Engagement & Alliance Training

Background

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections (ODRC) oversees the supervision of over 44,900 offenders in Ohio across 28 state prisons. The mission of ODRC is to reduce recidivism among those they touch, with core values emphasizing staff care, teamwork, civility, and hope. ODRC is seeking evidence-based practices to create therapeutic alliances and trusting relationships with individuals suffering from severe mental illness.

Work Details

The contractor will provide two half-day virtual evidence-based trainings aimed at creating therapeutic alliances with individuals suffering from severe mental illness. The training will focus on strategies to transform noncompliant, paranoid, and resistant individuals into cooperative partners. Additionally, two one-day in-person Train-the-Trainer certification trainings will be conducted in central Ohio. The training should cover: - Reflective listening - Expressing empathy without reality-testing - Identifying areas of agreement - Forming partnerships towards common goals linked to treatment acceptance - Respectfully delaying contrary opinions - Providing respectful recommendations - Apologizing for harmful actions Emphasis will be placed on science-based education about anosognosia, symptoms recognition, risk of violence associated with serious mental illness, suicide awareness, treatment compliance, and therapeutic alliance.

Period of Performance

The contract period begins on June 3, 2026 and ends on June 18, 2026.

Place of Performance

Training sessions will be conducted virtually and in-person in central Ohio.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must have at least two years of experience delivering the course material and experience working with a criminal justice agency. They are required to provide curriculum materials for courses and certified instructors. Bidders must also meet with Ohio Parole regarding the training plan as needed and ensure they have computer access for virtual training. Certifications provided for end users and trainers must be everlasting and non-renewable.