Navigating through the complicated National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) system can be challenging for both participants and their families. Identifying your goals and crafting a plan to achieve them through the NDIS isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes, you might need a hand to understand your plan, allow your funding to go further and […]

What Does An NDIS Support Coordinator Do?

Navigating through the complicated National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) system can be challenging for both participants and their families. Identifying your goals and crafting a plan to achieve them through the NDIS isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes, you might need a hand to understand your plan, allow your funding to go further and link you with the right supports, essentially this is the role of a support coordinator.

NDIS Support Coordinators help individuals concentrate on the essential support needed to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. If you or someone you care about needs specialised disability support, an NDIS Support Coordinator makes the process simpler. Keep reading to grasp their role and how having one by your side can make accessing the NDIS easier. ^[1]

What is a Support Coordinator?

A support coordinator assists participants in implementing their NDIS plans by providing the right kind of assistance. This covers funded, community, mainstream, and informal help. Specifically, they assist with:

• Support Connection: They help individuals connect with community-based informal supports and mainstream agencies. For those with fewer needs, a Support Coordinator offers short-term coordination.
• Coordination of Supports: During the NDIS plan, they support participants who require extra help. This includes managing financial plans, arranging service providers and assessments, suggesting plan changes, and resolving issues. They assist participants in executing their strategy.
• Specialist Support Coordination: For NDIS participants with complex needs, a Specialist Support Coordinator offers more specialised and tailored help. This involves handling challenging behaviours, addressing crisis situations, engaging individuals facing significant barriers in mainstream services, and organising multiple agencies and providers. Specialist Support Coordinators have additional training and expertise to address complex requirements.

Helping Participants Connect to NDIS and Other Supports

A common question often asked is, “What is the difference between an NDIS planner and a support coordinator?” Mixing up NDIS plan management with support coordination is typical. Plan managers and support coordinators work together with participants to ensure they have all the necessary support. However, they have distinct duties and responsibilities.

NDIS Planner:

They assist participants in managing their plan funds. They assess the participant’s support needs, discuss their goals, and decide on appropriate funds for a customised plan. Their aim is to maximise the benefits of the plan by looking out for the participant’s best interests.

Support Coordinator:

For participants facing additional challenges in independently accessing services, a support coordinator steps in. They organise providers, manage finances, connect participants to resources, monitor progress, identify gaps or new needs, and recommend improved support.

Monitoring Plan Budgets and Support Effectiveness

Another common question about a support coordinator is, “What are the duties and responsibilities of a support coordinator?” or “What is the role and responsibility of a support coordinator?”

The role of a support coordinator involves assessing, planning, coordinating, and advocating for individuals in need. A support coordinator’s primary responsibilities encompass seven major areas:

• • Assessing needs and goals: They meet with individuals and their families or caregivers to understand their objectives, family situations, resources, abilities, and limitations, as well as their eligibility for programs and benefits.
  • Developing Support Plans: They create comprehensive care plans personalised to each person’s priorities, strengths, culture, and vision by linking relevant services to recognized needs.
  • Coordinating Services and Support: They put the integrated support plan into action through appointments, application submissions, building collaborations, and referrals. They ensure the provision of support by confirming service starts, addressing any issues, and assisting with facility or provider transitions.
  • Monitoring Progress and Outcomes: They follow up frequently to gather input from individuals and service providers, evaluating what is effective and identifying helpful changes.
  • Advocating for the Individual: They listen to understand viewpoints and aspirations, counsel patients and carers to offer support and available resources, and advocate for rights, preferences, objectives, and best interests in all contexts and services.
  • Linking with Community Resources: They explore services offered by governmental organisations, nonprofits, neighbourhood associations, etc., assisting with applications, recommendations, and navigating eligibility rules.
  • Providing Guidance and Information: They offer informed advice on health matters, resources, transitions, etc., and distribute educational materials to enhance understanding of funding sources, options, and rights.

Empowering Lives: The Vital Role of an NDIS Support Coordinator

An NDIS support coordinator can significantly improve your quality of life if you or a loved one has a disability or needs help with an NDIS plan. By conducting thorough assessments and creating customised care plans tailored to your specific goals, abilities, and challenges, they discover and organise services that promote increased community participation, independence, and dignity. To discuss Support Coordination with the friendly staff at Selective Support, contact our team via phone at 1800 845 233 or email at info@selectivesupport.org.