SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN VIRGINIA

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
4 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE MEANINGFUL, COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

Supported Employment Services in Virginia help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment in integrated, competitive work environments. These services emphasize individual choice, inclusion, and long-term employment success, often involving direct, one-on-one assistance at every stage of the employment journey. Supported Employment is a covered service under the Community Living (CL) and Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waivers. Oversight is provided by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), with service planning and coordination through Community Services Boards (CSBs).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

Role: Administers waiver programs and sets provider payment policies for employment services.

Agency: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Role: Licenses employment services providers, defines service models, and enforces regulatory compliance.

Agency: Community Services Boards (CSBs)

Role: Authorize Supported Employment services within the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and provide referrals.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment is designed for individuals seeking to work in competitive, integrated job settings. Services must be person-centered, time-limited (in some phases), and outcome-focused.

Service models include:

Individual Supported Employment – One-on-one job coaching and supports
Group Supported Employment – Supervised work in a group setting (e.g., mobile crews, enclaves)
Job Development – Identifying job opportunities, résumé building, and interview coaching
Workplace Supports – On-site training, cueing, transportation, or behavior supports
Job Retention Services – Ongoing follow-up to sustain employment over time

All services must be tied to a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and ISP, with progress documentation and collaboration with employers.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply for a DBHDS license under the Supported Employment service category
Complete DBHDS Human Rights Office affiliation
Develop a Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Enroll as a Medicaid provider via the MES portal
Contract with local CSBs for service referrals

Optional: Providers may also coordinate with DARS (Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services) for pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS).

4. VIRGINIA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply for DBHDS Supported Employment license and submit policies

Step 3: Affiliate with the Human Rights Office and complete compliance setup

Step 4: Enroll in Medicaid through the MES Provider Portal

Step 5: Contract with CSBs for referrals and ISP alignment

Step 6: Launch services upon authorization of ISP and completion of staffing

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

SCC registration, EIN, and NPI
DBHDS license and Medicaid enrollment approval
Human Rights policies and incident reporting procedures
Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Job development tracking and employer contact logs
- Staff qualifications, training records, and supervision plans
- Transportation safety protocols
- Participant progress and ISP alignment documentation
- Participant rights, privacy, and informed choice procedures
- Crisis prevention, emergency protocols, and backup staffing

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED (bachelor’s preferred)
Valid driver’s license (if transporting clients)
Training in person-centered practices and employment supports
Background checks and First Aid/CPR certification

Role: Program Supervisor (optional but recommended)

Responsibilities:

Quality assurance, service oversight, staff support

All staff must complete:

DBHDS-mandated orientation and ongoing training
HIPAA, confidentiality, and documentation protocols
Employment coaching, job analysis, and community integration strategies
Annual performance evaluations and skills revalidation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment is offered through:

Community Living (CL) Waiver – For adults in supervised or supported living environments
Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver – For individuals living independently or with family
Note: Pre-vocational services may be authorized separately if the individual is not yet job-ready

Each service must be tied to the ISP and tracked through structured employment support documentation.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Licensing Application

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & CSB Contracting

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Recruitment & Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Launch of Services

Timeline: Begins upon CSB referral and ISP approval

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

Website: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov

MES Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://vamedicaid.dmas.virginia.gov/provider

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov

Community Services Boards Directory

Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/community-services-boards/

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Website: https://www.vadars.org

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN VIRGINIA

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

WCG partners with mission-driven organizations to launch employment services that foster inclusion, vocational success, and long-term community engagement.

Scope of Work: