A support coordinator plays a key role in assisting NDIS participants to understand and implement their NDIS plans. Their main responsibilities include:
Helping Participants Understand Their NDIS Plans
- Explaining the different sections of the participant’s NDIS plan and what they mean
- Clarifying the funding amounts for each support category
- Advising on rules around using the funding, like when quotes or service bookings are required
- Assisting the participant to align their goals with the supports funded in their plan
Connecting Participants to Supports and Services
- Identifying supports and services, both NDIS-funded and mainstream, that can help the participant achieve their goals
- Finding and connecting the participant with suitable service providers that meet their needs
- Negotiating services to be provided and their prices on the participant’s behalf
- Arranging assessments if required, like for assistive technology or home modifications
Coordinating and Managing Supports
- Developing a schedule of supports aligned with the participant’s goals and NDIS plan budget
- Acting as the key contact for providers if any issues arise with service delivery
- Monitoring spending levels and advising if the plan budget needs adjusting
- Submitting payment requests to the participant’s plan or invoice management provider
Building Participant Capacity
- Coaching the participant to increase their skills using NDIS systems and processes independently
- Working with the participant’s family and carers to help implement the plan where relevant
- Identifying where further coaching is needed to strengthen the participant’s ability to self-manage their plan
Preparing for Plan Reviews
- Tracking the participant’s progress towards their goals
- Compiling evidence and writing NDIA-requested reports on outcomes achieved
- Supporting the participant to identify any changes needed to their goals or plan prior to plan review
In summary, a support coordinator’s role is to simplify the NDIS for participants, connect them to the right supports, coordinate their services, and build their skills – with the end goal of increasing their independence and capacity to manage their own plans.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination
[2] https://www.zippia.com/support-coordinator-jobs/what-does-a-support-coordinator-do/
[3] https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-support-coordinator
[4] https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/coordinating-supports-and-services
[5] https://disabilityco.com/2023/04/24/top-five-benefits-of-using-support-coordination/
[6] https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination/what-your-support-coordinator-should-do
[7] https://static.ethicaljobs.com.au/media/1565131287_ErWuP_.pdf
[8] https://www.scacademy.com.au/blog/become-a-support-coordinator
[9] https://www.ndis.gov.au/print/pdf/node/7149
[10] https://www.sunnyfield.org.au/news/ways-you-can-benefit-from-support-coordination/
[11] https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/support-coordinator
[12] https://www.indeed.com/career/support-coordinator
[13] https://huntercommunityhub.org.au/ndis/support-coordination-qualifications/
[14] https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/support-coordinators/specialist-support-coordination
[15] https://www.accessfoundation.com.au/blog/role-of-support-coordinator
[16] https://shiftcare.com/blog/understanding-the-role-of-a-support-coordinator-in-the-ndis
[17] https://shiftcare.com/blog/ndis-support-coordination-all-your-questions-answered
[18] https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination/finding-support-coordinator
[19] https://focuscare.com.au/blog/seven-benefits-of-working-with-a-support-coordinator
[20] https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/support-coordinators
[21] https://www.snizzle.com.au/become-an-ndis-support-coordinator/
[22] https://mycareplanner.com.au/benefits-support-coordination/
[23] https://www.careabout.com.au/ndis/what-is-a-support-coordinator
[24] https://abilityoptions.org.au/what-is-a-support-coordinator/
[25] https://workforcecapability.ndiscommission.gov.au/tools-and-resources/career-development/inclusion-and-accessibility/support-coordination
