Supported Employment Services in Massachusetts are designed to help individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities enter, retain, and thrive in competitive, integrated employment settings. These services are available through MassHealth Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Medicaid)
Role: Funds Supported Employment through waiver programs such as DDS, ABI, and MFP

Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Manages and authorizes day and employment supports for individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Role: Offers Supported Employment and job placement services, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities or mental health conditions

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for waiver-funded employment supports

2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Employment helps individuals with disabilities secure and sustain meaningful employment in the community. Services may include:

• Vocational assessment and job readiness
• Resume development and interview preparation
• Job matching and placement
• On-site job coaching and workplace accommodations
• Ongoing support to maintain employment
• Soft skills training (communication, time management, etc.)
• Benefits counseling and transportation coordination

Services are individualized and must be outlined in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Plan of Care (POC). They must promote competitive, integrated employment in accordance with Employment First principles.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Secure general liability insurance and workers’ compensation
• Develop a Supported Employment Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Comply with HIPAA and ADA employment standards
• Employ or contract qualified job coaches and employment specialists

Credentialing Agencies:

• DDS (for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities)
• MRC (for individuals with physical/multiple disabilities or post-rehab needs)

No special clinical license is required, but vocational rehabilitation experience is strongly recommended.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: MassHealth Provider Enrollment
Register via the Provider Online Service Center (POSC)

Step 2: Apply to Become a DDS or MRC Employment Provider
Submit organizational information, staff qualifications, and service descriptions

Step 3: Service Planning and Authorization
Develop individual support plans with ISP teams, including outcome goals and coaching strategies

Step 4: Execute Contracts and Begin Receiving Referrals
Coordinate with DDS area offices or MRC employment teams for case assignments

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, and NPI confirmations

Proof of insurance

Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

• Vocational assessment and intake forms
• Individual employment plans and progress reports
• Job development and placement logs
• Coaching and contact notes
• Employer engagement documentation
• Staff training logs and credentials
• Billing and audit-ready service records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Employment Specialist / Job Coach
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, knowledge of disability employment rights, background checks, CPR/First Aid preferred

Role: Program Manager / Employment Services Coordinator
Requirements: Experience in supported employment, vocational rehab, or workforce development, oversees staff and quality assurance

Mandatory Training Topics:

• ADA and workplace accommodations
• Person-centered planning and self-determination
• Soft skills coaching and motivational interviewing
• Employer engagement and partnership building
• HIPAA and documentation standards
• Safety in community-based settings

7. MASSHEALTH & STATE PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Supported Employment is reimbursable under:

• DDS Waivers (Community Living, Intensive Supports)
• ABI Waivers (Acquired Brain Injury)
• MFP Waivers (Residential and Community Living)
• MRC Employment Supports (state-funded or post-rehab)

Providers may deliver:

• Individualized placement and support (IPS)
• Group-supported employment (in integrated settings)
• Career exploration and pre-vocational training
• Ongoing stabilization and employer communication
• Billing units and service frequency are based on waiver authorizations and participant needs.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: MassHealth and DDS/MRC Enrollment
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Policy Manual Completion and Staff Onboarding
Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Referral Networking and Participant Enrollment
Timeline: Ongoing based on agency approvals and regional caseloads

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth

​Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services

​Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and Medicaid enrollment
• DDS/MRC credentialing and application support
• Supported Employment Policy & Procedure Manual creation
• Staff onboarding tools and training curriculum
• Job placement tracking templates and ISP alignment
• Employer engagement scripts and documentation forms
• Medicaid billing logs and compliance systems

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROVIDER

We support disability-focused organizations and employment specialists in launching waiver-compliant Supported Employment services across Massachusetts.

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