(Tiered Approach FY19) HUD-VASH National PBV Training (VA-19-00020990)

Contractor staff will be identified who shall assist VA with training, implementation, and dissemination of EBPs in project based HUD-VASH settings. The delivery of community-based case management and supportive services will support the VA s continued transition to the Housing First model of addressing homelessness by providing support to first house Veterans and then combine housing with supportive services, employment, and treatment.
The Contractor shall provide VA medical center (VAMC) HUD-VASH project-based staff with training on case management services, providing a detailed overview of best practices in community based case management. Interventions are also focused on addressing threats to housing stability and on achieving personal goals. The technical assistance provided should be designed to promote VA staffs proficiency in delivering services that will enhance the housing stability of Veterans served by the HUD-VASH project-based vouchers. In addition, training will help participants employ CTI techniques designed to prevent homelessness among Veterans who have severe mental illness and histories of homelessness. This is a time-limited intervention that bridges the gap in services during transition from homelessness to permanent housing and full community integration. Technical assistance will focus on how the provision of community based case management in a tenant-based HUD-VASH program differs from that in a project-based one, as well as emphasize the importance of social integration that is often critical for the success of Veterans in HUD-VASH. Training objectives will be consistent with HUD-VASH program goals. Contract staff will travel to each of the medical center sites as identified by VHA. It is intended that this training will be consultative rather than evaluative.
The selected Contractor must have experience managing a national project of this scope; demonstrated knowledge of VHA homeless programs, demonstrated experience in networking with federal, state, and community providers; experience with specialized homeless Veteran populations such as Veterans in rural communities and chronically homeless Veterans; experience with assisting homeless individuals gain competitive employment; experience with community-based housing programs; and experience with project-based housing case management and how it differs from community-based housing programs. In addition, the Contractor must have demonstrated experience guiding agency transformation resulting in improved integration of clinical care and supportive services. The Contractor shall be a professional advisory services agency whose mission is to translate research into transformative human services toward the goal of finding solutions to society s most difficult social problems such as homelessness, mental illness, and substance use. The Contractor shall employ skilled clinicians, researchers, writers, trainers, and advocates that can translate the newest research into real-world tools, training, and technical assistance. They shall have a history of work with clients in Government, business, and the social services who required training via in-person, and through remote capabilities, such as web-based solutions and innovative products that are practical, accessible, and adaptable to any homeless service setting.
The Contractor shall have experience in, and be capable of performing, the following:
Experience managing a national project of this scope;
Demonstrated knowledge of VHA homeless programs;
Develop Web-based training available on the VA s network;
Create program materials including a manual and educational materials to support use of the web-based application;
Provide site-based technical assistance;
Provide technical assistance to project-based HUD-VASH sites as requested;
Work with VA staff, community providers, and other stakeholders to identify barriers to successful application to benefits for eligible Veterans;
Demonstrated experience guiding agency transformation resulting in improved integration of services and clinical care;
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and experience creating linkages with these resources;
Demonstrated knowledge of project-based housing and the specialized supportive services that are needed to support the success of this type of housing;
Experience in networking with federal, state, and community agencies and employers;
Demonstrated ability to communicate program milestones and progress both orally and in writing;
Extensive experience with specialized homeless Veteran populations such as Female Veterans, OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, elderly Veterans, Veterans in rural communities, Veterans with substance use disorders, and chronically homeless Veterans..