What Does a Support Coordinator Do?

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.

If you need assistance understanding your child’s support options, we’re here to help. Contact our team or make a referral to learn more about the services available and how we can support your family’s goals.

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