SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN OKLAHOMA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 3
4 min read

EMPOWERING OKLAHOMANS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE COMPETITIVE, INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Supported Employment Services in Oklahoma assist individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment. These services help individuals work in regular jobs alongside people without disabilities, earning competitive wages, and participating in their communities. Supported Employment is a covered service under Oklahoma Medicaid’s Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Waivers and may also be provided in coordination with Vocational Rehabilitation (OKDRS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)

Role: Oversees SoonerCare (Medicaid) and reimburses providers for waiver-based employment services.

Agency: Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) – Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Certifies Supported Employment providers and coordinates service authorizations for eligible individuals.

Agency: Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS)**

Role: Provides short-term employment services (e.g., job readiness, placement) before Medicaid-funded long-term supports begin.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures Supported Employment services meet federal HCBS waiver requirements for community integration and competitive employment.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment includes individualized services designed to assist people in finding and keeping competitive jobs that match their skills, interests, and goals.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job Discovery & Career Exploration: Assessing strengths, interests, and employment preferences.
Job Development & Matching: Identifying job opportunities aligned with participant abilities and arranging interviews.
On-the-Job Training / Job Coaching: Providing hands-on support at the job site to learn job tasks and navigate the work environment.
Workplace Accommodations Support: Assisting with assistive technology, task adaptations, and employer education.
Long-Term Employment Support: Periodic check-ins and job retention strategies after initial placement.
Customized Employment (when approved): Tailoring job duties to meet both participant and employer needs.
Transportation Coordination: Helping the individual learn to travel to work or arranging reliable transportation.
Documentation: Service logs, job coaching records, employment outcomes, and Medicaid billing notes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Apply to become a certified provider through OKDHS DDS.
Enroll with OHCA to provide Supported Employment services under approved DDS waivers.
Maintain general and professional liability insurance.
Develop a Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual aligned with HCBS and DDS standards.
Ensure all staff complete required employment support training and background checks.

4. OKLAHOMA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Business Setup & Documentation

Form a legal entity, gather insurance, and prepare policy manuals and service plans.

Step 2: DDS Provider Certification

Submit an application with staff qualifications, program outlines, and documentation samples to OKDHS DDS.

Step 3: Medicaid Enrollment via OHCA

Apply through the SoonerCare Provider Portal to bill for Supported Employment services.

Step 4: Staff Credentialing & Training

Ensure all direct service staff complete training in job coaching, person-centered planning, and ADA compliance.

Step 5: Approval & Referral Network Activation

Begin receiving service authorizations from case managers and coordinating with OKDRS for transitions from short- to long-term employment support.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Job development and employment planning procedures
- Staff qualifications, training logs, and supervision protocols
- Participant rights and HIPAA compliance
- Job coaching and employment stabilization workflows
- Community-based employment integration strategies
- Documentation logs for service hours, goals, and job outcomes
- Medicaid billing records and audit preparedness tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements: Experience in vocational services or human services; strong communication and advocacy skills; background check and required DDS training.

Role: Program Manager

Requirements: Oversight experience, knowledge of Medicaid HCBS employment rules, and ability to support staff development.

Optional Role: Benefits Counselor / Peer Support Specialist

Requirements: Certification or experience in work incentive planning and Medicaid eligibility support.

All staff must complete:

Person-centered planning and Employment First training
ADA compliance and workplace accessibility education
HIPAA and participant rights modules
Annual competency reviews and service documentation training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment is available through:

In-Home Supports Waiver for Adults – job coaching and long-term support
Community Waiver – full employment service options including customized employment
Living Choice Program – supports for those transitioning from institutional to community settings
OKDRS collaboration – DRS provides short-term job placement and DDS provides long-term supports

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Policy Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: DDS Certification & OHCA Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Credentialing

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Program Launch & Participant Referrals

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)

Website: https://oklahoma.gov/ohca