The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is seeking a proposal to complete a revision of the AAS Crisis Worker Certification training materials and test. The total amount being paid for this project is $15,000.  All work must be completed by April 10th, 2020.

AAS’ mission is to understand and prevent suicide. To that end, AAS is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention, or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.  As part of AAS’ mission, we have provided a Crisis Worker Certification since 1994 Since it’s inception, AAS has certified thousands of individuals across North America.   

AAS certification bears practical rewards.  Besides humanistic value of assuring minimum standards of service for persons in crisis, there are other advantages:

• AAS certification validates service delivery that is performed according to nationally recognized standards
• The increased visibility and credibility of an AAS individual certification of Crisis Workers provides opportunities for modeling of program excellence to other agencies and professionals
• AAS certification provides a morale boost for staff working in the field of crisis intervention
• AAS certification for individual Crisis Workers shows additional credibility with funding agencies and insurance companies
• People in life-threatening and other crises who obtain service from AAS certified Crisis Workers are assured that staff has seriously examined their commitment to provide service according to recognized standards
• AAS certification establishes crisis and suicide intervention skills as a distinct area of expertise that requires specialized knowledge and skill development

To further support the value of this service, AAS is seeking proposals to complete:

1) A review of relevant literature and similar certification services provided by organizations specializing in crisis intervention (crisis contact centers using phone, text and chat, mobile outreach, crisis residential) and suicide prevention including:

• Review of
  • research specific to best practices for crisis services and suicide prevention
  • Zero Suicide in Health and Behavioral Health Care framework
  • Suicide Lifeline’s Suicide Risk Assessment and Working with Callers at Imminent Risk standards
• Interviews with national crisis service experts

2) Update/Revise the Individual Certification Manual

3) Update/Revise the Individual Crisis Worker Certification test

In your proposal, please include the following:

• Name of agency/university, years in business, number of employees, location of office(s)
• Years of experience with crisis services
• Experience with crisis intervention, crisis contact center, mobile outreach and suicide prevention services at an individual and systems level
• Two samples of content development – append
• Experience with creation of tests
• Proposal outlining how you will meet project objectives (Not to exceed 2 typed pages, single space)
• Names and resumes/CV of Principal Content Expert and any key team members
• Two  letters of support describing why you are the best fit for this project

Only electronic submissions will be accepted. All submissions are due by 5 pm EST on February 5, 2020.

All proposals will be reviewed and an awardee chosen by the AAS Executive Director and AAS Accreditation and Certification Committee.

A decision will be made by February 21^st.   

DEADLINE HAS PASSED