuable employment skills. The curriculum incorporates assessment, training and feedback to help offenders prepare for a productive life after release and includes three components: intensive case management, group classes, and computer-based training.

Intensive Case Management

A BI education and employment coordinator works with JEEP participants’ case managers to incorporate the JEEP curriculum into individual behavior change plans. Regular assessments conducted by case managers hold JEEP participants accountable for their progress through the program. Additionally, case managers conduct life- and job-skills classes in group settings, oversee computer-based training courses and serve as referral sources for post-release job placement or further education and skills training.

Group Classes

JEEP group classes are delivered by case managers and the education and employment coordinator. Group classes include job readiness training, business etiquette, problem-solving skills, mock interviews and resume preparation. Employment readiness groups follow the Tools for Success: Employment Skills workbook by The Change Companies. These workbooks incorporate Interactive Journaling®, cognitive-behavioral treatment and motivational interviewing practices to help guide offenders through the career planning process and prepare them for the job application and interviewing process.

Computer-Based Training

JEEP uses the computer-based KeyTrain® curriculum to teach business skills and prepare participants to take WorkKeys® certification tests. Many businesses use WorkKeys in the hiring process to assess potential employees’ work performance. JEEP also utilizes CIVLWorld (Correctional Interactive Video Learning World) to help participants confront their criminal past, understand its impact and avoid re-offending.