Purpose and Objectives

The Washington State Health Care Authority, (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from individuals or organizations interested in services to provide Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) Trainings in order to meet the Washington State behavioral health workforce demands.

HCA is seeking multiple organizations or individuals that values recovery and understand the need to ensure fidelity of the CPC Training Program. Training will promote recovery and resiliency principles and teach the core competencies necessary to ensure peers are trained effectively. HCA is committed to individual, youth and family voice and choice in behavioral health services. The peer workforce is an effective resource promoting recovery and resiliency.

HCA seeks to make the best use of limited resources while providing the highest quality training experience. Bidders will provide an environment conducive to successful completion of a HCA approved CPC course with a thorough understanding of the peer role, opportunities to demonstrate peer skills, and are prepared to complete the Washington State exams.

Before DBHR merged with HCA, on July 1, 2018, under the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), DBHR has been committed to developing this project, which over the years has grown to meet the workforce demands. The initial project focused primarily on mental health peer counseling. In 2017, HCA/DBHR began pilot projects to include Substance Use Disorder (SUD) peer programs. In 2019, SUD peers services were added to the SUD Medicaid Washington State plan.

Peer counseling is a Medicaid service modality and agencies are robustly using peer support in a wide range of behavioral health programs, such as: mental health, substance use, youth, and family, supported housing, supportive employment, emergency rooms or bridging programs. Peer supports are powerful services proven to be successful in promoting wellness and recovery. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Licensed to do business in the state of Washington or provide a commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within 30 calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Bidder.2. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience providing peer or family-run peer programs and/or services for people who have lived experience with behavioral health services. 3. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in training and curriculum delivery.4. Experience with planning logistics for training events, including registration, accommodations, lodging and travel.5. Experience providing Peer/Recovery Supports to a diverse population E.g., individuals who represent communities who may experience health disparities (including based on ethnic/racial identity, tribal, gender identity, sexual orientation, rural, urban, immigrant, and those living below the poverty line).