PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 15
3 min read

BUILDING WORK READINESS THROUGH STRUCTURED TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Pre-Vocational Services in South Dakota are designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) prepare for employment by developing work habits, skills, and behaviors essential for success in a job setting. These services are offered under the CHOICES Waiver, administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). The goal is to support participants in progressing toward competitive, integrated employment through individualized, goal-oriented activities in facility-based or community-integrated environments.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Administers the CHOICES Waiver, including enrollment and monitoring of Pre-Vocational Services providers.

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

Role: Ensures HCBS compliance and promotes the federal expectation of employment as the preferred outcome.

2. PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

Pre-Vocational Services help participants learn foundational skills needed to enter the workforce. These are not job-specific, but rather focused on general employment readiness.

Approved providers may offer:

Workplace Behavior Training: Punctuality, cooperation, dress code, following instructions
Task Completion and Time Management Exercises
Social Skills and Team Collaboration Activities
Hands-on Simulated Work Tasks (e.g., packaging, sorting, light assembly)
Career Exploration and Goal Development
Transportation Training (if part of vocational goal)
Service Documentation and Progress Reporting

Note: Pre-Vocational Services must be time-limited and individualized, with a clear progression toward employment or supported work.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to DHS-DDD to become a CHOICES Waiver provider of Pre-Vocational Services
Secure or lease a facility that meets accessibility and safety requirements (if site-based)
Develop a Pre-Vocational Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Obtain necessary insurance (liability, workers’ comp, and auto if transporting)

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Establish your business entity, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Submit provider application to DHS-DDD for CHOICES Waiver services

Step 3: Submit detailed program plans, curriculum, and staff qualifications

Step 4: Undergo readiness review, including site inspection (if applicable)

Step 5: Begin receiving referrals and implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, NPI
Facility documentation (if using a physical site)
Provider approval letter from DHS-DDD
Insurance certificates
Pre-Vocational Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Training curriculum and individualized service plan goals
- Safety, behavior management, and confidentiality policies
- Documentation templates (attendance, daily progress, skills tracking)
- Incident reporting procedures and billing documentation
- Discharge and transition-to-employment planning tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Vocational Instructor / Job Skills Coach

Requirements:

High school diploma or higher; experience in employment readiness, workforce training, or disability services
Background check, CPR/First Aid certification, and DDD-required training

Role: Program Supervisor

Requirements:

Oversight of vocational programming, staff coordination, and ISP alignment

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and participant rights training
Abuse prevention and emergency procedures
ISP-driven training goal implementation
Annual performance reviews and in-service refreshers

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Pre-Vocational Services are covered under:

CHOICES Waiver – For adults with IDD pursuing employment readiness
May coordinate with:
- Supported Employment Services
- Day Habilitation (when transitioning)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (non-Medicaid-funded)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Program Planning

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: DHS Enrollment & Curriculum Submission

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Facility Setup (if needed) & Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Begin Participant Services

Timeline: Once ISPs are received and provider is authorized

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SD PRE-VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG equips providers with tools to create structured, goal-driven pre-vocational programs that empower participants to move toward competitive employment.

Scope of Work: