RFQ 24-0042 Community Connector.docx

Alliance CaRES Community Connector RFQ Ref #24-0042 Issued Date: 8/26/20024 Intent This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is issued by the University of Washington to solicit proposals from Contractors interested in providing caregiver retention and support services and foster parent training. Execution of a contract is not a guarantee of business.

The pool will remain open and ongoing in order to add additional trainers at UW discretion.

Background The Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence (Alliance) is a comprehensive statewide partnership between the University of Washington, University of Washington Tacoma, Eastern Washington University and the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Our partnership is dedicated to developing the skills and capacity of those working with vulnerable children and their families. The Alliance provides training to alternate caregivers, DCYF staff, Tribal entities, and staff, as well as others involved in serving children, youth, and families. As part of our training and professional development service array, we provide trainings to potential and current caregivers (also called foster parents) and other alternate caregivers for children in the custody of DCYF.

Applicant Criteria

· Deep familiarity with the dependency system through lived and/or professional experience

· Two or more years of experience as a caregiver or working with families raising children/youth experiencing out of home care

· Licensed caregivers must have a license in good standing

· Enjoy community outreach

· Exhibit strong interpersonal skills

· Demonstrate a solution-oriented approach to challenges

· Serve as positive partner to DCYF

· Connections within local community General Scope of Work

· Work between 5 and 20 hours/month on a flexible schedule based on your availability

· Facilitate supportive connections with relative, kinship, and foster families by:

· Working with the CaRES Community Engagement Coordinator to plan, host, and sustain culturally relevant community groups. These groups include, but are not limited to support groups, meet ups at community locations, and outings with free admission.

· Connecting caregivers to local resources, Alliance CaRES training and groups, and/or a CaRES Mentor for ongoing and individual support.

· Utilize standing relationships and/or build new community relationships to provide resources and opportunities for caregivers during Alliance CaRES groups. This could be scheduling volunteers for childcare, securing donations for meals, partnering with a local business to provide free admission, etc.

· Maintain a minimum of twice monthly contacts with CaRES Community Engagement Coordinator and attend bimonthly team meeting (virtual).

Alliance CaRES will:

• Provide regular guidance and support to Community Connector through individual contacts, team meetings and trainings.

• Assist the Community Connector in developing group structure and frequency.

• Promote community groups/events utilizing Constant Contact email and by posting to social media.

• Provide Community Connector with tangible goods for distribution to caregivers

Contract Rate:

· $25.50/hr. up to 20hrs/month

Period of Service The initial term of this Agreement shall be for two (2) year commencing on date of execution and expiring on June 30, 2026. UW School of Social Work, at its discretion, may extend for an additional 2-year term.

Please Submit:

This solicitation will be open and ongoing.

· RFQ Cover Sheet

· Three references (minimum of two that know you from your foster care connections.)

· Copy of Washington foster care license (if applicable)

· Email documents to Dawn Lake, Senior Contracts Manager, dawnlake@uw.edu and alliancecares@uw.edu

Alliance CaRES Community Connector RFQ Cover Sheet

Name: ______________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ Email Address: ______________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________________________ Are you a licensed kinship caregiver or community foster parent? Y/N What is your connection to the fostering community? __________________________________________ How many years have you had this connection? ______________________________________________ Please provide three references, a minimum of two who know you in the context of your connection to the fostering community.

Name: _________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________________ image1.png