1. Program Definition and Services

Supported Employment Services in Oregon provide short-term support to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and chronic conditions. The program aims to help maintain individuals with disabilities in the community, averting the need for long-term services and supports. Services include:

• In-Home Personal Care: Individual support in the individual/family home or community (Discovery and Career Exploration, Job Development, Job Placement, Individual Supported Employment, and Ongoing Workplace Check-ins)
• Residential Personal Care: Supervision and care in a licensed residential, community-based setting (Small Group Employment Support, Employment Path Services, Task-Specific Skill Development, and Service Coordination)

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 411, Division 345 (Employment Services for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities)
• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 411, Division 323 (Agency Certification and Endorsement Rules)
• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 407, Division 025 (Employment First Policy Frameworks)
• Federal 1915(c) and 1915(k) Community First Choice (K Plan) Medicaid Authorities

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers must be certified by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and follow all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements.

4. Responsible State Agency

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services are responsible for reviewing applications and certifying supported employment services providers.

5. Application Process

The application process is conducted through the electronic Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Provider Portal. Providers must submit forms online to initiate the application process.

6. Required Documentation

While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit:

• Proof of compliance with state safety and operational rules
• Agency policies and procedures
• Staff qualifications and training records
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

7. Timeline for Approval

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact their regional office for detailed information on current processing timeframes.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity and secure necessary federal identification numbers.

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online. Access details are sent to qualified applicants once preliminary paperwork is reviewed.

10. Additional Notes

• Providers must ensure that intensive care settings meet all state accessibility and environmental safety guidelines
• In-Home Personal Care must be provided directly by the certified agency's employed personnel
• All direct care staff must conduct mandatory background clearances and fingerprinting screenings
• Providers must maintain detailed records of face-to-face services for Medicaid documentation and billing

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