Notice of Opportunity DMH Behavioral Health Services Candidate Referral Program

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking to partner with accredited colleges, universities, and similar institutions of higher learning (Colleges) to create a Candidate Referral Program. The goal of the Program is to expand the behavioral health workforce by referring talented recent college graduates for entry-level positions in mental healthcare and substance use treatment within DMH. Colleges will be responsible for administrative, marketing, and academic/professional support for the Program, including offering training/education and providing peer mentorship and professional development support to participants hired by DMH. Letters of Interest from interested Colleges must be submitted through COMMBUYS by December 31, 2022, or until the opportunity is rescinded. DMH will negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with each College partner, outlining the responsibilities of both parties. The Program will provide participants with mentoring and career development to guide them through the hiring process and refer them to various behavioral health positions within DMH. Participants may be eligible to earn academic credits towards advanced degrees or certifications.

The procurement opportunity does not list any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. There are also no incumbent vendors or contractors mentioned, and no information provided on possible award values or budget ranges. The focus of the opportunity is on establishing partnerships between DMH and Colleges to address the behavioral health workforce shortage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.