
HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMUNITY
Supported Employment Services in Delaware assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in preparing for, finding, and keeping competitive jobs within integrated work environments. These services are authorized under the Delaware Lifespan Waiver, administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), and are aligned with Delaware’s Employment First initiative.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Role: Oversees Supported Employment under the Lifespan Waiver and ensures provider accountability and employment outcomes
Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Role: Funds and reimburses waiver-authorized employment services
Agency: Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Role: May provide initial job placement services prior to transition to waiver-funded supports
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures Supported Employment meets federal HCBS person-centered and community integration requirements
2. SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW
Supported Employment Services provide individualized, on-site and off-site support for participants seeking to gain and retain employment. Services focus on building skills, connecting to employers, and delivering job coaching or follow-along supports based on the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Approved providers may deliver:
- Vocational assessments and employment goal planning
- Job development and matching with community employers
- Interview preparation and application assistance
- On-the-job coaching and skills training
- Ongoing follow-along support to ensure job retention
- Travel training or support with work-related transportation
- Documentation of hours, outcomes, and employer feedback
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
- Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
- Enroll as a Supported Employment Provider through the DDDS Lifespan Waiver
- Employ job coaches or employment specialists with relevant experience
- Carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Maintain HIPAA-compliant systems for case notes and employer communication
- Have policies in place for participant rights, confidentiality, and worksite safety
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Register your business and obtain NPI
Step 2: Apply with DDDS as a Supported Employment Services provider
Submit resumes, staff training protocols, service delivery model, and organizational capacity
Step 3: Coordinate with DDDS support coordinators and DVR staff for referrals
Step 4: If billing Medicaid directly, complete enrollment through Delaware Medicaid (DMAP)
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Articles of Incorporation or business registration
- IRS EIN Letter
- NPI confirmation
- DDDS provider agreement
- Staff credentials and job coach training documentation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Vocational intake and service planning templates
- Job coaching protocols and employer communication tools
- Daily or weekly service logs and progress tracking forms
- Incident reporting and job site safety guidelines
- Participant rights, grievance policy, and HIPAA forms
- Employment outcome reporting and quality assurance systems
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Job Coach / Employment Specialist
Requirements:
- High school diploma or higher (associate or bachelor’s preferred)
- Background check and CPR/First Aid certification
- Training in job development, workplace accommodations, and documentation
- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in work settings
Role: Employment Services Supervisor
Requirements:
- Experience in supported employment or vocational rehabilitation
- Oversight of job coaching activities and employer relationships
Training Requirements for All Staff:
- Employment First principles and HCBS compliance
- HIPAA and participant confidentiality
- Safety protocols for community job sites
- Person-centered planning and ISP alignment
- Documentation and billing practices
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Supported Employment is reimbursed under:
- Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
May also be supported initially by Delaware DVR with transition to waiver-funded supports
Approved providers may deliver:
- Job search and placement services
- Job coaching and training supports at the worksite
- Follow-along services to maintain employment
- Documentation of employment milestones and participant progress
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: DDDS Waiver Provider Enrollment
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Staff Hiring and Training
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Phase: Employer Outreach and Service Launch
Timeline: Ongoing
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Phone: (302) 744-9600
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds
Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Phone: (302) 255-9500
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma
Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Phone: (302) 761-8275
Website: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/dvr
Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)
Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
- DDDS waiver enrollment and Medicaid credentialing support
- Policy & procedure manual for job placement, coaching, and reporting
- Templates for service logs, employer communication, and outcome tracking
- Website, domain, and email setup
- Staff credentialing trackers and training materials
- Client intake packet, consent forms, and worksite safety policies
- Incident reporting systems and audit readiness tools
- Referral networking with DDDS, DVR, and local employers
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — DELAWARE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER
We support employment agencies, job coaches, and workforce developers in launching fully compliant Supported Employment Services under Delaware’s Lifespan Waiver.
To get started, click the link to request portal access.