SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
4 min read

HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACHIEVE COMPETITIVE, INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS

Supported Employment Services in Alaska assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other qualifying conditions in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment in community-based settings. Offered under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs, these services promote independence, self-sufficiency, and full participation in the workforce through individualized job supports.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)Role: Approves Supported Employment providers, monitors service delivery, and ensures compliance with Employment First and HCBS standards

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)Role: Administers Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for employment-related services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures Supported Employment Services align with HCBS and community integration principles

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services help individuals identify career goals, find suitable jobs, and succeed in integrated, competitive employment. Services are highly individualized and are designed to reduce reliance on segregated or sheltered work settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job exploration and vocational assessments
Resume development and interview preparation
Employer outreach and job development
On-the-job training and job coaching
Follow-along supports for job retention and success
Support with transportation coordination and workplace accommodations
Benefits counseling (in collaboration with certified work incentive specialists)

All services must reflect the individual’s interests, strengths, and preferences, and must be outlined in their person-centered plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain a physical or administrative office in Alaska
Employ staff trained in supported employment strategies and person-centered planning
Establish systems for documentation, employer communication, and performance tracking
Carry general liability and professional insurance

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Supported Employment Services Provider Application Packet from SDS
Attend SDS orientation for employment services (recommended)

Application & Program Documentation:

Submit service delivery plan outlining how job development, coaching, and retention supports will be provided
Include sample vocational assessments, job coaching logs, and progress tracking templates
Provide staff qualifications, safety protocols, and documentation systems

Readiness Review:

SDS reviews staff credentials, background checks, and employment experience
Evaluation of employer engagement strategies and service documentation
Providers must demonstrate the ability to coordinate with vocational rehab (VR) agencies and employers

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon SDS approval, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Supported Employment Services provider
Activate the appropriate billing codes under eligible waiver programs
Complete Medicaid provider agreement and set up billing submission access

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Proof of office location or operational base in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Intake and person-centered employment planning protocols
- Job development, placement, and coaching workflows
- Employer communication and collaboration guidelines
- Documentation of hours worked, progress made, and job retention supports
- Participant rights and informed consent policies
- Incident response, transportation coordination, and confidentiality procedures
- Staff training logs, performance monitoring, and continuing education plans

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Services Coordinator / Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in supported employment, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation

Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist

Requirements: High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred), experience in disability employment services, background check clearance

All staff must complete:

SDS orientation and Supported Employment training
Documentation, safety, and person-centered planning education
Employer engagement and workplace accommodation strategies
Annual training on ethics, confidentiality, and Medicaid compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Supported Employment Services:

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (transition-aged youth where appropriate)

Approved providers may deliver: