Specifications include, but are not limited to: Proposer will (no limit on number of VBHPSS): Hire and onboard a new VBHPSS; Transition a current PSS/PWS to serve as a VBHPSS); Hire an additional VBHPSS; and/or Continue supporting an existing VBHPSS position (via current contract funded by RFP 5252 [2021-2023], or by any other funding method) Note: Budget may not overlap with any existing VBHPSS funding from Agency. Duties of the VBHPSS: Work closely with Veterans and their care teams to support the Veteran Consumer in self-identifying strengths, needs, and goals, while also addressing barriers to Behavioral Health recovery and wellness; Strive to improve the Behavioral Health of Veterans and address Social Determinants of Health impacting Veterans and military personnel in their communities by navigating, as requested by the Consumer, the VHA, state systems, local municipal systems, or local community resources; Link Veterans to appropriate resources, assist Veterans in overcoming barriers to availability and accessibility of services, and support Veterans in developing and strengthening community connections and natural supports through, but not limited to, the peer relationship; and Provide the suite of regularly delivered peer support services and take part in care teams. Services to be provided: Identify potential Veterans and ensure a minimum of 20 Veterans will participate in PDS support through regular engagement, defined as at least once per month, over a period of six months, on average. Together, Key Personnel and VBHPSS will work to meet the Veteran Consumer's self-identified needs through the following actions, such as: Participate on ACT or other care teams serving Veterans; Apply self-advocacy skills to support Veteran; Use a strength-based approach to support Consumer with goal setting and development of recovery plans to support living a healthy and goal-directed life; Assisting Veteran to navigate, when appropriate, the VA/VHA, state systems, local municipal systems, and local community resources; Provide emotional support and encouragement to “walk alongside” Consumer as they navigate recovery; Model recovery, wellness, and collaborative relationships for Veteran, their service providers, and other community partners; Support Veteran with systems navigation, including help to identify and access supports such as Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), vocational programs, and food assistance (based on eligibility); Assist Veteran during interactions with the criminal justice system and connect Veteran with the nearest VJO specialist as needed; Engage as appropriate with local VSOs; Assist in identifying and accessing local housing when needed, including Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) or SSVF Housing Services (based on eligibility); Help ensure, as appropriate, timely access to VA health care, community Behavioral Health, OHP services, or other appropriate health services (based on eligibility); and Assist in identifying and accessing supports for Behavioral Heath, including problem gambling services.
