BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The mission of the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts. In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State. More information about the UCS is available at https://www.nycourts.gov .

The UCS Office of Court Administration’s (OCA) Division of Professional and Court Services (DPCS) is soliciting proposals via this RFP for the purpose of providing a Care Coordinator to assist participants in the City of Newburgh Drug Treatment Court (NCDTC).

UCS operates problem-solving courts, among them drug courts, which help judges and court staff respond to the needs of litigants and the community. Problem-solving courts look to the underlying issues that bring people into the court system, employ innovative approaches to address those issues, and seek to simplify the court process for litigants. A drug court involves an intervention by the court in cooperation with a team of specialists in social services, treatment, and criminal justice professionals in the local community. In return for a promise of a reduced sentence, appropriate non-violent addicted offenders are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment. The rules and conditions of participation are clearly stated in a contract entered into by the defendant, the defense attorney, the district attorney, and the court.

PROJECT INFORMATION

UCS is the recipient of an award (the “Grant Award”) by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) (the “Grantor”) to enhance the NCDTC in Orange County, New York, including care coordinator services (the “Project”). Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $325,640 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during February 1, 2024 – September 30, 2027, provided, however, that such period may be extended upon mutual agreement of Grantor and UCS (the “Project Term”). UCS reserves the right to request a no-cost extension of the Project Term from the Grantor.

UCS anticipates that the selected applicant will be designated a “subrecipient” rather than a “contractor” for purposes of federal requirements of the Grant Award.

AWARD

UCS intends to award one contract for a term commencing on or about February 1, 2024, and terminating on or about September 30, 2027 (“Contract Term”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Contract Term of any contract resulting from this RFP may extend to a term not to exceed five (5) years in total, which contract shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i) five (5) years from the contract commencement date; or (ii) the complete expenditure of funding available for Project Services, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of said contract. Awarded contractor shall be contractually obligated to provide the Project Services for the Project Term, as it may be amended or extended. UCS and awarded contractor shall communicate regularly concerning the remaining amount of grant funds and the approximate timing of complete expenditure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Qualified applicants are agencies that possess at least two (2) years of experience in performing services similar or relevant to those described herein.

Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide Project Services, including the Required Staffing, described below to clients within Orange County.

PROJECT SERVICES

UCS seeks proposals describing how the applicant will provide the services listed below (“Project Services”). The selected applicant shall be required to provide the Project Services, including the required staffing, listed below.

1. Work with drug treatment court participants in the community and provide person-centered support.
2. Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the needs, strengths, and preferences of drug court participants with substance use and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
3. Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized care plans in collaboration with participants, their families, the drug court team, and community service providers, ensuring that goals are achievable, relevant, and client centered.
4. Coordinate access to appropriate substance use and mental health treatment services, healthcare providers, and community resources, including housing, education, employment, public assistance/benefits, and social supports.
5. Advocate for participants’ needs and rights within various systems, including healthcare, housing, and legal entities.
6. Monitor participants’ progress and adjust care plans as needed, based on changes in participants’ circumstances, preferences, or goals.
7. Attend and participate in drug treatment court sessions, team meetings, and case management meetings, providing input and advocating for participants’ needs and progress.
8. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all care coordination activities in accordance with program guidelines and legal requirements.
9. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and trainings to ensure continuity of care and stay current on best practices in the field of substance use recovery and drug treatment court programs.
10. Collaborate with other community organizations and service providers to foster strong partnerships and enhance service delivery.
11. Ensure confidentiality and adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines related to participant information and privacy.
12. Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by BJA.
13. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included on this project.

Required Staffing: 1.0 FTE (full-time equivalent) Care Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in substance use/mental health services, care coordination, or case management.
• Must have current experience working with the substance use and mental health population.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with substance use/mental health disorders, their families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Must be well-organized, be trauma-informed, have a satisfactory ability to communicate clearly and concisely (oral and written), and understand confidentiality requirements.
• Commitment to promoting a culture of recovery, reducing stigma associated with substance use/mental health disorders, and upholding person-centered care and cultured competence.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and have the ability to travel throughout Orange County. Must have his or her own transportation, a valid driver license, and an acceptable driving record.
• General knowledge of state, county, and community resources and services related to substance use recovery, mental health, housing, employment, and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with drug courts or justice-involved adults preferred.