CORE Peer Navigators

On January 18th, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) released a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for providers/vendors with subject matter expertise in Peer Navigation to support the expansion of timely access to community-based services. Peer Navigators will support eligible individuals with accessing Adult Behavioral Health Home and Community Based Services (BH HCBS) and/or Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) services, including by providing personalized telephonic, face-to-face, or text support to promote successful linkage to services and offering post-referral and enrollment follow-up.

Funding available through this opportunity will:

  • Support efforts in marketing to, hiring, onboarding, and retaining qualified Peer Navigators; 
  • Build and facilitate a Peer Navigator Training Program to ensure workforce competencies in navigating the Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) benefit package; 
  • Educate providers and enrollees regarding the HARP benefit package and the value of BH HCBS and CORE services; 
  • Create formal mechanisms for connections to/partnerships with clinics, Health Homes, or other service providers to promote referral processes and access to care; and 
  • Provide simple, quick, statewide access to a Peer Navigator through a toll-free line that can be used by clinicians and eligible individuals in need of Peer Navigation support.

Eligible applicants include: 

  • OMH licensed or funded providers; 
  • Vendors with subject matter expertise in Peer Navigation; 
  • Vendors with demonstrated experience in Peer Support and Peer Navigation training and programming; and 
  • Vendors with subject matter expertise in Adult BH HCBS/CORE services.

The full SOI is attached. Indications of interest may be sent to Carol Swiderski at carol.swiderski@omh.ny.gov with “CORE Peer Navigator” in the subject line by February 8th.