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COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read

FACILITATING SOCIAL CONNECTION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

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Community Integration Services—often called Community Services—help individuals with disabilities engage meaningfully in everyday community life. These services support participation in social, recreational, educational, and volunteer activities. In South Carolina, they are reimbursed through various Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers administered by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS).

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Authorizes providers to deliver Community Integration Services and monitors compliance with service standards.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid reimbursement and HCBS compliance.

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

Role: Ensures federal standards for inclusion, person-centered services, and community-based care are met.

 

2. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services are designed to reduce social isolation and help individuals build relationships, access public spaces, and develop skills for greater independence in the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

  • Individual or Small Group Outings (e.g., museums, libraries, stores, volunteer work)

  • Transportation to Community Activities

  • Social Skills Training and Peer Engagement

  • Participation in Public Events or Clubs

  • Support in Navigating Community Resources

  • Documentation: Progress reports, activity logs, time tracking, and billing records

Activities must align with the participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and support inclusion in community life.

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State

  • Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

  • Enroll as a Community Services provider with DDSN

  • Complete SCDHHS Medicaid enrollment

  • Hire trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

  • Develop a Community Integration Services Policy & Procedure Manual

 

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply with DDSN for approval as a Community Integration provider

Step 3: Complete Medicaid enrollment through SCDHHS

Step 4: Submit staff qualifications, service protocols, and sample documentation

Step 5: Undergo service readiness verification and begin receiving referrals

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation, EIN, and NPI

  • DDSN and SCDHHS provider approvals

  • Staff background checks and training records

  • Community Integration Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

    • Daily activity planning and documentation templates

    • Participant consent forms

    • Risk assessments and supervision protocols

    • HIPAA and participant rights policies

    • Emergency response and safety procedures

    • Medicaid billing logs and audit tools

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Support Worker / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Background check, CPR/First Aid certification

  • Training in person-centered support and community engagement

Role: Program Coordinator (Recommended)

Requirements: Oversight of service quality, staff training, and coordination with ISPs

All staff must complete:

  • Abuse and neglect prevention training

  • HIPAA and confidentiality education

  • Participant dignity and rights awareness

  • Documentation and timekeeping training

  • Annual in-service trainings and competency reviews

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Community Integration Services are covered under:

  • Community Supports Waiver – For individuals with disabilities needing part-time services

  • ID/RD Waiver – For full support participants receiving structured community services

  • HASCI Waiver – For adults with head and spinal cord injuries

  • Self-Directed Services – May allow families to select their own community providers

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Policy Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid & DDSN Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Service Activation

Timeline: Begins after approval and referral receipt

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDER

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SC COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG helps providers create impactful community inclusion programs that align with Medicaid waiver goals and participant aspirations.

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Scope of Work:

  • Provider enrollment with SCDHHS and DDSN

  • Community Integration Policy & Procedure Manual

  • Activity log, incident report, and ISP alignment forms

  • Staff orientation and training guidance

  • Participant intake and consent tools

  • Medicaid billing templates and compliance checklists



Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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