RFP #26-92 Behavioral Health Division for Wellness and Recovery Program

County Of Siskiyou
Request for Proposals (RFP)
RFP # 26-92 Health and Human Services Agency,
Behavioral Health Division
for
Wellness and Recovery Program
Proposals may be mailed, delivered, or emailed to:
Sarah Collard
Director
County of Siskiyou HHSA
2060 Campus Drive Yreka, CA 96097
rfp_rfp_submissions@co.siskiyou.ca.us
Proposals Due by:
May 14, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Page 1 of 13

County of Siskiyou
Request for Proposals
for Wellness and Recovery Program
The following schedule of events will be followed to the extent achievable; however, the
County reserves the right to adjust or make changes to the schedule as needed.
Estimated Timeline of Events
Date Activity
April 30, 2026 Release of Request for Proposals (RFP)
May 11, 2026 Deadline to Submit Questions
Submission of Proposals due by 5:00
May 14, 2026
PM
May 15, 2026 Review of Proposals
May 18, 2026 Notification of Final Selection
Professional Service Agreement
June 16, 2026
Processed
Professional Service Agreement Start
July 1, 2026
Date
Page 2 of 13

1.0 Preface
Introduction and Background
The purpose of this document is to provide interested parties with information to enable
them to prepare and submit a proposal for Wellness and Recovery Program services for
the Siskiyou County Health and Human Services Agency's ("County") Behavioral Health
Division.
County is seeking one or more non-governmental, community organizations to operate a
Wellness and Recovery Program Center (hereafter referred to as the "Program") to serve
all areas of Siskiyou County.
As a component of the Behavioral Health Services Act ("BHSA"), the purpose of the
Program is to promote mental health wellness and recovery of participants in the Program
("Participants"), increase each Participant's ability to spend time in meaningful activities,
increase each Participant's satisfaction with their level of involvement in the community,
and reduce the adverse consequences of untreated or under-treated serious mental
illness or emotional disturbance.
Program Overview
The Program shall be a multi-service mental health program that provides racially and
ethnically diverse communities opportunities in a healthy, inclusive manner with a wide
spectrum of activities that foster recovery and resiliency. Any individual experiencing
mental health challenges, and/or their family members, shall be welcome to participate in
Program activities.
The Program shall seek input and guidance from Participants as a required element to
the planning of activities, service delivery, and operating guidelines for the Program. The
Program shall form relationships with community-based agencies and service providers
in order for Participants to link to additional community services and supports. The
Program staff shall be actively involved in providing support and linkage as needed.
The vision and philosophy of the Program is deeply rooted in wellness, recovery, and
resiliency. Education and training shall focus on supporting participants to gain, regain,
or maintain their ability to live, work, learn, and participate fully in the community, including
independent-living skills, employment or community life skills, peer and family support,
self-help groups, and advocacy training.
The ultimate goal of the Program is to support each Participant in achieving recovery and
maintaining wellness as defined by the Participant. The role of the Program is not to
provide mental health treatment, but to provide proactive support and assistance in the
early identification of behavioral health needs and in obtaining or accessing appropriate
mental health and substance use disorder services and other community resources.
Program activities shall include, but are not limited to, outreach and engagement,
screening and/or observation for emerging signs and symptoms, provision of brief,
recovery-oriented supports, and timely linkage, warm handoffs, and referrals to ongoing
treatment and supportive services across the behavioral health and community
continuum. All activities must be conducted in a manner that protects Participant privacy
Page 3 of 13

and complies with applicable federal and state confidentiality and privacy laws, including
HIPAA, relevant provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and County policies.
2.0 Scope of Work
Services the successful Proposer will be expected to provide, include but are not limited
to:
a. Evidence Based/Promising Practices
Where feasible and appropriate, the Program will incorporate specific evidence-
based and/or promising practices (or components thereof). Evidence-based
practices are supported by clinically relevant research demonstrating effectiveness
in promoting recovery for individuals with mental health challenges. Client-
operated recovery programs are recognized as both best and promising practices,
with a growing evidence base, particularly in relation to Full Service Partnerships
(FSPs). The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is also considered a
promising practice. Additional evidence-based practices may be incorporated as
appropriate. Program staff will collaborate with Agency evidence-based practice
teams to support implementation and ongoing alignment with best practices.
b. Outreach and Engagement Efforts
Outreach and engagement efforts shall focus on identifying and serving individuals
who are experiencing serious mental illness, from diverse cultures that have been
traditionally un-served or underserved.
It is recognized that isolation and disenfranchisement are realities for individuals
with mental illness, especially those living in rural areas, therefore, extensive
outreach activities shall be deployed to engage this population and encourage
participation and engagement with Behavioral Health systems.
c. Program Components
The Program is based on principles of recovery and resiliency. The anticipated
outcome is that the relationships that emerge within the Program culture will
mitigate the effects of stigma associated with mental illness and will allow
individuals with serious mental illness to be accepted as persons with strengths
and contributions. Stigma reduction strategies, has been shown to improve
service engagement.
Service delivery systems shall be broad-based and inclusive. These may include
engagement information, peer support, socialization activities, and wellness and
recovery activities for Participants and families. Examples would be classes or
activities that develop independent living skills and community resources,
educational opportunities, employment opportunities and training, job or
educational coaching, psycho educational classes and materials (such as a library
with books, books on tape, and videos), alternative health classes and activities,
Page 4 of 13

professional services, health/medication management education, substance
abuse educational materials, classes and groups, and peer support groups.
Additional programs which expand services of the Program may include, but are
not limited to:
* Assistance in enrolling participants in Medi-Cal and connecting them with
mental and medical health services as well as other community resources.
* Pre-crisis services, which would provide referral to mental health services,
emergency services, and community resources.
* Transportation services, which would provide increased access to the
Program, mental health services, and emergency services
* Respite care services for families with children and youth with serious
mental illness with expanded hours during the week and the weekend.
* Coaches to assist Participants in positive adaptation to school, housing,
community, work, and other environments where new behaviors can lead
to successful integration.
The Program shall guide Participants and families to engage in activities to
promote wellness and recovery, shall provide activities designed to engage
Participants in a variety of interactions with the community (e.g. volunteering). The
Program shall incorporate engagement activities that strengthen connection and
facilitate continued service engagement as Participants advance in their recovery.
All staff members shall be familiar with the values, goals, and practices of recovery
and wellness. Staff training shall also include competence in serving persons of
every culture, language, group, and ethnicity.
The Program shall develop a cultural competence plan and policies and
procedures that reflect steps to institutionalize the recognition and value of
recovery and cultural diversity. A culturally competent system includes the
recognition that recovery and rehabilitation are more likely to occur where services
and providers have, and use, knowledge and skills of the populations that they
serve.
The Program shall assist in the development of an individualized system for
monitoring and responding to symptoms to achieve the highest possible levels of
wellness.
d. Collaborations
Building on the partnership described above, the Program shall collaborate and
establish partnerships with local community leaders, faith-based organizations,
educational institutions, the business community, and Family Resource Centers to
provide opportunities that promote recovery and personal resiliency through
culturally appropriate activities that educate and reduce barriers to access.
e. Target Population
Page 5 of 13

The Program target population includes transitional age youth, adults, and older
adults with serious mental illness drawn from engaged County clients, enrolled Full
Service Partners, and people with mental illness not engaged in services.
Participants shall reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of Siskiyou County.
f. Priority Service Area
Services are to be provided in culturally and linguistically competent setting(s) that
the Proposer has the capacity (i.e., bilingual staff, training, organizational climate)
to deliver. Services shall also be provided in a manner that is culturally competent
and linguistically appropriate for Siskiyou County; and in an environment, physical
and emotional, that makes people of all cultures, ages, and sexual orientations
and gender identities feel welcome and supported.
Client and family members who experience mental illness and/or who have
experience with mental health programs should be integrated into the Program
design and operation.
A Program that is the most geographically inclusive is encouraged. The Program
site location will be secured by County in Yreka as it is geographically most
proximate to the majority of the existing consumers.
The Program design should include recovery services, which includes self-
direction (individualized and person centered), address issues of empowerment,
are holistic, are non- linear, are strengths-based, and which utilize peer support,
respect, responsibility, and hope.
g. Recordkeeping and Reporting
The Program shall provide the County with a written monthly progress report, due
no later than thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar month. Each report
shall include, but not be limited to, participant, engagement and participation data
(demographics, number of participants), service and activity data (description,
duration, schedule, number of participants engaged), captured through the
Program's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, staffing updates (number of
staff, job titles, pay), monthly participant satisfaction survey results, trainings
conducted, program newsletter, and narrative summaries of program progress.
The Program shall ensure timely, accurate, and complete documentation within
the EHR in accordance with County requirements. The Program shall utilize the
County-provided monthly report template, which may be updated and distributed
by the County as needed.
h. Peer Support Services.
The Program shall incorporate structured peer support services as a core
component of service delivery, including activities such as support groups,
individual peer monitoring, wellness and recovery education, navigation and
linkage to services, and advocacy/leadership opportunities for participants. Peer
support services shall be delivered by individuals who have lived experience with
mental health challenges and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, and who
Page 6 of 13

are willing to appropriately disclose this experience in the course of providing
support to Participants.
The successful Proposer shall ensure that:
* At least one designated Peer Support Specialist (or equivalent title) is
included on the Program's staffing plan and budget at a minimum of full-
time equivalent (FTE) level sufficient to provide ongoing, regular peer
support services.
* Peer staff receive initial and ongoing training in recovery-oriented practice,
boundaries, confidentiality (including HIPAA), cultural humility, and trauma-
informed care.
* Peer Support activities are integrated into the Program's daily operations
(for example: support groups, individual peer mentoring, wellness and
recovery education, navigation and linkage to services, and
advocacy/leadership opportunities for Participants).
* Peer staff are included in Program planning, Participant advisory input
activities, and quality improvement efforts.
The Proposer shall describe in its proposal how peer staff will be recruited,
supervised, and supported, and how the Proposer will ensure that peer roles are
distinct from clinical/therapeutic roles and are grounded in recovery principles.
Peer staff will align with Agency workflows to streamline access, referrals, and
engagement while maintaining confidentiality and Participant choice.
i. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Implementation
The successful Proposer shall implement and actively use the County-designated
electronic health record (EHR) system for all required documentation and reporting
related to services provided under this contract. The Proposer must achieve full
implementation and routine user of the County EHR within six (6) months of
contract execution.
At a minimum, the Proposer shall:
* Participate in County-provided EHR orientation, configuration, and training
activities.
* Enter all required client enrollment, service, individual service-level (ISL),
and encounter data into the County EHR in accordance with County
policies, timelines, and data standards.
* Ensure that all relevant staff are trained on, and maintain competency in,
use of the EHR, including privacy and security requirements.
* Cooperate with County in testing, troubleshooting, and resolving EHR-
related issues, and comply with any County EHR workflows that are
Page 7 of 13

necessary for billing, quality improvement, policies, standard operating
procedures, and reporting guides.
* Follow all privacy, confidentiality, and security guidelines set forth by the
County and comply with applicable federal and state confidentiality and
privacy laws, including HIPAA and relevant provisions of the Welfare and
Institutions Code.
Failure to meet the EHR implementation timeline may result in corrective action,
up to and including contract amendment or termination, at the County's sole
discretion. The Program will also be subject to service reviews, quality reviews,
and internal audits related to EHR use and documentation.
j. Program Evaluation
The Program shall be evaluated utilizing data supplied in the Monthly Progress
Report and from EHR extraction. The Program evaluation shall be at the sole
discretion of County, a minimum of once per County Fiscal Year, and may, at
County's sole discretion, include a site visit to the Program site.
3.0 Submission Requirements
Proposal Format: Proposals must contain the following:
1. Cover Letter
a. Please provide the Proposer's name, address, and telephone number. The
letter must be signed by a representative authorized to enter into contracts on
behalf of the Proposer.
2. Qualifications
a. Proposers must demonstrate the following:
1. Experience in providing Wellness and Recovery Program services to the
target population.
2. Knowledge and understanding of a collaborative service program design.
3. Ability to deliver services to clients in a culturally competent manner,
including those with limited English proficiency and diverse cultural and
ethnic backgrounds, and criminal involvement.
4. Demonstrated experience operating recovery-oriented, peer-inclusive
programs serving adults with serious mental illness and/or transitional age
youth.
Page 8 of 13

5. Experience collaborating with county behavioral health plans and complying
with state/federal documentation and reporting requirements.
b. Responsible Applicant
1. Possess adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain resources as
required during the performance of the Contract.
2. Ability to comply with the proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking
into consideration available expertise and any existing business
commitments.
3. Has no record of unsatisfactory performance, lack of integrity, or poor
business ethics/practices.
4. Is otherwise qualified and eligible to contract to provide a Wellness and
Recovery Program under applicable statutes and regulations.
c. Insurance Requirements
Workers' Compensation. Attorney shall provide workers' compensation
insurance coverage, in an amount no less than $1,000,000.00 per accident for
bodily injury or disease, for all Attorney's employees utilized in providing work
and services pursuant to this Agreement. By executing a copy of this
Agreement, Attorney acknowledges its obligations and responsibilities to its
employees under the California Labor Code, and warrants that Attorney has
complied and will comply during the term of this Agreement with all provisions
of the California Labor Code with regard to its employees. Attorney, at the time
of execution of this Agreement, will provide County with evidence of the
required workers' compensation insurance coverage.
Insurance.
(A) General Liability. Attorney shall procure and maintain during the
entire term of this Agreement, a policy of general liability insurance which
covers all the work and services to be performed by Attorney under this
Agreement. Such insurance policy will have a per occurrence combined single
limit coverage of no less than $2,000,000.00. Such policy will not exclude or
except from coverage any of the services and work required to be performed
by Attorney under this Agreement. The required policy of insurance will be
issued by an insurer authorized to sell such insurance by the State of California
and have at least a "Best's" policyholder's rating of "A" or "A+". County will be
named as "an additional named insureds" on this policy. Attorney will provide
County a copy of the policy and a certificate of insurance showing County as
"additional named insured" and indicating that the policy will not be terminated,
canceled, or modified without thirty (30) days written notice to County.
(B) Business Auto. If Attorney utilizes a motor vehicle in performing any
of the work or services hereunder, Attorney shall procure and maintain in force
throughout the duration of this Agreement, a business auto liability insurance
policy with minimum coverage levels of no less than $1,000,000.00 per
Page 9 of 13

occurrence, combined single limit for bodily injury liability and property damage
liability. The coverage shall include all Attorney owned vehicles and all hired
and non-owned vehicles used in performing under this Agreement.
A certificate of insurance shall be provided to County at least ten (10) days prior
to the start of services to be performed by Attorney. The policy shall contain a
provision prohibiting the cancellation or modification of said policy except upon
thirty (30) days prior written notice to County.
(C) Professional Liability. If Attorney is required to be professionally
licensed or certified by any agency of the State of California in order to perform
any of the work or services hereunder, Attorney shall procure and maintain in
force throughout the duration of this Agreement a professional liability
insurance policy with a minimum coverage level of $2,000,000.00 per
occurrence or claim. Proof of such insurance shall be provided to county at
least ten (10) days prior to the start of any work by Attorney.
3. Company Profile
Provide a brief description of your company, including business structure,
address, the total number of employees, overall industry experience,
certifications, affiliations, and relevant experience. Support your capacity to
perform the services detailed in this RFP.
4. Approach:
a. Provide an analysis of the methodology developed to perform all required
services and your response to the scope of work as referenced above.
b. A description of the community collaborations/partnerships planned to ensure
the optimum delivery of services.
c. A description of the proposed staffing to deliver each of the proposed services
d. A description of how program effectiveness will be evaluated for all proposed
services.
e. Describe the Proposer's ability to collect the required data and documentation
required by the State.
f. A description of the Proposer's plan to integrate peer support services into the
Program, including proposed peer staff roles, supervision, training, and how
peer input will be incorporated into Program design and operations. Describe
how the plan will meet the peer support requirements outlined in Section 2.0.
Include a collaboration plan describing how the program will coordinate with
the Agency to Ensure seamless referrals, access, and engagement.
Page 10 of 13