SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN CALIFORNIA

ADVANCING INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACROSS COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Supported Employment Services in California help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) prepare for, obtain, and maintain competitive employment in integrated community settings. These services are authorized through California’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, regional center funding under the Lanterman Act, and are administered by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

​1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Role: Oversees Supported Employment as a regional center-funded service under the Lanterman Act and HCBS waiver compliance

Agency: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)

Role: Manages Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and oversees federal funding for HCBS waiver services

Agency: Regional Centers (21 agencies statewide)

Role: Coordinate and authorize Supported Employment Services for eligible individuals

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures Supported Employment services meet HCBS federal regulations and person-centered standards

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services are individualized services that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and sustaining meaningful employment in integrated, competitive settings. These services are tailored to each individual’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) and focus on long-term success in the workforce.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Vocational assessments and job readiness evaluations

• Job development and placement services

• On-the-job coaching and skills training

• Follow-along support and workplace accommodations

• Soft skills training, self-advocacy, and communication support

• Collaboration with employers, families, and regional center coordinators

• Documentation of service outcomes and hours provided

Service models may include:

• Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

• Group Employment (Enclave or Work Crew)

• Customized Employment

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the California Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Apply to become a Vendor with a California Regional Center for Supported Employment (Service Code 950 for Individual, 952 for Group)

• Provide a comprehensive Program Design outlining services, goals, staffing, and participant engagement

• Carry general liability insurance, auto insurance (if transporting clients), and workers’ comp

• Pass a vendorization review including site visits and background checks for staff

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain NPI

Step 2: Contact the Regional Center(s) you intend to serve and request the Vendor Application Packet for Supported Employment

Step 3: Submit Program Design, staff qualifications, proof of insurance, and all required forms

Step 4: Undergo site visits and final approval from DDS via the Regional CenterStep 5: Once vendorized, begin accepting referrals for job seekers through the IPP process

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• Program Design (per DDS guidelines)

• Regional Center vendor approval letter

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Intake process and job matching procedures

  • Daily and monthly service documentation templates

  • Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and confidentiality

  • Risk management and safety plans

  • Employer engagement and partnership strategy

  • Incident reporting and grievance policy

  • Staff supervision, CEUs, and performance evaluations

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist

Requirements:

• High school diploma (minimum); degree in human services preferred

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities

• Background check, CPR/First Aid certification, and valid CA driver’s license (if transporting clients)

Role: Program Manager / Employment Services Supervisor

Requirements:

• Responsible for training, quality assurance, and employer relationships

• Minimum 2 years of supported employment experience preferred

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered practices and vocational supports

• Workplace safety and soft skills development

• Documentation and service log protocols

• Abuse prevention and mandated reporting

• Annual professional development and CEU tracking

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Employment is reimbursed through:

• California HCBS Waivers via Medi-Cal (for eligible recipients)

• Regional Center funding under the Lanterman Act

• Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) (for pre-placement and short-term coaching)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Individual job placement and coaching

• Long-term follow-along support

• Small group employment models

• Collaboration with DOR and community employers

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Regional Center Vendorization Process

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Program Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referrals and Service Delivery

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Phone: (916) 654-1690

Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)

Phone: (800) 541-5555

Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov

List of Regional Centers:

Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/listings

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CALIFORNIA SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER

We help job development professionals and organizations launch vendorized Supported Employment programs under California’s Regional Center system.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• Vendor application and Program Design development for Supported Employment

• Policy & procedure manual for service delivery, documentation, and supervision

• Templates for intake forms, job logs, progress notes, and outcome reports

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and training documents

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and worksite safety policies

• Incident reporting systems and audit readiness tools

• Referral networking with Regional Centers, DOR, and employers

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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