Human Touch: Mercer County Human Services Newsletter

HUMAN SERVICES NEWSLETTER 4/16/2021

Meet Your County Workers in the Field! 

Under the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), Mercer County Division of Public Health conducts assigned Environmental Compliance & Enforcement for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in various areas. For example, the Solid Waste Program achieves and maintains the safe management of waste in an environmentally safe manner, ensuring exposure to environmental risks are controlled and minimized. Anil Sharma, MCDPH/CEHA Inspector conducting an Environmental Compliance & Enforcement at a County Facility

FUNDING AVAILABILITY 

State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Counseling and Wellness Services for Peer Recovery Specialists and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Providers

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) for the provision of professional counseling and wellness services for peer recovery specialists (peer specialists) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment professionals working in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment facilities and recovery centers. Throughout New Jersey, peer specialists and OUD treatment professionals have been integral to the ongoing recovery of individuals with opioid and other SUDs. Understandably, some individuals may feel overwhelmed and overextended as a result of the complexity and significance of this responsibility. For example, compassion fatigue occurs when an individual experiences stress due to their exposure to another individual who has undergone traumas. The successful bidder will utilize licensed clinical professionals to provide tailored counseling and wellness services to address the needs of peer specialists and OUD treatment professionals. Services will include individual assessments, evidence-based and/or best practice treatment modalities, acute and/or ongoing therapy, self-care plans, and wellness activities which support personal and professional growth. 

This RFP is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). Total annualized funding for this RFP is approximately $500,000, subject to federal appropriations. The contract award is through September 29, 2021. Funding may be available through September 29, 2022, depending on federal appropriations. DMHAS anticipates making two (2) awards of up to $250,000 each. Through this initiative, the successful bidder will provide professional counseling and wellness services by licensed clinical professionals to a combined total of 150 peer specialists and OUD treatment professionals employed within DMHAS-funded programs, recovery centers, and community peer initiatives.

No Mandatory Bidders Conference.

Proposal Due Date – no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 28, 2021

Notify Date – May 21, 2021

UPCOMING WEBINARS, TRAININGS AND CLASSES

New Jersey Courts Informational Webinar "Planning for the Unexpected" - Staff from the Mercer Vicinage and attorneys from Central Jersey Legal Services and the Mercer County Surrogate’s Office will discuss count processes and procedures beginning Wednesday April 14^th, and continuing on Wednesday April 21^st and 28^th at 5:30pm. The sessions will utilize the ZOOM platform. The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required, please RSVP at least two days prior to each webinar date. 

• Estate Administration Seminar, April 21st Registration
• Guardianship Seminar, April 28th Registration 

“Next 2nd Chance Behavioral Health & Criminal Justice Conference” - Advancing Recovery and Reducing Recidivism Using Wraparound Services

The conference will take place LIVE VIRTUALLY on Tuesday & Wednesday, May 4-5, 2021. Professional contact hours are available FREE OF CHARGE to those who attend the conference BOTH days in its entirety. To register for this free event click HERE 

On April 22 at 7:30 p.m., The College of New Jersey is hosting an interdisciplinary educational event about the value of decriminalization in NJ. Please click here to register.

You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to receive Dept. of Human Services Newsletters. Reminder that if you want to view the current list of Request For Proposals and Bid Opportunities for Mercer County, click here!

To view the current list of available jobs with Mercer County, as well as various other career resources, please visit the Job Opportunities tab on the Mercer County Website. 

The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department's goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.

Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.