The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) Office of Court Administration’s Division of Professional and Court Services (DPCS) is soliciting proposals via this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purpose of funding a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists for the Rensselaer County Recovery Court (RCRC). UCS operates problem-solving courts, among them drug courts, which help judges and court staff respond to the needs of participants 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 participants. 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. UCS is the recipient of an award by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the purpose of enhancing drug court reach and capacity in the Rensselaer County Recovery Court (RCRC) in Rensselaer, New York, by providing services to 60 court-involved participants through their readjustment to community life and provide community-based recovery support. The maximum available funding over the Contract Term (September 10, 2020 – September 30, 2022) for the performance of Project Services is $85,000 (“Maximum Funding”). RCRC seeks to contract with an organization to provide a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist to provide peer recovery support services and expand the types and range of support available to participants. This person will support court-involved participants with community-based recovery support by: (1) providing community-based recovery support to an assigned caseload of clients; (2) support justice involved participants to navigate through the court, treatment, and act as a mentor, advocate and ally; (3) Assist clients in all stages of recovery by recognizing personal strengths and setting goals and help clients in life skills building; (4) Work to build the recovery community by offering participants a safe and sober environment and establish healthy social connections; (5) Escort participants, as needed, to court appearances, off-site referrals, community services and sober support meetings; and (6) assist with data collection and performance measures. A single contract will be awarded for a term effective on or around September 10, 2020 and terminating on September 30, 2022 (“Contract Term”). UCS shall have the option to extend the contract for a maximum of twelve (12) months upon the same terms and conditions (except for the budget, which will be subject to agreement by the parties and approval by UCS) as of the expiration date of the Contract Term. Any such extension is subject to the approval of the NYS Attorney General and the NYS Comptroller. Proposals will be considered only from applicants who meet the following qualifications: Applicants must possess at least two years of experience (as verified by Proposal Cover Sheet response) in performing services relevant to those described herein. Applicants must have facilities in the county of Rensselaer or the ability to provide services within the county. UCS seeks proposals for the provision of the services listed (“Project Services”). The selected applicant shall be required to provide the Project Services as well as the staffing listed below. 1. Integrate recovery and wellness supports in a criminal justice setting. These services will be provided by a Certified Peer Specialist who will serve as a peer mentor, advocate and life coach to participants in the drug treatment court. 2. Assist participants in all stages of recovery by recognizing personal strengths and setting goals and help clients in life skills building. 3. Establish healthy social connections and assist participants in life skills building. 4. Meet with clients in person on an on-going, as needed basis on and off-site and via email and cell phone for support, advice and guidance. Maintain cell phone availability and have flexible hours to allow him or her to attend to participants in the evenings and weekends where practicable. 5. Develop lines of communication with Treatment Team Court Coordinator/Judge and provide continuous feedback on participants’ progress. 6. Communicate to Court Coordinator to resolve any issues regarding time commitments, resistant participants or unmanageable challenges. 7. Refer participants to appropriate services as needed. 8. Attend all scheduled court sessions 9. Create and update the mentor logbook or case management notes after speaking with participant. These files are maintained separately from court files. 10. Maintain appropriate boundaries with participants 11. Maintain confidentiality standards. 12. Develop a resource lists for participants. 13. Assist the courts in collecting all funder-mandated data. Required Staffing: Certified Peer Specialist (Full Time). The Certified Peer Specialist will work cooperatively with treatment and mental health systems and will participate in team meetings. The Peer Specialist and must have experience in the mental health and substance use fields and strong organizational skills. Preferred qualifications: • High School diploma or educational equivalent required. Knowledge of target population and area resources. Preference will be given to those who have lived experiences of people in recovery. For more information, visit http://ww2.nycourts.gov/admin/bids/currentsolicitations.shtml Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No Due date:09/03/2020 2:00 PM Contract term: On or around September 10, 2020 - September 31, 2022 County(ies): Rensselaer Location: Rensselaer County, New York

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