Description
ACCESS seeks an evaluation consultant(s) with expertise in SAMHSA funded programs to develop ACCESS’ evaluation of our Shifa program, provide capacity building assistance to ACCESS on SAMHSA evaluation requirements and develop data collection tools and an analysis plan for the evaluation.
In October, 2023, ACCESS received funding to launch a new SAMHSA funded program within our Child and Adolescent Health Center (CAHC), the NCTSI program. This is a five-year grant that will end in September, 2028. Before the launch of the program, ACCESS had been providing adolescent mental health services for around a decade, funded through our county community mental health agencies. The NCTSI program, called Shifa at ACCESS, utilizes Boston Children’s Hospital’s evidence-based Trauma Systems Therapy for Refugees to provide culturally relevant services to refugee and immigrant youth who have experienced trauma. Staffing challenges delayed the implementation of the project, which launched in August, 2024.
The goals of the Shifa program over the 5-year grant period include:
- Train over 100 school personnel annually on trauma informed care
- Conduct 3 mental health forums per school annually to reduce stigma and raise awareness
- Engage 480 youth over the 5 years in skill-building groups
- Provide intensive therapy to 120 families over the 5-year period
The Shifa program will be utilizing the following tools:
- Child and Adolescent NOMS Assessment
- PSSM scale (Psychological Sense of School Membership)
- STRESS (Structured Trauma-Related Experiences and Symptoms Screener)
- SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire)
This contract will design the evaluation, build the capacity of the ACCESS team to better understand SAMHSA evaluation projects, develop data collection tools, if needed, and develop a data analysis plan. ACCESS’ Office of Evaluation and Learning will be responsible for implementing the evaluation and data collection plan.
The contract period is from April, 2025 – December, 2025.
Project services
a. Collaborate with the Shifa program team and ACCESS’ Office of Evaluation and Learning (OEL) to develop the evaluation plan
b. Develop an evaluation plan that meets all SAMHSA evaluation requirements for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative Programs, as well as the requirement of the program team
c. Provide capacity building to Shifa team and the OEL on SAMHSA evaluation expectations and requirements
d. Develop data collection tools and processes as needed
e. Develop a data analysis plan
Requirements
Experience developing and implementing SAMHSA funded evaluation projects
Experience developing and implementing child and adolescence behavioral health programs
Experience developing and implementing evaluations of refugee programs preferred
Most of the work can be completed remotely, but some travel to ACCESS in Dearborn, MI, may be required. Domestic travel expenses will be covered by ACCESS.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Submitted bids should include a total cost to complete all required services (using the anticipated number of hours listed above) as well as an updated CV/resume, a cover letter describing your experience, and any relevant work samples.