Regional Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals in Recovery (RFA-ATL-25008)

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports is seeking applications from qualified not-for-profit organizations to provide regional vocational rehabilitation services across the state. This initiative is designed to improve employment outcomes for individuals who are in treatment or recovery from substance use disorders, a group that often encounters significant stigma and systemic barriers to employment. The program will support New York State’s broader mission of promoting long-term recovery and self-sufficiency through community-based job placement assistance. Contracts will be awarded to two providers in each of the ten state economic development regions, as well as two providers in each of New York City’s five boroughs. Each funded organization will be responsible for hiring or retaining two vocational rehabilitation counselors to serve as vocational specialists in coordination with local treatment and recovery programs. The funding agency, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of substance use disorder services, managing approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs that serve more than 731,000 individuals annually. The agency operates 12 addiction treatment centers and monitors over 900 programs to ensure compliance with state and national standards. It also funds community prevention providers, monitors gambling and substance use trends, develops policy, supports local governments and voluntary agencies, and manages counselor credentialing. Its mission emphasizes dignity, compassion, and equity in delivering services, while its vision is for New Yorkers impacted by addiction to thrive and lead healthy lives. A total of $9.8 million is available annually to support up to 28 providers. Each contract may be funded at up to $350,000 per year for a period of up to five years. Awards are subject to annual budget approval and may be adjusted based on performance, service needs, or available resources. Funding will be distributed across the ten state economic development regions—Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, Long Island, and North Country—as well as each of New York City’s five boroughs: Bronx, New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Richmond. Separate applications must be submitted for each region or borough where an organization seeks to provide services. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations authorized to operate in New York State and must fall into one of three categories: certified residential treatment providers (Part 819 or 820), certified outpatient opioid treatment providers (Part 822), or state aid-funded recovery centers. Applicants must have a physical location within the region or borough for which they are applying. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated experience providing vocational and employment services to individuals in treatment or recovery, familiarity with state employment and rehabilitation systems, established partnerships with local employers and workforce organizations, and the use of evidence-based practices to track participant outcomes. Funded organizations will hire two vocational rehabilitation counselors with appropriate certifications and knowledge in employment counseling, job development, labor laws, workforce development programs, and employer engagement. These counselors will provide individualized and group employment counseling, readiness assessments, job placement support, resume development, interview preparation, and referral coordination. They will also collaborate with local businesses, workforce partners, and the state’s job development contract to promote inclusive hiring practices and expand job opportunities. Outcomes will be tracked in areas such as job readiness, job search, job placement, and employment retention, with structured monthly reporting requirements. Applications must be submitted by email to OASASfunding@oasas.ny.gov with the subject line “RFA-ATL-25008, Provider Name.” Separate administrative and technical applications are required. Administrative materials include a signed cover letter, budget forms, conflict of interest certifications, diversity questionnaires, and executive order compliance documents. Technical applications should describe organizational history, staffing plans, service delivery approaches, collaboration with OASAS, expected outcomes, and stigma-reduction strategies. All applications must be submitted by the deadline listed on the cover page of the solicitation. Questions must be submitted in writing by email to OASAS.sm.Grants@oasas.ny.gov by the deadline for inquiries. The designated contact for this funding opportunity is Wendy L. Fioravanti, Contract Management Specialist 2, in the Division of Fiscal Administration’s Bureau of Contracts and Procurements, at OASAS.sm.Grants@oasas.ny.gov.

Submit separate applications for each region or borough; ensure strong data-driven outcomes; provide clear staffing and supervision plan; demonstrate local employer engagement and partnerships; comply with all state-mandated attachments and certifications