OCA-DGCP-058 Mental Health Case Management Services, New York County, New York

PROJECT INFORMATION

The UCS Office of Court Administration’s (OCA) Division of Grants, Contracts and Procurement (DGCP) is soliciting sealed proposals via this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the purpose of procuring mental health case management services for the Judicial Diversion-Mental Health Track (“JD-MHT”) in the New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court, Criminal Term (“NYCSC-CT”) to serve individuals with co-occurring behavioral health disorders (the “Project”).

UCS anticipates the Awarded Contractor (as defined in Article III below) will begin to perform the Project Services (as set forth in Article V below) on or about April 1, 2026.

The maximum available funding for the Project budget for the First Budget Period (as indicated in Article VIII) is $576,841 to accomplish the Project Services required (the “Project Budget”). Applicants will be required to submit a budget for the First Budget Period, as indicated in Article VIII.

AWARD

UCS intends to award a single contract (“Contract”) to a single successful bidder (“Awarded Contractor”) for a term of four years and nine months. The Contract is expected to commence on or about April 1, 2026, and terminate on or about December 31, 2030 (“Contract Term”).

Any Contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the approval of the NYS Attorney General and Office of the State Comptroller.

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 to those described herein.
•  Qualified applicants must have the capacity to provide Project Services, including the Required Staffing (as detailed in Article V below), to clients within New York 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:

1. Provide comprehensive mental health assessments. The psychiatrist will be responsible for reviewing and conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments of selected JD-MHT participants and provide clinical supervision to staff on the type and nature of ongoing services that participants need in the community. The mental health team may also conduct additional validated mental health screening and assessments to inform individualized treatment plans. Written reports of the evaluation and treatment plans will be provided to all relevant NYCSC-CT court parties, including the judge, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

2. The mental health team will coordinate with the UCS-employed NYCSC-CT Project Director to be a resource for the NYCSC-CT team and stakeholders, including training, consultation, and other professional support.

3. The mental health team, in conjunction with the NYCSC-CT Project Director, will provide the Judge with treatment recommendations regarding initial treatment modality, provider placement for JD-MHT participants, and ongoing adjustment towards treatment goals, as appropriate.

4. The mental health team will manage the care of JD-MHT participants by providing comprehensive, individualized case management services that address underlying issues, including, but not limited to, behavioral health, that might have contributed to the participants’ involvement in the legal system. Caseloads are anticipated at approximately 20 – 25 participants per clinician, with an estimate of the provider serving at least 60 participants per year. To the extent possible, the mental health clinicians and peer will not only help place JD-MHT participants in appropriate programming, but also assist them in navigating meetings, appointments, housing resources, benefits, and wrap-around services.

5. Provide peer support services. The peer with shared lived experience will provide support, coaching and mentoring for JD-MHT participants at the NYCSC-CT Court, the provider’s location(s), and in the community, as needed. The peer should also accompany participants to appointments and deliver aftercare support to participants.

6. Work with appropriate system (e.g., state and city agencies) and community partners (e.g., reentry service providers, youth service providers, faith-based organizations) for referrals and support for the population to be served.

7. The mental health team will be responsible for: (i) maintaining electronic files for all assessed and mandated participants in OCA’s data management system in compliance with confidentiality recordkeeping requirements; and (ii) providing continuous feedback on participants’ progress with team members.

8. Complete quarterly reports as required by UCS.

9. Provide appropriate supervision and oversight for any staff included in the Project.

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

1. Drug testing, including administration of urinalysis tests (note: applicants should designate funding in their proposed budget to pay for drug tests administered in connection with the Project);

2. Implementation of evidence-based case coordination practices; and

3. Incorporate best practices working with individuals with co-occurring disorders.

1. Supervisor (part-time). The Supervisor will provide direct oversight of the JD-MHT program, including (i) direct supervision for the mental health clinician/case managers and peer mentor; and (ii) develop trainings on program interventions. The supervisor must have professional experience in the mental health and substance use fields and strong organizational skills. 

 Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related mental health field or Behavioral Science with previous supervisory experience. Working knowledge of mental health 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. Proficient in computer applications or other automated systems, such as spreadsheets and Microsoft Office applications.

2. Licensed Psychiatrist (part-time). The psychiatrist will conduct psychiatric evaluations to support court advocacy and provide reports that are clear and concise. The psychiatrist is expected to conduct mental health assessments and psychosocial evaluations. Ability to work cooperatively with criminal justice, treatment, and mental health systems. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 

 Required qualifications:

•  Must have completed a residency and be Board-eligible to practice in New York State. Extensive experience working with adults with mental illness, serious mental illness, and co-occurring substance use disorders.

3. Mental Health Clinician/Case Manager (at least three (3) full-time). The Mental Health Clinician/Case Manager will provide services and identification, screening, treatment planning, intensive case management, and court reporting of eligible defendants with significant behavioral health needs. They will report directly to the NYCSC-CT Project Director and must be skilled in identifying primary treatment/intervention needs, such as mental health problems, substance use, and other areas of concern. Experience with co-occurring disorder population preferred. Experience working with clients referred from the criminal justice system is highly desired. 

 Required qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related field with at least two (2) years of relevant experience; or
•  A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related field with at least three (3) years of full time, paid work experience in the field of mental health counseling, social work, or a related field.

4. Peer Mentor (full-time). The Peer Mentor will report directly to the Supervisor and must demonstrate knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of mental health and co occurring mental health and substance use issues, self-help techniques, and self-help group process. High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  New York State certification as a Recovery Coach, Peer Support Specialist, Family Advocate, or near completion, or relevant experience preferred.

Key Bid Dates (Note: OCA reserves the right to modify any Key Bid Date as it may deem appropriate.)