SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN OREGON

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 7
4 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE MEANINGFUL, COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT

Supported Employment Services in Oregon are Medicaid-funded and state-supported programs that assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or other barriers in preparing for, securing, and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. These services are person-centered and focus on helping individuals find jobs that match their interests and abilities while providing the support they need to succeed. Supported Employment is authorized through Oregon’s HCBS Waivers, the K Plan, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) partnerships, all coordinated under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)

Role: Coordinates long-term Supported Employment Services for individuals with IDD through local Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs).

Agency: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services

Role: Provides short-term job readiness and placement services; transitions to long-term support through ODDS.

Agency: Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

Role: Administers the Oregon Health Plan and Medicaid provider enrollment.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance for employment-related services under 1915(c) waivers and 1915(k) Community First Choice Option.

Agency: Oregon Secretary of State (SOS)

Role: Registers provider businesses operating in Oregon.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services are tailored to the individual's goals and may occur in various settings, including community-based jobs, self-employment, or micro-enterprises.

Approved providers may offer:

Discovery & Career Exploration: Identify client strengths, interests, and employment potential.
Job Development & Placement: Resume building, job matching, applications, and interview coaching.
Job Coaching: On-site assistance to help individuals adjust to work and perform duties effectively.
Ongoing Job Support: Periodic check-ins and interventions to maintain employment.
Small Group Supported Employment (optional): Group employment settings with supervision.
Self-Employment Support: Guidance on developing and sustaining a business.
Documentation & Progress Tracking: Service plans, coaching logs, employer communication, and billing records.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI.
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Oregon Health Plan Provider Portal.
Apply for certification as a Supported Employment provider through ODDS and/or your local CDDP.
Partner with Oregon VR for referral and funding coordination.
Carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
Develop a Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual that aligns with Oregon Employment First standards.

4. OREGON PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business entity and acquire EIN/NPI and insurance.

Step 2: Enroll through the OHA Medicaid Provider Portal.

Step 3: Apply for ODDS certification and complete local onboarding with your CDDP or brokerage.

Step 4: Coordinate with Oregon VR to be added as a community partner.

Step 5: Begin receiving referrals and service authorizations.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation and business registration
EIN and NPI confirmations
Insurance coverage verification
ODDS Provider Enrollment Approval
Supported Employment Services Policy Manual including:
- Discovery and employment planning protocols
- Job coaching and workplace support strategies
- Emergency and safety policies for job sites
- Progress note templates and time logs
- HIPAA and participant rights policies
- Employer engagement standards and outreach logs
- Quality assurance metrics and service reviews
- Billing records and documentation forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements: Experience in workforce development or disability services; background check required; training in person-centered employment planning.

Role: Program Supervisor / Employment Coordinator

Requirements: Oversees employment services, ensures data accuracy, and supervises coaching staff.

Role: Transition Specialist (optional)

Requirements: Supports youth and school-aged individuals entering the workforce.

All staff must complete:

Employment First core competencies
Job development and placement strategies
Documentation and Medicaid billing training
Workplace safety and employer engagement training
Annual reviews and skill assessments

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment Services are available under:

Comprehensive Waiver (IDD): Long-term job support and coaching services.
Support Services Waiver (IDD): Employment supports for individuals living independently or with families.
K Plan (1915(k)): Covers employment-related supports for those needing ongoing job coaching.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): State-funded short-term job readiness and placement services prior to waiver-funded supports.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Creation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid & ODDS Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Referral Network Building & Service Launch

Timeline: Begins upon authorization and CDDP or VR case manager referral

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Oregon Department of Human Services – ODDS Employment Services

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/DD/Pages/employment.aspx

Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/EMPLOYMENT/VR

Oregon Health Authority – Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Providers.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — OREGON SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROVIDER

WCG supports Supported Employment providers in Oregon with all the tools needed to launch high-impact, compliant job support programs for individuals with disabilities.

Scope of Work: