OhioMHAS Supported Employment Education Handbook FY24-25

MISSION & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The mission of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is to provide statewide leadership of a high-quality mental health and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery system that is effective and valued by all Ohioans. OhioMHAS strives to be a national leader in implementing a comprehensive, accessible, and quality-focused system of addiction and mental health care and wellness for all Ohio citizens. PURPOSE
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to create new and/or modify existing materials and assessment tools tailored to transition-age youth, ages 14-23, utilizing the evidence-based practice of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment to include supported education. BACKGROUND
Evidence- based practices (EBPs) rely on treatment that has withstood randomized controlled trials, has been replicated, and has generated positive client outcomes (Drake, 2005). EBPs integrate clinical expertise; expert opinion; external scientific evidence; and client, patient, and caregiver perspectives, so providers can offer high-quality services that reflect the interests, values, needs and choices of the individuals served.  IPS is the evidence-based practice of supported employment. IPS is integrated and coordinated with behavioral health treatment and rehabilitation designed to provide individualized placement and support to assist job seekers with serious persistent mental illness or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders obtain, maintain, and advance within competitive integrated employment that is consistent with work preferences.IPS is the model of supported employment with the most evidence and research to support individuals with behavioral health disorders gain and retain employment. IPS was developed by the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center and as of May 2018, showed a mean competitive employment rate of 55 percent compared to that of 25 percent in 26 randomized controlled trials. Closer adherence to fidelity consistently results in higher rates of competitive employment. A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found that people receiving IPS services were 2.4 times more likely to be employed than controls (Modini, 2016). To find additional information regarding IPS, please utilize the following website  https://ipsworks.org/index.php/evidence-for-ips/IPS supported employment is an evidence-based practice with a 25-item fidelity scale and is characterized by eight (8) practice principles: Individual preferences are explored, honored, valued, respected, and guide the job search. Individual-determined readiness to work; every participant who wants to work is eligible for IPS. Competitive jobs are the goal. IPS services are integrated with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment. Personalized benefit planning is provided on an ongoing basis. The job search starts within 30 days after a participant expresses interest in working. Employment Specialist builds relationships with employers based upon the individual's work preferences. Individualized job supports are continuous and vary in frequency and intensity.
OhioMHAS is dedicated to supporting, implementing, and growing IPS supported employment services to increase the number of individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring serious mental and substance use disorders who obtain and retain competitive integrated employment in Ohio.  OhioMHAS partners with several behavioral health organizations to provide services and supports to individuals utilizing the IPS model. In 2023, 4,411 people were reported as served by an IPS supported employment program, and 2,079 people obtained employment while enrolled in Ohio’s IPS programs.OhioMHAS’ s goal is to expand access to quality employment services throughout the behavioral health system, with a focus on transition-age programs and supports. In 2023 Ohio was  one of seven states awarded the opportunity to participate in an 18-month Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Supported Employment for Transition Age Youth (SE-TAY) Policy Academy. The primary goal of the SE-TAY Policy Academy is to develop a statewide strategic plan to advance policies and practices to enhance capacity to meet the competitive employment needs of transition-age youth with mental illness through the use of supported employment.The Ohio SE-TAY team includes members of OhioMHAS, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (state vocational rehabilitation), Ohio Department of Education, Department of Youth Services, and community partners, Daybreak and YouthMove.According to the 2018-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, young adults (18 to 25) had the highest rates of serious mental illness, any mental illness, and major depressive episodes. It can be assumed that these numbers have only increased due to additional interpersonal disruptions and exacerbating stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Implementation of this project will be piloted with three existing Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for First Episode Psychosis (FEP) teams in Ohio. There are currently 20 active CSC for FEP teams in Ohio that serve 750 individuals in 43 counties. These programs serve individuals between the ages of 15-35 years of age with less than two years since first onset of positive symptoms of psychosis. CSC for FEP programs are appropriate for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and mood disorders with psychotic features and consist of team-based services that include supported employment and education, counseling, psychiatric care, and case management at a minimum. SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES
The chosen vendor will utilize the adult IPS scale to support the execution of IPS services modified for transition-age youth, developing, and testing a guidebook that will be initially piloted with three CSC for FEP programs. Materials are focused on best practices, recommendations, tools and tips, and realistic application of providing supported employment and education to transition-age youth (individuals between the ages of 14-23)All developed material to be available in digital format (PDF); all material must be ADA compliant.All materials to be written at an 8th grade reading level or below.The scope of the work includes creating and delivering the following:Contractor is responsible for coordination, content development and writing of all materials outlined  in this RFP. The contractor will be solely responsible for writing and developing content and for obtaining all subject matter experts. The guidebook and materials associated with this contract will be approved and owned by OhioMHAS.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
Contractor must have expertise in manual development. Contractor must have extensive experience with the Supported Employment Fidelity Scale (1/7/08) and delivery of IPS services. (Please see exhibit) Contractor must demonstrate a successful history of providing consultation for IPS supported employment services.  Contractor must have experience in creating resources, materials and curriculum that support application of evidence-based practices. Contractor shall not be subject to an “unresolved” finding for recovery under Section 9.24 of Ohio Revised Code.