Supported Employment Services in Nebraska assist individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment within the community. These services include job coaching, skill development, and ongoing support, enabling participants to achieve workplace success and long-term career growth. Supported Employment Services are authorized under Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Supported Employment Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Supported Employment Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Supported Employment Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Supported Employment Services provide tailored assistance to help individuals with disabilities secure, maintain, and succeed in competitive employment settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Job Readiness Training: Building soft skills, workplace etiquette, and resume writing
• Job Development: Identifying suitable employment opportunities and assisting with job applications
• Job Coaching: On-the-job support to build skills and ensure work performance
• Skill Development: Enhancing specific job-related skills and abilities
• Follow-Along Support: Ongoing monitoring to address job-related challenges and maintain stability
• Career Advancement Planning: Helping individuals achieve long-term employment goals
• Employer Engagement: Educating employers on disability inclusion and workplace accommodations

All services are designed based on the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and aim to enhance the participant’s employment outcomes and job satisfaction

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Supported Employment provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Obtain any necessary vocational rehabilitation certifications
• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance
• Develop comprehensive policies for job coaching, client support, and workplace safety
• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and training requirements

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Supported Employment Services under HCBS waivers

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, staff qualifications, and policy manuals

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including staff qualifications, job coaching protocols, and client safety procedures

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon successful review, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Supported Employment Services using designated billing codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Job coaching, skills training, and employer engagement protocols
• Safety guidelines for workplace integration and support
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training requirements
• Documentation standards for progress tracking and Medicaid billing
• HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
• Crisis management and job retention strategies
• Career planning and advancement support documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Supported Employment Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, social work, or a related field, supervisory experience preferred

Role: Employment Specialists / Job Coaches
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, vocational rehabilitation training or certification, experience in job coaching and workplace support, background clearance

Role: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Requirements: Certification or licensure as a vocational rehabilitation professional, experience in employment counseling and skills development

All staff must complete:

• Training in workplace safety, job coaching, and employment support
• HIPAA compliance and client rights education
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution training
• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Supported Employment Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Children with Disabilities Waiver
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Job readiness training and resume development
• Employment search and job matching
• On-site job coaching and skills training
• Ongoing support for job retention and career advancement
• Employer outreach and accommodation consultation

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Supported Employment Service Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov

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SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing support
• Policy manual development for job coaching, employment support, and client safety
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and employment planning guidance
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and outreach strategies
• Quality assurance systems for workplace safety and compliance
• Networking with employers and vocational rehabilitation programs