The New York State Office of Mental Health, (OMH) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for eligible applicants to submit proposals to serve as a contractor to maintain and improve the current Certification Board for New York Certified Peer Specialists.
Several changes have occurred since the initial certification process began in NYS. There is more funding available for peer specialist positions in both new and existing program types. The awardee of this grant will be expected to provide more engagement with mental health providers and the peer workforce to modify the existing infrastructure of the overall certification process and continuing education approval, to make it more transparent and accessible to providers who wish to employ peer specialists.
In addition to reviewing and processing applications/renewals, the awardee will provide training and informational handouts for mental health providers with the goal of increasing the use of qualified peer specialists and clarifying the integrity of the peer specialist position and peer support services.
Eligible Agencies
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit agencies with 501(c) (3) incorporation and at least 51% of their governing board, and a preponderance of the staff are people with lived experience of having mental health issues.
Please be advised that all questions regarding Eligibility will be responded to through the official posting of the Questions and Answers. No questions about Eligibility will be responded to either individually or prior to the posting of the Q&As.
This RFP can be found on the OMH website under Procurement Opportunities at:
https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/
The RFP can also be found on the Grants Gateway at:
https://grantsreform.ny.gov
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