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 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purpose of establishing a contract to provide a Mental Health Specialist and a Recovery Peer Advocate in five existing drug treatment courts in Westchester County (DTC).

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 (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) (the “Grantor”) for the purposes of funding five existing drug treatment courts in Westchester County, NY: New Rochelle City Drug Court, Mount Vernon City Drug Court, Yonkers City Drug Court, White Plains City Drug Court, and Westchester Judicial Diversion. Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $625,598 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2026, 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.

AWARD

UCS intends to award one contract for Westchester Drug Treatment Courts Mental Health Services for a term commencing on or about April 3, 2023, and terminating on or about September 30, 2026 (“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 qualifications:

• Applicant organization must possess at least two years of experience in performing services relevant to those described herein.
• Applicant must have the ability to provide Project Services (hereinafter defined) to clients within Westchester 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. Trauma-informed mental health evaluation to be completed primarily on-site at the agency or at a court’s problem-solving unit or jail if needed. The selected applicant shall provide individually tailored, trauma specific, and wraparound support services to participants. These services will be provided by the Mental Health Clinician, who will conduct a full intake evaluation exploring all biopsychosocial components of a person’s life; ensure linkages/referrals to mental health supports or increased level of care or provide evidence-based treatment services to treatment court participants; closely monitor and encourage participants’ continued engagement in treatment and services; medication management; and report to the court on the participants’ attendance, compliance with medications (if applicable), and stability of mental health. The counselor will meet with participants at the court, office, jail or other community locations as needed.
2. Provide an expedited mental health evaluation within 72 hours of referral for all participants whether or not the individual has health insurance.
3. Link with the applicant’s medical doctor for referrals for medication-assisted treatment related to mental health if needed.
4. Implement a trauma-informed curriculum in a group setting for all appropriate participants.
5. Act as a liaison between the applicant and the courts, as well as with the county’s existing mental health systems, to share information and make appropriate referrals.
6. Utilize the scope of knowledge of mental health issues and provide further screenings for unaddressed needs.
7. Oversee local cross-system trainings for project staff, criminal justice personnel, and community- based mental health and substance use providers on relevant subjects, including mental health, substance use, trauma-specific care, case management, peer support, crisis responses, and integrated treatment and supervision strategies.
8. Assist in collecting and maintaining all data as required by BJA.
9. Attend all court hearings and other meetings as needed.
10. Staff will maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s) and provide continuous feedback on participants’ progress with team members.
11. Integrate recovery and wellness supports in a criminal justice setting by providing non-clinical, strength-based peer support by focusing on drug treatment court participants’ psychosocial, behavioral, and functional needs, recognizing personal strengths, setting goals, and establishing healthy family and peer connections and life skills in individual and group settings. These services will be provided by a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or New York State Certified Peer Specialis
12. Assist participants with transportation needs, including Medicaid-funded transportation and use of bus schedules. Reach out to existing community agencies, including veteran’s agencies, to assist with transportation needs. Escort participants, as needed, to off-site referrals, community services, sober support meetings, and other necessary appointments.
13. Meet with clients in person, on and off-site, and via email and cell phone. The peer advocate/specialist should expect to meet with clients wherever they are housed, including community residences, homeless shelters, jails, hospitals, and wherever they require services. Maintain cell phone availability and have flexible hours to allow them to attend to participants in the evenings and weekends.
14. Ability to provide services utilizing other delivery methods, such as online activities or outdoor events, particularly in the event of a public health crisis.
15. Develop lines of communication with treatment team court coordinator and judge, provide continuous feedback on participants’ progress, attend treatment court sessions and project meetings.
16. Maintain appropriate boundaries with participants and maintain confidentiality standards.
17. Develop a resource list for participants.
18. Create and maintain updates on communication and service provision with participants.
19. Assist the courts in collecting all funder-mandated data.
20. Participate in grant-sponsored training on various grant-related topics.

Required Staffing:

1. Mental Health Clinician (Full Time). The Behavioral Health Counselor must demonstrate skill in identifying primary treatment/intervention needs, such as mental health problems, substance use, and other areas of concerns. This person will report directly to the Clinical Services Supervisor and must have experience in the mental health and substance use fields and strong organizational skills. Must be familiar with the culture(s) and language(s) of the treatment courts’ target population. This staff position will be primarily responsible for Project Services 1–10 above.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related relevant field with two (2) years of relevant experience.

1. Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or New York State Peer Specialist (NYCPS) (Full Time). The peer advocate or specialist must have lived experience and experience working with the substance use and mental health communities. Must be willing to receive formal training as a recovery coach through the nationally recognized Recovery Coach Academy© of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). Must be well-organized, well-rooted in recovery, and trauma-informed, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to handle confidential matters. Must be familiar with the culture(s) and language(s) of the treatment court’s target population. This staff position will be primarily responsible for Project Services 11–20 above.

Preferred qualifications:

• High school diploma or educational equivalent required. Knowledge of target population and area resources.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and may be required to travel throughout the county. Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Peer certification credential or prior experience as a peer support advocate/specialist preferred.