SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW YORK

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 2
4 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT THROUGH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Supported Employment Services in New York assist individuals with disabilities or other challenges in obtaining and retaining competitive employment. These services offer individualized support to develop job skills, build workplace readiness, and maintain long-term employment success. Supported Employment Services are authorized under New York Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

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

Agency: Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Role: Provides oversight for employment services targeting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Agency: New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Role: Ensures compliance for supported employment programs serving individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Supported Employment Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services are designed to help individuals with disabilities gain meaningful employment through tailored job support, training, and on-the-job assistance.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job Development: Identifying suitable job opportunities that match the individual’s skills and interests.
Employment Assessment: Evaluating strengths, job readiness, and vocational preferences.
Job Placement: Assisting with job applications, interviews, and hiring processes.
Job Coaching: Providing one-on-one training and support during the initial employment phase.
Skills Training: Teaching soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Workplace Accommodation Support: Assisting employers in adapting workspaces for accessibility.
On-the-Job Support: Monitoring progress and addressing challenges at the workplace.
Career Advancement Planning: Supporting career growth and skill enhancement.
Follow-Along Services: Offering ongoing support to ensure job retention and satisfaction.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of employment plans, progress tracking, and follow-up support.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New York Department of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Supported Employment provider via the New York Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal (eMedNY).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for job development, placement, and on-the-job support.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in supported employment practices.

4. NEW YORK PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the eMedNY Portal for Supported Employment Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, employment support policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

NYSDOH, OPWDD, and OMH evaluate provider readiness, including job development protocols, support methods, and staff qualifications.

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 York Department of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Job development, placement, and coaching procedures
- Skill assessment and vocational planning guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for client support and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Safety protocols for workplace support and crisis intervention
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Supported Employment Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, or human services; experience in workforce development and program management.

Role: Employment Specialists/Job Coaches

Requirements: Certification in job coaching or vocational training; experience in supported employment and client advocacy.

Role: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Requirements: Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling; state licensure and experience in employment readiness.

All staff must complete:

Training in job development, supported employment practices, and client interaction
HIPAA compliance and participant rights education
Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development
Safety, crisis management, and workplace adaptation training
Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment Services are available under the following New York Medicaid Waivers:

OPWDD Comprehensive Waiver
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Children’s Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: New York Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Supported Employment Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Website: https://omh.ny.gov/

eMedNY Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.emedny.org/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW YORK SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Supported Employment Services in New York, offering:

Scope of Work:

Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
Policy manual development for employment support and job coaching
Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation
Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
Branding, website development, and employer outreach strategies
Quality assurance systems for employment support and compliance monitoring
Collaboration with employers, vocational training centers, and community organizations