Guide to Becoming a Supported Employment Service Provider in Illinois 


1.Program Definition and Services 

Supported Employment in Illinois provides ongoing services and supports to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to maintain competitive employment in integrated business locations. Services include: 

  • Job coaching
  • Job creation and accommodations 
  • Building natural supports 
  • Mentoring 
  • Job site analysis 
  • Ongoing support services 

 

2. Regulations 

The program is governed by: 

  • Rehabilitation Act Amendments (Public Law 102-569) 
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 
  • Illinois Administrative Code Title 89, Sub-Chapter B, Vocational Rehabilitation Program 
  • Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act [20 ILCS 2405] 

 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must be approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). 

 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is responsible for approving and overseeing Supported Employment providers. 

 

5. Application Process 

The application process is conducted through the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. Providers must: 

  • Complete the IMPACT application 
  • Wait for approval notification from the IMPACT system 

 

6. Required Documentation 

Providers must submit: 

  • Completed IMPACT application 
  • Evidence of compliance with program requirements 
  • For individual supported employment: DHS DRS Closure Form (IL 488-0717W) indicating successful closure from DRS VR within 90 days of request 

 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The exact timeline for approval is not specified in the available results. Providers should contact IDHS for more detailed information on the approval process and expected timeframes. 

 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no specific pre-application process mentioned. However, potential providers should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. 

 

9. Pre-Application Training 

No specific pre-application training is mentioned in the available results. However, providers must be familiar with the program requirements and regulations. 

 

10. Additional Notes 

  • Supported Employment became available to residents of Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers (SODC) on January 1, 2024. 
  • Providers must undergo an annual revalidation process to ensure ongoing compliance and data collection. 
  • Group employment services must be billed under the correct service and billing codes based on the ratio of support staff to individuals served. 
  • All employment environments must be integrated, allowing for routine interactions with non-disabled individuals. 
  • Hours associated with Supported Employment are counted with other Day Services and Habilitation hours and cannot exceed authorized maximum totals. 

 

 

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