San Luis Valley Region 18 Opioid Settlement Governance Council

Request for Proposals (“RFP”)

RFP No. 2023-01

Overview:

The Colorado Attorney General’s Office (the “AG”) was part of a national lawsuit suing pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic and each state was awarded Opioid Settlement Funds to deal with the opioid epidemic. The AG worked with local governments to develop regions in which the Opioid Settlement Funds would be disbursed each year. The guidelines for services that can be provided with the Opioid Settlement Funds come from the

terms of the national settlement. See https://coag.gov/opioids/colorado-opioid-abatement-council/ for more information. Region 18 is composed of board members of six (6) counties in the San Luis Valley: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache. There is a governing Board, called the Region 18 Opioid Settlement Governance Council which is the decision-maker over how the Opioid Settlement Funds will be distributed within the region.

Goals and Objectives:

Region 18’s goals are to focus on prevention, peer support professionals and recovery housing related to the Opioid Epidemic in the first two years of funding. The region is rural, so access to services and resources for those affected by opioid use disorder and misuse is the ultimate focus goal and objective. A priority for Region 18 is providing services in all 6 counties within the region.

The region will utilize this RFP process to provide grant money to providers for training and supervision (during/after the certification process) and coordination of peer support professionals, as well as providing peer support programming for the six counties. Region 18 is mindful of not duplicating behavioral health services but leveraging this funding to go further in their communities. Quarterly reports to the Region 18 Board shall be required as a condition of accepting the grant.

Timeline:

Proposals will be accepted until May 31, 2023, at 5:00 pm. No proposals received after the deadline will be considered or accepted.

Grant:

The award will not exceed $30,000 per year, for two years from July to June, starting from FY 2023 - FY2024. This will be prorated the first year. Possible awards may be awarded after the two years depending on needs, success, and Regional 18 council’s 2-year plan.

Place of Delivery:

To be eligible, all proposal documents must be submitted to Lori Laske, Region 18, Chair, via email at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the above deadline.

Evaluation:

Region 18, through its fiscal agent, Rio Grande County, shall award the contract to an Applicant based on the evaluation criteria contained within this RFP. The RFP Review Committee, composed of designated voting members of the Region 18 Board, may request additional

information from Applicant(s) through follow-up questions and/or a formal interview before recommending contract awards to the Region 18 Board.

Reservation of Rights:

Region 18 and its fiscal agent, Rio Grande County, reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities, and to reserve any request for proposals. Region 18 and its fiscal agent, Rio Grande County, also reserves the right to award the contract as it deems fit to best serve its interest, including partial awards. Any unexpended funds awarded shall be returned to Region 18, through its fiscal agent, Rio Grande County. All decisions made are final.

Required Information:

1) Name of the Organization;

2) Mailing Address;

3) Applicant Contact Name and Title;

4) Applicant Contact email and phone number;

5) Applicants are encouraged to submit a most recently approved audit or financial review for the past year.

6) No more than 2 Letters of Support;

7) RFP’s must contain the following language, signed by the Applicant or Applicant’s Representative: “Applicant hereby certifies and warrants that all statements and representations, including all sources and uses of funds, made in this RFP are true and correct and may be relied upon by the Region 18 Board.”

8) Proposed annual budget

Questions to be addressed by the RFP:

1) Brief description of your proposed program and how it meets the unique needs of the San Luis Valley region.

2) For existing programs, please explain how your program will be expanded, the amount of funding requested and why additional funding is required.

3) How does your organization plan to champion the peer support professionals? 4) What is the preliminary timeline estimate for your program?

5) How does your plan address the diverse needs of populations specific to Region 18 (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, immigrants, rural communities, low income, youth etc.)?

6) Will this program be utilizing “braided” funding streams (utilizing funds from other sources in conjunction with the Opioid Settlement Funds)? If so, please explain.

7) What are the anticipated outcomes of your program after applying this funding? How will you measure those outcomes? What does success look like?

8) Provide evidence of a proven track record providing existing or similar services.

9) Are there potential challenges that may hinder your ability to implement the program/project? If so, how will you address those?

10) Please provide a description of the number of peer professionals you anticipate working with, the programming for peer support outreach/activities in each county, the frequency of peer events, etc.

Evaluation Criteria:

All RFP responses shall be evaluated based on the answers to the questions provided above and the following criteria:

1) Length of time providing the service.

2) Your successes in providing your current services.

3) Ability to serve all 6 counties.

4) Timeline for providing the service.

5) Ability to address the diverse needs of Region 18.

6) Existing infrastructure.

7) Anticipated outcomes.

8) Financial stability of the organization and program.

9) Ability to braid funding.

10) Sustainability of the program.

11) Proposed budget.

12) Ability to further the goals of the 2-year plan, as described in the “Goals and Objectives” section above.

13) Understanding of the unique needs of communities in the region

SAN LUIS VALLEY (SLV) OPIOID PREVENTION COMMITTEE

Independent Contractor

Job Description

Job Title:                             OPIOID /Substance Use Prevention Project Coordinator

Department:                      Public Health Agency

Reports To:                         Public Health Director | SLV Opioid Misuse Prevention Committee

Prepared Date:                 February 22, 2023

Approved By:                     SLV Opioid Prevention Committee | Region 18 Council

Approved Date:                4.18.23

CLASSIFICATION:            20 hours per week at $25.21/hr – 26.22/hr

SUMMARY: The Opioid /Substance Use Prevention Project Coordinator (referred henceforth as Project Coordinator) will lead public health prevention efforts in the San Luis Valley by facilitating the implementation of public health substance use prevention best practice models through the SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition. The position will also work with County Prevention Coalitions in the six San Luis Valley counties in order to identify and coordinate prevention strategies for opioid /substance use prevention. Prevention is a structured community-engagement process that reduces risk factors that contribute to youth substance use and delinquency and promotes protective factors through tested and effective programs and policies. Training and technical assistance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), CO Opioid Abatement Council, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and others will help support this effort.

The position requires excellent communication skills as the successful candidate will be responsible for community outreach and organizing as well as group facilitation. Other responsibilities include data collection and analysis, project budget management, reporting and evaluation.

This position is supported through the Opioid Crisis Resettlement funds., which will span multiple years.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

1. The Project Coordinator will help guide the SLV Opioid Prevention Committee’s prevention efforts.
2. Project Coordinator convenes, supports, and maintains a SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition, including recruitment of key leaders and community coalition members.
3. Attend opioid and substance use prevention trainings as appropriate and agreed upon by host agency Director/ SLV Opioid Prevention Committee’s Prevention efforts.
4. Identifies prevention training resources for SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition members and coordinates completion of trainings.
5. Uses effective group facilitation skills to help guide the Coalition through coalition processes.
6. Coordinate prevention workshops in appropriate order and timing for effective community progress, with support from the Public Health Director, public health teams, and partners.
7. Manage SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition meeting preparation and follow-up. Prepare documentation and reports as needed, especially as related to meeting funding deliverables and community needs.
8. Facilitate delegation of SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition tasks, including but not limited to collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; community outreach and public relations; and Coalition meetings. Lead discussions related to project planning and maintenance.
9. Work with SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition members, members of the larger community and the Public Health Director /SLV Opioid Prevention Committee to develop and implement a comprehensive community substance use prevention plan.
10. Coordinate implementation of the preventive interventions selected by the SLV Opioid Use Prevention Coalition.
11. Monitor the implementation of selected interventions and communicate successes and challenges to both the SLV Opioid Prevention Coalition and the SLV Opioid Prevention Committee.
12. Coordinate dissemination of public health prevention information to key leaders, schools and other youth service providers and the general public. Make presentations and prepare SLV Opioid Use Prevention Coalition members for community outreach.
13. Assist in writing grant proposals, reports, concept papers and other materials needed to obtain funding.
14. Under direction of the Public Health Director and SLV Opioid Prevention Committee leadership, manage assigned prevention budget.
15. Work with the SLV Opioid Prevention Committee to develop a regional structure for the Opioid/Substance use prevention process in the valley.
16. Work collaboratively with other prevention efforts in San Luis Valley.
17. Prepare, promote, and host any needed regional review meetings, coordinating with local public health agencies to ensure participation from local and regional team members.
18. At such time as this position may expand via additional prevention funding, this job description will be updated.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree with at least three years’ related experience; or equivalent education and experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to form and maintain relationships with strategic partners, e.g., government agencies, non-profit agencies, schools, business, and faith-based communities.
• Familiarity with the San Luis Valley counties and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to speak effectively and professionally in public to a variety of audiences. Must possess professional demeanor
• Must be able to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct letters, reports and other forms of communications.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, develop solutions and take the lead in solving problems.
• Must possess strong group facilitation skills and experience.
• Must be self-directed, as well as a team player.
• Must have excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Local, state, and occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel or similar word processing and spreadsheet Projects. Strong ability to utilize information technology, including general internet usage, email, video conferencing software(s), data entry, and social media tools.

PREFERRED:

• Understanding/working knowledge of youth-serving systems and agencies.
• Experience with prevention efforts in one or more SLV communities, especially as related to opioid / substance use prevention.
• Experience in coalition-building.
• Understanding of prevention science.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Experience in project management and/or strategic planning such as project development, developing and evaluating outcomes, conducting data analysis and evaluation, developing operations and marketing plans, and developing timelines.
• Ability to understand and prepare grant applications, and concept papers.
• Ability to work with youth boards and representatives.

HOURS: This is a 0.5 FTE position at 20 hours per week (with a potential for a full time based on funding)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Position has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee works in a standard office environment where there is freedom to sit, stand, or walk at will. Employee is frequently required to work outside the office at community buildings, schools, work sites, and other settings.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the above requirements satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please submit, a cover letter, resume and transcripts that address the requirements above to Lori Laske, Region 18, Chair via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 31, 2023

Region 18 Opioid Settlement Governance Council

Part-Time Coordinator

Job Title:                    Part-time Coordinator

Reports To:                Region 18 Governance Council (Chair/Steering Committee)

Prepared Date:          3/14/2023

Hours:                       This is a contracted position, 0.5 FTE, up to 20 hours per week,

Wage:                        $23.00 per hour, no benefits

SUMMARY:   The Position will perform professional work coordinating and implementing the priorities of the Region 18 Opioid Settlement Governance Council (Regional Council and their current two-year plan.   This includes working with subcommittees and ad hock committees.

This position includes planning and implementation, partnership development, and resource mobilization.  The position requires excellent communication skills as the successful candidate will be responsible for community outreach and organizing as well as group facilitation. Other responsibilities include gathering data and analyzing project budget management, and evaluating of the project.   The position will exemplify the characteristics of a collaborative, innovative, and resilient work culture along with the Council, and models the appropriate behavior. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

1. Plan and facilitate all meetings both full council and subcommittees including agendas, proper notice, audio/video meeting technology, and recording of minutes.
2. Prepares purchase requests and processes invoices with the fiscal agent as assigned.
3. Assures the programs are performed within budget and monitors expenditures to assure sound fiscal control.
4. Keeps records and prepares required reports.
5. Monitors the progress of projects to meet the time frame.
6. Prepares correspondence for the Regional Council and subcommittees.
7. Assists in the preparation of grant proposals and grant budget development reports, concept papers, and other materials needed to obtain funding.
8. The position will implement new and amended strategies for program effectiveness as necessary.
9. Recommends and implements modifications to policies and procedures.
10. Create, convene, support, and evaluate strategic partnerships.
11. Work with partners to identify community assets.
12. The position is responsible for effectively managing their workload to achieve Regional Council goals.
13. Advises council of potential problems or concerns.
14. Facilitate strategic planning and implementation process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to speak effectively and professionally in public to a variety of audiences. Must possess a professional demeanor. Must be able to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct letters, reports, and other forms of communication.
• Must possess strong group facilitation skills and experience.
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team.
• Must have excellent organizational and multitasking
• Local, state, and occasional out-of-state travel as required.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, or similar word processing and spreadsheet Projects. Strong ability to utilize information technology, including general internet usage, email, video conferencing software(s), data entry, and social media tools.

  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent education and

  experience. 1-2 years of experience in an administrative or coordination role preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee works in a standard office environment where there is the freedom to sit, stand, or walk at will. In some instances, the employee may work remotely.  The employee is frequently required to work outside the office at community buildings, schools, work sites, and other settings.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the above requirements satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please submit, a cover letter and resume that address the requirements above to Lori Laske, Region 18, Chair via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 31, 2023.