1.3.1. Staffing: 1.3.1.1. Staff Education and Training Requirements: The vendor’s counselors and any applicable subcontractor’s counselors shall possess a master’s level of education in behavioral health and/or human services. The vendor’s counselors and any applicable sub-contractor’s counselors shall receive continuous training to maintain competence and awareness of the latest available techniques, training methods, and changes in regulations and requirements. The educational information and training of all counselors who perform these services shall be provided immediately upon request. 1.3.1.2. Staff Experience Requirements: The vendor’s counselors and any applicable sub-contractor’s counselors shall possess 3 to 5 years’ experience. 1.3.1.3. CEAP (Certified Employee Assistance Professional): Offered by the Employee Assistance Certification Commission (EACC), the certification demonstrates competence in EAP practice, including assessment, intervention, and management. 1.3.1.4. SAP (Substance Abuse Professional): This certification is required for professionals who assess employees’ readiness to return to safety-sensitive positions after a violation of drug and alcohol regulations in the workplace, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 1.3.1.5. Certified EAP Counselor (CEAPC): Offered by various organizations, this certification typically demonstrates proficiency in providing counseling services within an EAP setting. 1.3.1.6. EAPA (Employee Assistance Professional Association) Accreditation: While not a certification for individuals, EAPA offers accreditation for EAP programs, indicating that they meet certain standards or quality and effectiveness. 1.3.1.7. Proof of this certification as well as any certifications from other state agencies should be provided immediately upon request. 1.3.1.8. Vendor shall assign and maintain personnel in clearly defined roles who are specifically dedicated to the administration and delivery of services under this contract. 1.3.2. Other Related Services: Counseling Strategy/Plan, Turnover, Absenteeism, Behavioral Healthcare costs, Employee Retention, Substance Abuse, Violence Incidents and Supervisory Referral Services for employee participation in a plan for mandatory treatment and counselling. 1.3.3. Legal/ Litigation Matters: The vendor shall be available for litigation when required. Vendor may be required to participate or provide supporting documentation related to ISTHA employee’s history. 1.3.4. Trauma Based Training: The vendor shall provide 20 trauma-based workshops (virtually or on-site) annually. Each 90-minute, strengths-based workshop, is customized specifically for Tollway employees and will be presented as annual mandatory training to employees at all maintenance garages on all shifts. 1.3.5. Peer Support Group: The vendor shall design and facilitate a comprehensive peer support program that will be led by Tollway volunteer peer supporters that have been trained by the vendor. The vendor shall provide program design, volunteer/participant selection, development, delivery of instructor-led volunteer training sessions, a training curriculum to include instruction and resources, targeted skill development training for volunteer peer supporters and ongoing support services provided as needed. Vendor to provide two (2), four (4) hour specialized training sessions (virtually or on-site) annually for ISTHA Peer Support Group volunteers.
