Specifications include, but are not limited to: a. The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to select a candidate to develop a highly structured and supportive Residential Program with 8 beds designated for males and females aged 18-60. These individuals will be diagnosed with a primary diagnosis of a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) significant mental health diagnoses and may have cooccurring substance use disorders. They may also have experienced abuse and trauma, homelessness, multiple hospitalization and potentially incarceration. In addition to amental health diagnosis, the individuals may have minor developmental delays and/or autism spectrum disorders. b. It is expected that this program be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with staff possessing qualifications reflective of competence in the provision of mental health services. The staff must be supervised by a master’s level individual. This program will work collaboratively with other providers and link the youth to appropriate treatment components. Additionally, through individual and group activities, psycho-social training will be provided with ample opportunities for practice and mastery. Services should be designed to prepare the individual to transition to community living via Mental Health Supportive Housing when possible. In the event that this is not possible the provider will work collaboratively with the BHDS office and all team members to assist in identifying an alternative living environment of the individuals choosing among the available community options. c. The program must support social development and enrichment as well as educational and vocational opportunities. Through structure, nurturing, empowerment and intensive service provision, the program should encourage stability, minimize the need for hospitalization and provide a safe and secure environment conductive to the development of competence, self-confidence, and ultimately, recovery. The program is also expected to coordinate services with all entities serving the individuals.
