SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MAINE

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 12
4 min read

PROMOTING INCLUSION AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH JOB COACHING, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Supported Employment Services in Maine are designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and other functional limitations prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. These services are funded primarily through MaineCare’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, specifically Sections 21 and 29, and are aligned with person-centered goals that promote independence and self-sufficiency.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Oversees statewide disability employment initiatives

Agency: Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Role: Administers HCBS Waivers (Sections 21 and 29), sets service definitions and outcomes for supported employment

Agency: Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)

Role: Handles provider enrollment and Medicaid claims for employment services

Agency: Maine Department of Labor – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Role: Coordinates pre-employment transition services and may fund initial job placement before waiver supports begin

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures HCBS employment services follow federal person-centered planning requirements

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment includes individualized services to help people:

Discover employment interests and goals
Develop job-readiness skills and build resumes
Participate in job development and placement
Receive on-the-job coaching and support
Maintain long-term success in competitive, integrated employment
Transition between jobs or advance careers

Service delivery must align with the participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and reflect competitive integrated employment (working alongside non-disabled peers, earning minimum wage or higher).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Maine Secretary of State
Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to become a MaineCare provider for Section 21 and/or Section 29
Submit service descriptions, staff qualifications, and outcome tracking methods to OADS
Establish relationships with local businesses and community employers
Employ qualified job coaches and employment specialists

4. MAINECARE ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Program Development

Define service models (e.g., job discovery, coaching, follow-along)
Set goals for employment outcomes, hours supported, and supervision

Step 2: MaineCare Provider Enrollment

Apply via Health PAS Online for Section 21 and/or 29 authorization
Include supported employment in your service menu

Step 3: Approval from OADS

Submit service design, outcome tools, and staff training plans
Review for compliance with employment-first principles

Step 4: Begin Service Delivery

Accept referrals from case managers and VR counselors
Collaborate with employers and track progress toward goals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC paperwork
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
MaineCare enrollment approval for Section 21/29
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Employment assessment forms and intake templates
- Job development and employer outreach plans
- Daily coaching logs and monthly progress summaries
- Confidentiality and client rights policies
- Risk assessment and incident response protocols
- Staff onboarding, supervision, and training plans
- Billing logs and outcome documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements: High school diploma (minimum), experience supporting individuals with disabilities, training in supported employment principles, background check

Role: Employment Services Coordinator

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (preferred), oversight of employment programs, responsible for supervision, planning, and data reporting

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Person-Centered Planning and Employment First principles
Job coaching ethics and boundaries
Safety in workplace settings
Transportation and travel training (if applicable)
Documentation and progress tracking
Annual professional development in disability employment

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Employment is authorized under:

Section 21: Comprehensive Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Section 29: Support Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Can be used first for discovery and placement phases

Authorized services include:

Job development and resume building
Job coaching (on-site, time-limited or ongoing)
Follow-along supports and career advancement
Transportation training to/from employment
Employer relationship development and support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Program Development and Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: MaineCare Provider Enrollment (Section 21/29)

Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Phase: Referral Networking and Service Activation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads

Health PAS Online (MaineCare Provider Enrollment)

Website: https://mainecare.maine.gov

Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Website: https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr

Maine Department of Labor – Employment Services

Website: https://www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_services

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

We guide agencies and solo providers in launching sustainable Supported Employment services that foster opportunity, dignity, and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Scope of Work: