Specifications include, but are not limited to: 2.4.1 Communication Contractor will ensure Contractor’s staff has the professional written and oral skills to communicate with Navigators, Community Partners, Clients, and Agency. 2.4.2 Referrals • Agency will initiate referrals to the Contractor and the Contractor shall accept referrals during Agency’s normal business hours (8-5, M-F). • Referrals made during the Child Protective Services (CPS) assessment must be assigned promptly so the Contractor can initiate contact with the family within two (2) business days after Agency has initiated the referral. • Contractor will notify Agency, within one business day of referral initiation if Contractor does not accept the referral. • Contractor will perform an intake with the Client within five business days. This intake might identify additional service needs. • Services are expected to last from one (1) to six (6) months for all referrals with the average being approximately three (3) months. In cases where additional time is necessary, Contractor shall obtain prior approval from Agency. • Attend scheduled weekly meetings at Agency to discuss new referrals and current Client families. • Participate in Agency Contractor meetings as scheduled by Agency. 2.4.3 Location of Services • Services will be provided in Service District 8 which is comprised of Jackson and Josephine Counties. Clients will reside in all areas of the counties and Contractor must accept referrals for and provide Services to those Clients within the County or Counties Proposer has proposed to provide service for. • During times of national, state, or local emergency, and when requested or prior approved by Agency Contract Administrator, Contractor may be authorized to hold services either virtually, or via teleconference, or a combination of virtual and in person. Contractor shall abide by all restrictions in effect as prescribed by the national, state, or local authorities and/or the Contract Administrator at the time Services are provided. Timing will depend on when a determination was made to shift to a virtual event. • Contractor shall: Conduct Services via virtual teleconferencing application as a preferred method; if not available/appropriate/applicable for Service delivery, in- person in the community or at the Contractor’s office. When conducting Services inperson and while COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are in effect, Contractor shall perform Services in compliance with current COVID-19 safety precautions that can be found at the following websites: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. 2.4.4 Services Contractor, through the provision of the Navigators, shall provide Services as described and defined in this RFP to Agency Referred Families as follows: • Assist Agency Referred Families who face many barriers, with Services designed to remove barriers including but not limited to: Financial barriers Communication and information barriers Child Welfare system barriers Fear and emotional barriers Legal issues Mental Health issues Alcohol & Drug issues Child Care issues Transportation barriers Housing barriers • Eliminate barriers to understanding the issues and providing recommendations to the family. • Assure that any family with a need will receive timely assistance. The Navigator accomplishes this most effectively through face-to-face contact with the referred family during the Child Protective Services (CPS) assessment or when planning for family reunification. • Customized Services for each family. Services also need to be provided in Client’s home whenever possible and be culturally and linguistically appropriate. • Increase coordination of Services; bridge the gaps in family’s access to care, guide parents or families through Agency and other community resource provider systems.
