1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Role: Approves Supported Employment providers, monitors service delivery, and ensures compliance with Employment First and HCBS standards

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)
Role: Administers Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for employment-related services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures Supported Employment Services align with HCBS and community integration principles

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2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services help individuals identify career goals, find suitable jobs, and succeed in integrated, competitive employment. Services are highly individualized and are designed to reduce reliance on segregated or sheltered work settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

Job exploration and vocational assessments

• Resume development and interview preparation
• Employer outreach and job development
• On-the-job training and job coaching
• Follow-along supports for job retention and success
• Support with transportation coordination and workplace accommodations
• Benefits counseling (in collaboration with certified work incentive specialists)

All services must reflect the individual’s interests, strengths, and preferences, and must be outlined in their person-centered plan.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Maintain a physical or administrative office in Alaska
• Employ staff trained in supported employment strategies and person-centered planning
• Establish systems for documentation, employer communication, and performance tracking
• Carry general liability and professional insurance

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4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the Supported Employment Services Provider Application Packet from SDS
• Attend SDS orientation for employment services (recommended)

Application & Program Documentation:

• Submit service delivery plan outlining how job development, coaching, and retention supports will be provided
• Include sample vocational assessments, job coaching logs, and progress tracking templates
• Provide staff qualifications, safety protocols, and documentation systems

Readiness Review:

• SDS reviews staff credentials, background checks, and employment experience
• Evaluation of employer engagement strategies and service documentation
• Providers must demonstrate the ability to coordinate with vocational rehab (VR) agencies and employers

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon SDS approval, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Supported Employment Services provider
• Activate the appropriate billing codes under eligible waiver programs
• Complete Medicaid provider agreement and set up billing submission access

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of office location or operational base in Alaska

SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Intake and person-centered employment planning protocols
• Job development, placement, and coaching workflows
• Employer communication and collaboration guidelines
• Documentation of hours worked, progress made, and job retention supports
• Participant rights and informed consent policies
• Incident response, transportation coordination, and confidentiality procedures
• Staff training logs, performance monitoring, and continuing education plans

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Services Coordinator / Program Supervisor
Requirements: Experience in supported employment, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation

Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist
Requirements: High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s degree preferred), experience in disability employment services, background check clearance

All staff must complete:

• SDS orientation and Supported Employment training
• Documentation, safety, and person-centered planning education
• Employer engagement and workplace accommodation strategies
• Annual training on ethics, confidentiality, and Medicaid compliance

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Supported Employment Services:

• Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
• Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
• Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (transition-aged youth where appropriate)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Job discovery, preparation, and on-the-job support
• Ongoing monitoring and job retention coaching
• Coordination with VR counselors, benefits specialists, and employers
• Documentation of employment outcomes and participant progress

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Staff Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: SDS Application and Documentation Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Training and Program Readiness
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-3666
Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS
Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• SDS application support and employment documentation guidance
• Development of Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual
• Templates for vocational assessments, job coaching logs, and outcome tracking
• Medicaid enrollment and MMIS billing setup
• WEBSITE, DOMAIN, AND EMAIL SETUP
• CLIENT INTAKE AND EMPLOYMENT GOAL PACKET
• EMPLOYER OUTREACH STRATEGIES AND MARKETING MATERIALS
• STAFF TRAINING ON WORKFORCE READINESS, PLACEMENT, AND COACHING
• QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEMS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION TOOLS
• REFERRAL NETWORKING WITH VR, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS