Vermont Designated Agency List: DAs, SSAs, and How to Choose

What Designated Agencies Do

Vermont's developmental disability services are delivered through a network of regional Designated Agencies (DAs) and Specialized Service Agencies (SSAs). These are the organizations that provide direct, hands-on support — community programs, supported employment, shared living, residential services, and day services.

Until recently, DAs handled everything: intake, eligibility screening, needs assessments, budget management, and direct service delivery. That changed with the implementation of Conflict-Free Case Management (CFCM) on October 1, 2025. Under the new structure, DAs and SSAs focus exclusively on delivering services. Intake goes through the Public Consulting Group (PCG), and case management goes through independent Case Management Organizations (CMOs).

This separation means families now interact with three distinct entities instead of one, but it also eliminates the conflict of interest that existed when the agency providing services was also the agency deciding how much service the person needed.

The 10 Designated Agencies

Vermont's DAs are organized by geographic region. Each DA serves the residents of its designated catchment area:

• Howard Center — Chittenden County (Burlington area)
• Washington County Mental Health Services — Washington County (Montpelier area)
• Lamoille County Mental Health Services — Lamoille County
• Northeast Kingdom Human Services — Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties
• United Counseling Service — Bennington County
• Counseling Service of Addison County — Addison County (Middlebury area)
• Clara Martin Center — Orange and Northern Windsor Counties
• Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) — Windsor and Windham Counties
• Rutland Mental Health Services — Rutland County
• Northwestern Counseling & Support Services — Franklin and Grand Isle Counties

Specialized Service Agencies (SSAs)

SSAs differ from DAs in that they are not tied to a geographic region. They specialize in specific types of services — often more individualized or niche programming — and families statewide can access them. SSAs include organizations that focus on supported employment, creative arts programming, or highly individualized residential models.

The DDSD maintains a current directory of SSAs on its website. When choosing a service provider, families are not limited to their regional DA — if an SSA offers programming that better fits the student's needs, they can request that provider through their CMO.

How the New System Works

Under CFCM, the service pathway for a student transitioning from school follows this sequence:

1. Apply through PCG — the centralized intake portal handles eligibility screening
2. Choose a CMO — once eligible, the family selects either Benchmark Human Services or The Columbus Organization as their independent case manager
3. Needs assessment — the CMO conducts a Supports Intensity Scale-Adult (SIS-A) assessment to determine service levels
4. ISA development — the CMO develops the Individualized Service Agreement and manages the budget
5. Choose a service provider — the family selects a DA or SSA to deliver the services outlined in the ISA

The CMO and the service provider are deliberately separate. The CMO designs the plan and controls the budget; the DA or SSA delivers the services. This separation is intended to keep case-management decisions independent from direct service delivery.

Choosing Between Providers

When selecting a DA or SSA, consider:

• Geography: If the student will live in the community, the regional DA is often the most practical choice because they have established relationships with local employers, landlords, and community organizations
• Specialization: Some SSAs specialize in supported employment models, creative programming, or specific disability populations. If the student's needs are highly specific, an SSA may offer more tailored support
• Capacity: DAs have experienced staffing challenges since CFCM transferred case management functions to CMOs. Ask about current caseloads, staff turnover, and wait times for service initiation
• Shared living availability: If the student's plan includes shared living (placement with a paid home provider), ask about the agency's current shared living network and recruitment efforts

Navigating the Transition

The shift to CFCM has introduced administrative friction that families should anticipate. Staff who previously handled case management at DAs have migrated to the CMOs, creating knowledge gaps at some agencies. Service initiation timelines may be longer than they were under the old system while the new structure stabilizes.

To minimize disruption, start the intake process through PCG at least 12 to 18 months before the student's school exit. Build direct relationships with both the CMO and the chosen service provider. Document all communications.

The Vermont IEP Transition to Adulthood Guide includes a complete Designated Agency directory organized by region and a comparison framework for evaluating DAs versus SSAs based on the student's specific service needs.

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