OCA-DPCS-027 Oneida County Family Treatment Court Licensed Mental Health Clinician

BACKROUND 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 .

UCS operates adult drug treatment courts throughout the state. Family drug treatment courts identify parents who have a dependency petition filed against them in which alcohol and/or substance abuse contributed to the neglect of their children. A drug court involves an intervention by the court in cooperation with a team of specialists in social services, treatment, and child welfare professionals in the local community. In return enhanced services and support for family re-unification respondents are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment.

Coordination of court, treatment and social services to participants requires a specialized combination of expertise with the justice, substance use, mental health, and social services communities.

PROJECT INFORMATION

UCS is the recipient of a grant (the “Grant Award”) awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for the purpose of funding the Oneida County Family Treatment Court (FTC). Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $169,892 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during October 30, 2024 – September 29, 2029, 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 October 30, 2024, and terminating on or about September 29, 2029 (“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 (as set forth in Article V, below), including the Required Staffing to support the proposed Project Services.

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

1. Through the procurement of a Licensed Mental Health Clinician, initiate a mental health evaluation for Oneida County Family Treatment Court (FTC) participants within 14 days from initial referral.

2. Conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment for participants and their children using accredited screening tools and rating scales.

3. Provide the treatment court team with a written diagnostic impression with listed recommendations within 30 days from initial referral.

4. Understand and implement evidence informed interventions during individual and family sessions.

5. Provide both in-person and telehealth counseling sessions.

6. If applicable, refer clients to psychiatric services and monitor progress.

7. Utilize the scope of knowledge of mental health issues and provide further screening for unaddressed needs.

8. Collaborate with the Project Director and court staff and provide written updates on evidence-based approaches and outcomes.

9. Attend (in-person and/or virtual) court and weekly FTC staffing meeting.

10. Maintain project logs, reports, and records in appropriate files and database(s).

11. Provide professional oversight/consultation for the assigned clinician.

Required Staffing:

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician (Part Time). The Licensed Mental Health Clinical must have the knowledge, skills and background required of this position. Minimum of one to three years of experience in collaboration with the judicial system. Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and substance use disorders. Must be available by cell phone and have flexible hours.

Preferred qualifications:

NYS Licensed Master’s degree in the field of social work with relevant experience in family and child therapy and substance use disorders.

RFP Issue Date September 26, 2024

Deadline to Submit Written Questions October 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT

Deadline to Submit Written Proposals October 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT

Estimated Contract Start Date October 30, 2024

The UCS looks forward to your response.