SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH CAROLINA

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

Supported Employment Services in North Carolina assist individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges in obtaining and retaining competitive employment. These services offer individualized support, job training, and on-the-job assistance to foster long-term employment success. Supported Employment Services are authorized under North Carolina Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

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

Agency: North Carolina Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCDVRS)

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

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 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 North Carolina Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Supported Employment provider via the NCTracks Provider Portal.

• 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. NORTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the NCTracks 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:

• NCDHHS and NCDVRS 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 (North Carolina Secretary 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 North Carolina Medicaid Waivers:

• Innovations Waiver

• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)

• Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C)

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 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: North Carolina 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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

NCTracks Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.nctracks.nc.gov/

North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCDVRS)

Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dvrs

North Carolina Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

Website: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH CAROLINA SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Supported Employment Services in North Carolina, 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

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.