PREVOCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 30
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN BUILDING WORKPLACE SKILLS

Prevocational Services in Alabama are designed to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in acquiring foundational skills necessary for successful employment. These services are delivered in individual or group settings and focus on non-job-task-specific training, such as soft skills, communication, time management, and appropriate workplace behaviors. Prevocational Services are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must comply with guidelines established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Authorizes and monitors Prevocational Services providers under HCBS waivers

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Manages provider enrollment and Medicaid billing for approved Prevocational Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures alignment with HCBS waiver standards

2. PREVOCATIONAL SERVICE OVERVIEW

Prevocational Services support individuals in developing general employment skills that prepare them for competitive or supported employment in integrated community settings. These services are part of the person-centered plan and must be outcome-oriented and time-limited. Service components include:

Instruction in workplace norms, conduct, and responsibilities
Development of problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills
Training in time and task management
Exposure to various work environments through facility- or community-based settings
Support with appropriate grooming, hygiene, and appearance standards
Safety training related to workplace participation

Services must reflect an individual’s interest in employment and progression toward work readiness.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Secure a licensed facility for service delivery or establish community-based service model
Develop structured, curriculum-based training focused on employment readiness
Meet ADMH facility, health, and safety standards
Implement data tracking systems to monitor progress toward employment goals

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Prevocational Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a detailed service delivery plan, including daily schedules and curriculum examples
Include information on target outcomes, staff roles, safety procedures, and quality assurance

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks and drug screening for all staff
Verification of credentials and work experience
Documentation of training in employment preparation and HCBS compliance

Program Readiness Review:

On-site inspection of training environment and safety measures
Evaluation of curriculum content and individual documentation templates
Review of service tracking systems and consumer feedback tools

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon ADMH approval, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a Prevocational Services provider
Add the appropriate billing codes under waiver services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Facility lease or proof of site ownership (if applicable)
Fire, health, and safety compliance documentation
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Eligibility and service referral process
- Curriculum outline and learning objectives
- Staff training requirements and supervision protocol
- Consumer rights and complaint resolution
- Emergency response and fraud prevention
- Data tracking and progress monitoring forms
Individual Service Plans and signed participation agreements
Daily attendance and activity logs