SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 8, 2025
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE MEANINGFUL, INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT

Supported Employment Services in Massachusetts are designed to help individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities enter, retain, and thrive in competitive, integrated employment settings. These services are available through MassHealth Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Medicaid)

Role: Funds Supported Employment through waiver programs such as DDS, ABI, and MFP

Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Role: Manages and authorizes day and employment supports for individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Role: Offers Supported Employment and job placement services, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities or mental health conditions

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for waiver-funded employment supports

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment helps individuals with disabilities secure and sustain meaningful employment in the community. Services may include:

Vocational assessment and job readiness
Resume development and interview preparation
Job matching and placement
On-site job coaching and workplace accommodations
Ongoing support to maintain employment
Soft skills training (communication, time management, etc.)
Benefits counseling and transportation coordination

Services are individualized and must be outlined in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Plan of Care (POC). They must promote competitive, integrated employment in accordance with Employment First principles.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Secure general liability insurance and workers’ compensation
Develop a Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Comply with HIPAA and ADA employment standards
Employ or contract qualified job coaches and employment specialists

Credentialing Agencies:

DDS (for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities)
MRC (for individuals with physical/multiple disabilities or post-rehab needs)

No special clinical license is required, but vocational rehabilitation experience is strongly recommended.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: MassHealth Provider Enrollment

Step 2: Apply to Become a DDS or MRC Employment Provider

Submit organizational information, staff qualifications, and service descriptions

Step 3: Service Planning and Authorization

Develop individual support plans with ISP teams, including outcome goals and coaching strategies

Step 4: Execute Contracts and Begin Receiving Referrals

Coordinate with DDS area offices or MRC employment teams for case assignments

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, and NPI confirmations
Proof of insurance
Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Vocational assessment and intake forms
- Individual employment plans and progress reports
- Job development and placement logs
- Coaching and contact notes
- Employer engagement documentation
- Staff training logs and credentials
- Billing and audit-ready service records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; knowledge of disability employment rights; background checks; CPR/First Aid preferred

Role: Program Manager / Employment Services Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in supported employment, vocational rehab, or workforce development; oversees staff and quality assurance

Mandatory Training Topics:

ADA and workplace accommodations
Person-centered planning and self-determination
Soft skills coaching and motivational interviewing
Employer engagement and partnership building
HIPAA and documentation standards
Safety in community-based settings

7. MASSHEALTH & STATE PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Supported Employment is reimbursable under:

DDS Waivers (Community Living, Intensive Supports)
ABI Waivers (Acquired Brain Injury)
MFP Waivers (Residential and Community Living)
MRC Employment Supports (state-funded or post-rehab)

Providers may deliver:

Individualized placement and support (IPS)
Group-supported employment (in integrated settings)
Career exploration and pre-vocational training
Ongoing stabilization and employer communication

Billing units and service frequency are based on waiver authorizations and participant needs.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: MassHealth and DDS/MRC Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Policy Manual Completion and Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Referral Networking and Participant Enrollment

Timeline: Ongoing based on agency approvals and regional caseloads

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROVIDER

WCG supports disability-focused organizations and employment specialists in launching waiver-compliant Supported Employment services across Massachusetts.

Scope of Work: