SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH VOCATIONAL SUPPORT

Supported Employment Services in Michigan are designed to help individuals with disabilities gain and maintain meaningful employment by providing tailored vocational support and training. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.
Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Supported Employment Services.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services provide individuals with disabilities the skills, training, and ongoing support needed to succeed in the workplace. Services are person-centered and designed to enhance independence through gainful employment.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job readiness training and skill assessment
Assistance with job search and application processes
Job coaching and on-the-job support
Worksite assessments and modifications
Career planning and vocational counseling
Documentation of progress and job retention

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Maintain a physical office or service location in Michigan.
Demonstrate expertise in vocational rehabilitation or supported employment practices.
Hire staff trained in job coaching, career counseling, and vocational support.
Develop protocols for client skill assessment, job coaching, and employer engagement.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Supported Employment Provider Application Packet from MDHHS.
Submit a comprehensive business and service plan detailing vocational support strategies and employer engagement.
Include policies for job coaching, skill building, and client progress tracking.

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for staff involved in direct client support.
Verification of qualifications in vocational rehabilitation or job coaching.
Proof of ongoing training in supported employment practices.

Program Readiness Review:

Demonstrate readiness to support individuals with varying levels of vocational needs.
Establish protocols for employer partnerships and job retention support.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate.
IRS EIN Letter.
NPI confirmation.
Lease or proof of office location in Michigan.
MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Job readiness and career planning procedures.
- Documentation of job coaching and client progress.
- Employer engagement and job modification standards.
- Financial tracking and client employment logs.

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, or job coaching.

Role: Job Coach

Requirements: Training in job readiness, employment support, and client interaction.

Role: Career Counselor

Requirements: Certification in vocational counseling or workforce development.

All staff must complete:

MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training.
Annual training on employment best practices and client interaction.
Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training.

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Supported Employment Services include:

MI Choice Waiver
Habilitation Supports Waiver
Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

Job readiness training and vocational support
On-the-job coaching and monitoring
Job placement and employer collaboration

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Recruitment and Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Email: vocprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: MDHHS Website
Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: Michigan Medicaid