OCA-DPCS-024 Queens Treatment Courts Case Management and Evidence Based Intervention Services

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 Queens Treatment Courts.  Pursuant to the terms of the Grant Award, $1,755,596 is the maximum available funding for Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) performed during September 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 September 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 (also set forth below) to support the proposed Project Services.

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. Assessment: Utilizing a validated risk and needs assessment tool, screen to identify risks and needs for all accepted participants. Determine the nature and extent of substance use disorders and co-occurring factors in adult drug treatment court participants.  Identify clients’ cognitive, mental health, and social service needs.
2. Case Management: Develop and coordinate individualized treatment and service plans in collaboration with clients, the treatment team, and community partners.
3. Implement and apply the following evidence-based interventions.
4. Motivational interviewing (MI): Employ MI techniques to engage treatment court participants.
5. Trauma-informed care (TIC): Implement TIC principles across all services to ensure that all interactions are sensitive to the potential impacts of trauma.
6. Dialectical-behavioral skills therapy (DBT): Provide group-based and individual components of DBT to teach individuals skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
7. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT): Provide one-on-one coaching and counseling of CRT techniques to enhance cognitive functioning in participants who may have cognitive impairments due to substance use or trauma.
8. Harm reduction strategies: Implement harm reduction strategies that prioritize reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use, rather than insisting on abstinence.
9. Maintain project logs, reports and records in appropriate files and database(s) and provide continuous feedback to participants’ progress with team members.
10. Assist in collecting and maintain all data as required by SAMHSA.
11. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included on this project.

Other services that may be needed include, but are not limited to:

• Drug testing: Administration of urinalysis tests.
• Integration of adult drug court best practice standards[1].

Required Staffing:

1. Supervisor (Part Time). The Supervisor will provide direct clinical supervision for the staff and training on program interventions. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology or related mental health field or Behavioral Science with previous supervisory experience. Must have working knowledge of treatment programs.  Good communication skills, both oral and written.  Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems.  Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

2. Coordinator (Part Time). The Coordinator will assist the project and evaluation staff and should have data management experience and preferably experience with SAMHSA projects.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or behavioral sciences with previous experience working with justice-involved individuals, trauma and co-occurring disorder populations. Familiarity with New York treatment resources including MAT and COD services.  Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.  Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems.  Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, Microsoft Office applications and/or database software necessary to perform work assignments.

3. Clinical Case Manager (Part Time). The Clinical Case Manager will conduct assessment interviews and case management of dually diagnosed mentally ill substance abusers.     

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related mental health field or Behavioral Science. Must have working knowledge of treatment programs.  Good communication skills, both oral and written.  CASAC or other qualified healthcare credential is strongly preferred.  Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

4. Case Manager Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)(Full Time). The DBT Case Manager will provide screening, treatment planning, case management, and individual therapy to eligible participants. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, counseling, forensic psychology, sociology, or criminology required or Master’s degree in same fields. Previous experience and/or, training in DBT required.  Good communication skills, both oral and written.  Ability to work cooperatively with treatment and criminal justice systems.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

5. Facilitator Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)(Part Time). The DBT Facilitator will provide screening, treatment planning, case management, and court reporting to eligible participants.  

Preferred qualifications:

• CASAC or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, counseling, forensic psychology, sociology, or criminology required or Master’s degree in same fields. Previous experience and/or, training in DBT required.  Familiarity with the criminal justice system and experience working with justice-involved populations is preferred.  Good communication skills, both oral and written.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

6. Cognitive Restoration Case Manager (Full Time). The Cognitive Restoration Case Manager will provide comprehensive case management and support services to participants to address cognitive impairments and mental health challenges.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related human service field. Must have experience in case management, mental health, or cognitive rehabilitation services.  Demonstrated knowledge of cognitive impairments, mental health disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches.   Familiarity with the criminal justice system and experience working with justice-involved populations is preferred.  Good communication skills, both oral and written.  Must be proficient in computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.