Supported Employment Services in Maryland are designed to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in securing and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. These services are offered under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) through the Community Pathways Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, and the Family Supports Waiver (for transition-aged youth). 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Role: Oversees Medicaid and waiver-based employment services

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Role: Regulates employment service delivery, monitors outcomes, and approves provider agencies

Agency: Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) – MD Department of Education
Role: May provide short-term employment services prior to DDA waiver funding

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures compliance with federal HCBS rules and Employment First principles

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment services are individualized and designed to:

• Help participants explore, find, and maintain meaningful jobs
• Promote competitive integrated employment (minimum wage or higher, in typical workplaces)
• Provide job coaching, soft skills development, and career advancement support
• Support transition-aged youth preparing for the workforce
• Ensure coordination with DORS when applicable

Types of Supported Employment Services:

• Discovery & Job Development: Assessing interests, building resumes, job matching
• Job Coaching: On-site support during job training or role transition
• Ongoing Supports: Regular check-ins, employer communication, and job retention strategies
• Self-Employment Support: Assistance with planning, budgeting, and business coaching
• All supports must align with the individual's Person-Centered Plan (PCP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Apply to become a DDA-approved provider under "Supported Employment" via the Provider Application Portal
• Submit staffing plan, service descriptions, outcome tracking tools, and internal policies
• Maintain general liability insurance and HIPAA-compliant documentation systems

Note: Providers must be conflict-free (not delivering case management) and comply with the Employment First policy framework.

4. DDA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Business Formation and Program Design

• Define your employment service structure (e.g., job coaching, employer engagement)
• Develop a service outcome and billing documentation system

Step 2: Apply as a DDA Provider

• Select “Supported Employment” under the appropriate waiver(s)
• Upload required documentation (staff resumes, training plans, sample forms)

Step 3: Approval and Service Authorization

• Once approved, accept participant referrals through Coordination of Community Services (CCS) agencies
• Ensure employment goals are embedded in each individual’s PCP

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC certificate
• IRS EIN and NPI documentation
• DDA provider approval letter

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Intake and vocational assessment forms
• Job development and coaching plans
• Attendance and progress logs
• Employer communication templates
• Transportation and community integration protocols
• Incident reporting and grievance processes
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance standards
• Staff training and supervision logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach
Requirements:

High school diploma (required), associate or bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Experience in employment services or disability support

Background check, CPR/First Aid certification, DDA training

Role: Program Manager / Supervisor
Requirements:

• Experience in vocational services, employment law, and team leadership
• Responsible for performance oversight, compliance, and community partnerships

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• DDA Orientation and Employment Core Competencies
• Person-Centered Planning and ISP implementation
• Job coaching strategies and employer engagement
• Confidentiality, safety, and behavioral support
• Annual continuing education and ethics training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Employment is reimbursed through:

• Community Pathways Waiver – Full suite of employment and day services
• Community Supports Waiver – Limited job support hours
• Family Supports Waiver – Transition-aged youth under 21 preparing for employment

Authorized components include:

• Discovery & job development
• On-site job coaching
• Time-limited follow-along support
• Support with navigating benefits and work incentives
• Assistance with self-employment

DDA providers must collaborate with DORS to avoid duplication of services.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Staff Hiring
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Program Development and Policy Setup
Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: DDA Provider Application Submission
Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Phase: Participant Referrals and Service Activation
Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov
Email: dda.providerapps@maryland.gov

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Website: https://dors.maryland.gov

Maryland Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP)
Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DDA application for Supported Employment services
• Policy & procedure manual tailored to employment coaching and vocational support
• Templates for job logs, discovery plans, and progress tracking
• Staff credentialing systems and onboarding packets
• Referral networking tools for CCS and DORS connections
• Website, secure communication setup, and intake system
• Audit prep tools and Medicaid billing guidance via LTSS