CAREER PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
3 min read

GUIDING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO IDENTIFY, PREPARE FOR, AND ACHIEVE MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT GOALS

Career Planning Services in Ohio help individuals with disabilities explore employment options, set career goals, and develop strategies for achieving competitive, integrated employment. These services are person-centered and tailored to the individual's strengths, interests, and support needs. Career Planning Services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs, particularly under the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and SELF waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Certifies providers and regulates Career Planning Services under developmental disabilities waivers.

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Authorizes Medicaid billing and ensures compliance with employment service regulations.

Agency: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)**

Role: May provide short-term vocational services before Medicaid waiver career planning begins.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures Career Planning Services align with federal HCBS rules, emphasizing competitive, integrated employment.

2. CAREER PLANNING SERVICES OVERVIEW

Career Planning Services assist individuals in discovering potential career paths and creating a roadmap for employment. These services are flexible and goal-oriented.

Approved providers may deliver:

Career Discovery and Exploration: Assessing interests, strengths, and work preferences.
Situational Assessment: Observing the individual in real or simulated work environments.
Job Shadowing: Coordinating opportunities to observe employees in various industries.
Informational Interviews: Facilitating conversations with employers to explore career paths.
Benefits Counseling: Helping individuals understand how work may affect SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
Employment Goal Development: Creating a written career plan with actionable steps.
Work Readiness Skills: Supporting soft skill development like time management, communication, and workplace etiquette.
Transition Planning: Helping students with disabilities prepare for post-school employment.
Documentation: Recording assessments, employment goals, exploration activities, and progress updates.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a DODD-certified provider through the Provider Certification Wizard.
Maintain general and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for person-centered planning, employer engagement, and documentation.
Ensure staff complete required training in employment first principles and person-centered employment planning.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply to DODD as a Career Planning Services provider under the applicable waivers.

Submit Documentation:

Business registration, liability insurance, training logs, policies and procedures, staff credentials.

Compliance Review:

DODD evaluates readiness, qualifications, and understanding of employment support principles.

Approval & Billing Activation:

Once approved, providers may deliver Career Planning Services and bill Medicaid for the service.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI registration
DODD certification documentation
Liability insurance coverage
Career Planning Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Person-centered career discovery processes
- Employer engagement and job shadowing guidelines
- Benefits counseling referral processes
- Staff training records and competency evaluations
- Documentation templates for career plans and progress notes
- Participant rights, informed consent, and HIPAA compliance
- Quality assurance procedures and follow-up planning

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Career Planning Facilitator / Employment Specialist

Requirements: Experience in vocational support, person-centered planning, or transition services; completion of DODD-approved Employment First and Career Planning training; background check clearance.

Role: Program Administrator (if applicable)

Requirements: Supervision experience and understanding of Medicaid waiver employment supports.

All staff must complete: