1 Program Definition and Services
Prevocational services in Alabama are designed to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for paid or unpaid employment. These services include:
- Teaching concepts like compliance, attendance, task completion, problem-solving, and safety
- Developing general, non-job-task-specific strengths and skills that contribute to employability
- Providing learning and work experiences to enhance employability in integrated community settings
- Focusing on skill development in areas such as communication, workplace conduct, following directions, and general workplace safety.
2. Regulations
Prevocational services are governed by:
- Alabama Medicaid Agency regulations
- Alabama Department of Mental Health rules
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver requirements
3. Licensing or Certification
Providers of prevocational services must be certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
4. Responsible State Agency
The primary agencies overseeing prevocational services are:
- Alabama Medicaid Agency
- Alabama Department of Mental Health
5. Application Process
While not explicitly detailed, providers likely need to enroll with the Alabama Medicaid Agency and meet certification requirements set by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
6. Required Documentation
Providers must ensure:
- Services are listed on the client's Plan of Care
- A six-month progress report and service plan document is completed for the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
- Proper documentation of services provided
7. Timeline for Approval
Specific timelines for approval are not available.
8. Pre-Application Process
There is no explicit mention of a pre-application process for prevocational service providers.
9. Pre-Application Training
While not specifically pre-application, providers must ensure staff have sufficient knowledge and training to meet individual client needs.
10. Additional Notes
- Services are available for individuals with intellectual disabilities, age 3 and above
- Prevocational services are expected to be time-limited, typically 6 months to 1 year in duration
- Services may be provided in various community settings, except for the member's residence
- When compensated, individuals are paid less than 50% of the minimum wage
- Services cannot duplicate those provided under the Rehabilitation Act or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- As of February 2025, these services continue to play a crucial role in preparing individuals with intellectual disabilities for integrated employment opportunities.
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