SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW MEXICO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 5
4 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS THROUGH VOCATIONAL SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

Supported Employment Services in New Mexico assist individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions in achieving and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. These services focus on developing job skills, securing employment opportunities, and providing on-the-job support to ensure long-term success. Supported Employment Services are authorized under New Mexico Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Supported Employment Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Supported Employment Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Role: Provides employment support and vocational training for individuals with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Supported Employment Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services offer individualized assistance for finding, securing, and maintaining meaningful employment within the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

Vocational Assessment: Identifying skills, interests, and employment goals.
Job Development: Assisting with job searches, applications, and interviews.
Job Placement: Matching individuals with suitable employment opportunities.
Job Coaching: On-site support to develop skills and adapt to workplace environments.
Soft Skills Training: Building interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Job Retention Support: Ongoing assistance to maintain job performance and resolve challenges.
Career Counseling: Setting vocational goals and creating career pathways.
Employer Engagement: Educating employers on workplace accommodations and inclusion.
Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular check-ins to support job stability and satisfaction.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s vocational goals and support needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Supported Employment provider via the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain necessary certifications for vocational support and job coaching.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for job placement, workplace safety, and support coordination.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and vocational training requirements.

4. NEW MEXICO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Supported Employment Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, vocational training certifications, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

HSD, DDSD, and DVR evaluate provider readiness, including staff qualifications, vocational support protocols, and workplace safety measures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Supported Employment Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Mexico Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Vocational assessment, job placement, and coaching procedures
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Safety protocols for workplace environments and community-based work sites
- Follow-up and retention support procedures
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring