SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN VERMONT

Fatumata Kaba
2 days ago
3 min read

PROMOTING INCLUSION, INDEPENDENCE, AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED JOB SUPPORTS

Supported Employment Services in Vermont are designed to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, or physical impairments in obtaining and maintaining meaningful, competitive employment in their communities. Services are tailored to each individual’s strengths, preferences, and employment goals, as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP). These services are covered under Vermont’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and are administered through the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in partnership with Designated Agencies (DAs) and Specialized Services Agencies (SSAs).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Role: Oversees waiver programs, approves provider qualifications, and ensures ISP alignment with employment outcomes.

Agency: Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Role: Manages Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Supported Employment services.

Agency: Designated Agencies (DAs) / Specialized Services Agencies (SSAs)

Role: Coordinate service planning, monitor employment progress, and authorize services through the ISP.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment includes services that help individuals prepare for, secure, and retain competitive employment in integrated work environments. The focus is on building long-term career success while honoring personal choice and autonomy.

Covered services include:

Job discovery and career profiling
Job development and employer outreach
On-the-job coaching and skill building
Transportation training or coordination (if job-related)
Workplace accommodations and task modification
Ongoing job retention and career advancement support
Self-employment exploration and assistance (if applicable)

Services must be person-centered, goal-directed, and delivered in accordance with the participant’s ISP and employment plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Establish a contract or partnership with a Designated Agency or SSA
Complete Medicaid enrollment through DVHA (if billing directly)
Carry liability insurance and develop staff training protocols
Create a Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual
Employ qualified staff with relevant experience and training in employment services

4. VERMONT PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply to become an affiliated provider through a DA or SSA

Step 3: Submit Policy Manual, staff resumes, and insurance documents for review

Step 4: Enroll with DVHA (if billing Medicaid directly)

Step 5: Complete required staff training (person-centered planning, documentation, workplace safety)

Step 6: Begin service delivery following ISP employment goal authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

EIN, NPI, Articles of Incorporation
DA/SSA contract or DAIL approval
Medicaid enrollment letter (if applicable)
Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Job development and placement process
- Staff roles, documentation, and supervision protocols
- Client rights, HIPAA, and confidentiality policies
- Risk management and safety procedures
- Employer communication templates
- Progress note, employment plan, and time tracking forms
- Annual review and satisfaction survey process

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s preferred)
Experience in workforce development or disability services
Background check clearance
Training in person-centered planning and employment support practices (e.g., ACRE, APSE preferred)

Optional Role: Program Supervisor

Responsibilities: Staff support, QA monitoring, DA/SSA liaison

All staff must complete:

Orientation on employment-first principles
ISP-based documentation and time tracking training
Safety and emergency preparedness
HIPAA and grievance protocol training
Ongoing continuing education or credentialing (recommended annually)

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment Services are covered under:

Developmental Disabilities Services Waiver (DDSW) – Core waiver for individuals with ID/DD
Brain Injury Program – Focus on re-entry and skill redevelopment
Choices for Care (CFC) – On a limited basis, often through specialized employment pilots or partnerships
Children’s Personal Care / Transition Programs – When coordinated as part of youth-to-adult planning

All services must be included in the ISP, reviewed regularly, and coordinated with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) when applicable.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Policy Manual Development

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DA/SSA Enrollment & Medicaid Provider Registration

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training & Credentialing

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Begin Service Delivery

Timeline: Upon approval and employment-related ISP goal authorization

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Website: https://dail.vermont.gov

Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Website: https://dvha.vermont.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation – Vermont Division

Website: https://vocrehab.vermont.gov

Designated Agencies Directory

Website: https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/services/designated-agencies

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN VERMONT

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

WCG helps providers launch employment-first services that meet Medicaid, waiver, and local agency expectations while promoting career empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

Scope of Work: