PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW YORK

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4
4 min read

PREPARING INDIVIDUALS FOR EMPLOYMENT THROUGH SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING

Pre-Vocational Services in New York support individuals with disabilities by providing training and skill development to prepare them for employment. These services help participants gain the soft and hard skills necessary for competitive or supportive employment, enhancing their independence and self-sufficiency. Pre-Vocational Services are authorized under New York Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Pre-Vocational Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Role: Provides oversight for pre-vocational services targeting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Agency: New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Role: Ensures compliance for programs that support employment readiness for individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Pre-Vocational Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

Pre-Vocational Services are designed to help individuals develop general skills that contribute to employment readiness. These skills are not specific to a particular job but are foundational for workplace success.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job Readiness Training: Developing punctuality, time management, and workplace etiquette.
Skill Building: Enhancing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Work Simulation: Practicing tasks commonly encountered in various employment settings.
Career Exploration: Assisting individuals in identifying career interests and job goals.
Social Skills Training: Building interpersonal skills for workplace interactions.
Personal Development: Boosting confidence, self-advocacy, and motivation.
Resume and Interview Preparation: Assisting with job applications and interview practice.
Community Integration: Engaging in volunteer work or internships to build experience.
Documentation: Maintaining records of progress, skill assessments, and training outcomes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New York Department of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Pre-Vocational Services provider via the New York Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal (eMedNY).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for vocational training, skill development, and community integration.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and vocational training certification.

4. NEW YORK PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the eMedNY Portal for Pre-Vocational Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, vocational training policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

NYSDOH, OPWDD, and OMH evaluate provider readiness, including training curricula, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Pre-Vocational Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New York Department of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Pre-Vocational Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Training plans and job readiness curricula
- Skill assessment and progress tracking procedures
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for training activities and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Safety protocols for community-based training and work simulation
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Pre-Vocational Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, human services, or education; experience in workforce development and program management.

Role: Job Coaches/Vocational Trainers

Requirements: Certification in job coaching or vocational training; experience in workforce development and client advocacy.

Role: Career Specialists

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in counseling, human resources, or a related field; experience in career planning and job placement.

All staff must complete: