Employment Services in Connecticut are designed to help individuals with disabilities explore career interests, develop job skills, and secure and maintain employment in integrated community settings. These services are primarily funded through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) HCBS Waivers and coordinated with Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation (BRS), and state-funded employment initiatives.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Authorizes and monitors employment services through DDS Waiver programs and Individual Plans (IPs)

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Role: Manages Medicaid reimbursement and compliance with HCBS requirements

Agency: Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Role: Offers short-term employment supports and collaborates on long-term transition to waiver services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures employment services under Medicaid meet federal community integration standards

2. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Employment Services promote meaningful work opportunities and self-sufficiency by helping individuals prepare for, obtain, and retain competitive employment in the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Vocational assessments and career planning
• Job development and placement assistance
• On-the-job training and job coaching
• Workplace accommodations and employer education
• Travel training and support with public transportation
• Soft skills instruction (e.g., communication, time management)
• Ongoing documentation of employment goals and progress

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply to become a qualified Employment Services provider with DDS
• Create a service model aligned with Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) goals
• Employ qualified job coaches, employment specialists, and program supervisors
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation protocols aligned with HCBS rules

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4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply to DDS as a Qualified Provider

Submit program design, staff qualifications, and policies for employment support delivery

Step 2: Receive Service Authorizations

Coordinate with DDS case managers to obtain referrals based on Individual Plans (IPs)

Step 3: Engage with Employers and Job Candidates

Deliver direct services in accordance with participant goals and Medicaid billing codes

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• DDS qualified provider approval letter

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Vocational assessments and goal-setting templates
• Job development tracking forms and employer contact logs
• Coaching progress notes and support strategies
• Safety, confidentiality, and HIPAA-compliant records
• Incident reporting and problem-solving procedures
• Employment Rights, grievance, and consent forms
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and training documentation

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Job Developer / Employment Specialist
Requirements: Experience in vocational rehabilitation, job placement, or workforce development

Role: Job Coach / Support Staff
Requirements:

• High school diploma or higher
• Background check, TB screening, and CPR/First Aid
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered employment planning
• HCBS-compliant service delivery
• Workplace accommodations and ADA guidelines
• Employer engagement and professionalism
• Ongoing CEUs and documentation training

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Employment Services are reimbursed under:

• DDS Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver
• DDS Comprehensive Waiver
• BRS funding (initial support, with transition to waiver funding)
• State-funded supports for individuals not enrolled in Medicaid (if available)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Career assessments and individualized job matching
• Job coaching and long-term employment maintenance
• Employer engagement and retention support
• Documentation aligned with IP outcomes and HCBS community integration expectations

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DDS Qualified Provider Application
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Community Partnerships
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Activation and Employment Service Delivery
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Email: ddsct.co@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dds

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/brs

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DDS Employment Services provider application support
• Policy & procedure manual for job coaching, placement, and compliance
• Templates for vocational plans, employer outreach logs, and coaching notes
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and outcome tracking tools
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with DDS case managers, employers, and BRS counselors

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDER

We help employment agencies, nonprofits, and support professionals launch DDS-approved Employment Services to serve Connecticut’s waiver participants seeking competitive, integrated work.