SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO GAIN MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED JOB SUPPORTS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Supported Employment Services in South Carolina are person-centered, Medicaid-funded services that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), traumatic brain injuries, or behavioral challenges obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment. These services are authorized through several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, primarily administered by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and SCDHHS.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Authorizes supported employment providers, establishes service standards, and manages job coaching referrals.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid reimbursement under HCBS Waivers and monitors program integrity.

Agency: South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD)**

Role: Offers pre-employment and transition services that may be coordinated with waiver supports.

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

Role: Enforces federal Medicaid standards for employment-related HCBS and person-centered outcomes.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services promote competitive, integrated work for individuals who need long-term supports to succeed in the workforce.

Approved providers may offer:

• Job Development & Placement: Individualized job matching and employer outreach.

• Job Coaching: On-site training and support to build and maintain job skills.

• Workplace Accommodations: Consultation and support to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

• Employment Skills Training: Soft skills, communication, and task-specific instruction.

• Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Periodic check-ins and coordination with employers and caregivers.

• Documentation: Employment plans, service logs, progress reports, and billing records for Medicaid.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI.

• Employ qualified job coaches or employment specialists with relevant experience or certifications.

• Enroll with DDSN as a Supported Employment provider.

• Enroll with SCDHHS as a Medicaid provider under HCBS Waiver services.

• Develop a Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual detailing individualized planning, job support, documentation, and employer engagement.

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your business entity and obtain EIN/NPI.

Step 2: Apply for approval as a Supported Employment provider through DDSN.

Step 3: Complete SCDHHS Medicaid provider enrollment.

Step 4: Submit training certifications, staff resumes, and sample documentation (e.g., employment support plans).

Step 5: Begin receiving participant referrals and service authorizations.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation, EIN, and NPI confirmation

• DDSN provider approval

• Medicaid enrollment confirmation

• Professional liability and general insurance

• Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Person-centered job matching and intake forms

  • Job coach guidelines and supervision protocols

  • Employment support plans and service delivery notes

  • Employer agreements and participant consent forms

  • Incident reporting and quality assurance policies

  • Billing documentation and time tracking tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist

Requirements: Experience with disability employment services; must complete DDSN training and pass background checks.

Role: Employment Program Supervisor

Requirements: Oversight of job placements, staff, and compliance with Medicaid documentation standards.

Preferred Certifications:

• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)

• National APSE Certification in Employment Services

All staff must complete:

• DDSN-approved Supported Employment training

• HIPAA and participant rights training

• Abuse prevention and reporting training

• Documentation and Medicaid billing protocols

• Ongoing continuing education and competency evaluations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment Services are reimbursable through:

• ID/RD Waiver – For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities

• HASCI Waiver – For individuals with brain or spinal cord injuries

• Community Supports Waiver – May cover limited employment-related supports

• EPSDT / TEFRA (under 21) – Youth may be eligible through transition programs coordinated with SCVRD

• Self-Directed Services – Participants can choose employment providers within waiver guidelines

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: DDSN Application & SCDHHS Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Participant Onboarding & Service Launch

Timeline: Begins once referrals and service authorizations are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Website: https://ddsn.sc.gov

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov

South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD)

Website: https://scvrd.sc.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

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

WCG helps providers launch supported employment programs that prioritize individual success, workforce inclusion, and Medicaid compliance.

Scope of Work:

• Medicaid and DDSN enrollment support

• Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual

• Job coach training materials and supervision logs

• Intake forms, support plans, and job tracking tools

• Employer engagement templates and consent forms

• Medicaid billing and progress note systems

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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