SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7
3 min read

HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMUNITY

Supported Employment Services in Delaware assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in preparing for, finding, and keeping competitive jobs within integrated work environments. These services are authorized under the Delaware Lifespan Waiver, administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), and are aligned with Delaware’s Employment First initiative.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Role: Oversees Supported Employment under the Lifespan Waiver and ensures provider accountability and employment outcomes

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Role: Funds and reimburses waiver-authorized employment services

Agency: Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)Role: May provide initial job placement services prior to transition to waiver-funded supports

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures Supported Employment meets federal HCBS person-centered and community integration requirements

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services provide individualized, on-site, and off-site support for participants seeking to gain and retain employment. Services focus on building skills, connecting to employers, and delivering job coaching or follow-along support based on the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Approved providers may deliver:

Vocational assessments and employment goal planning
Job development and matching with community employers
Interview preparation and application assistance
On-the-job coaching and skills training
Ongoing follow-along support to ensure job retention
Travel training or support with work-related transportation
Documentation of hours, outcomes, and employer feedback

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Supported Employment Provider through the DDDS Lifespan Waiver
Employ job coaches or employment specialists with relevant experience
Carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Maintain HIPAA-compliant systems for case notes and employer communication
Have policies in place for participant rights, confidentiality, and worksite safety

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain NPI

Step 2: Apply with DDDS as a Supported Employment Services provider

Submit resumes, staff training protocols, service delivery model, and organizational capacity

Step 3: Coordinate with DDDS support coordinators and DVR staff for referralsStep 4: If billing Medicaid directly, complete enrollment through Delaware Medicaid (DMAP)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
DDDS provider agreement
Staff credentials and job coach training documentation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Vocational intake and service planning templates
- Job coaching protocols and employer communication tools
- Daily or weekly service logs and progress tracking forms
- Incident reporting and job site safety guidelines
- Participant rights, grievance policy, and HIPAA forms
- Employment outcome reporting and quality assurance systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist

Requirements:

High school diploma or higher (associate or bachelor’s preferred)
Background check and CPR/First Aid certification
Training in job development, workplace accommodations, and documentation
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in work settings

Role: Employment Services Supervisor

Requirements:

Experience in supported employment or vocational rehabilitation
Oversight of job coaching activities and employer relationships

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Employment First principles and HCBS compliance
HIPAA and participant confidentiality
Safety protocols for community job sites
Person-centered planning and ISP alignment
Documentation and billing practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Employment is reimbursed under:

Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
May also be supported initially by Delaware DVR with transition to waiver-funded supports

Approved providers may deliver:

Job search and placement services
Job coaching and training supports at the worksite
Follow-along services to maintain employment
Documentation of employment milestones and participant progress

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business FormationTimeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DDDS Waiver Provider EnrollmentTimeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and TrainingTimeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Employer Outreach and Service LaunchTimeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Phone: (302) 744-9600

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Phone: (302) 255-9500

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma

Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Phone: (302) 761-8275

Website: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/dvr

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)

Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

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

We support employment agencies, job coaches, and workforce developers in launching fully compliant Supported Employment Services under Delaware’s Lifespan Waiver.

Scope of Work: