The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia incorporates a wide range of different support options to help participants live more independently. A support coordinator plays a key component in assisting participants in managing their care and accessing services.
What is a Support Coordinator's Role in the NDIS?
A support coordinator is a professional role within the NDIS system, designed to assist participants in understanding and using their NDIS plans effectively. Their primary role is to guide NDIS participants through the process of identifying and connecting with the services and supports they need, based on their individual plans.
This role is about facilitating access to services and helping participants to navigate the NDIS system, rather than performing specific tasks or services directly.
Example: an NDIS Participant on a New NDIS Plan Contacts a Support Coordinator
In this scenario, an NDIS participant named Alex has recently received their NDIS plan but feels overwhelmed by the complexity of services and how to implement them effectively.
Alex’s plan includes funding for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and community participation activities, but Alex is unsure where to start or how to choose the right service providers.
Here’s where a support coordinator steps in. After being referred to Alex, the support coordinator would first review Alex’s NDIS plan to understand the goals and funding allocations. They would then sit down with Alex to discuss their preferences, needs, and any concerns they might have.
The support coordinator might begin by explaining how Alex can use their funding to achieve their goals, offering insights into the types of services available and suggesting providers known for their quality services in physical therapy and occupational therapy. They would also help Alex understand the importance of community participation in achieving broader social and well-being objectives.
Furthermore, the support coordinator would assist Alex in contacting service providers, setting up initial meetings, and even accompanying Alex to these meetings if needed. By doing so, they ensure that Alex feels supported and informed throughout the decision-making process, facilitating a smoother transition into using their NDIS plan effectively.
How Support Coordinators Have Changed
The role of support coordinators has developed alongside the NDIS, adapting to the scheme’s expansion and the varied needs of its participants.
Initially, support coordinators were introduced to help participants make sense of their NDIS plans and connect with appropriate services. But, over time, their role has grown to include a broader range of activities, such as advocating for participants and assisting in the coordination and management of their support.
How support coordinators have changed over time, underlines the important and varied role they play in the NDIS, ensuring participants can effectively engage with and benefit from the scheme.
The Significance of Support Coordination
Support Coordination and NDIS Outcomes
Support coordination is a vital element of the NDIS, designed to enhance the outcomes for participants by ensuring they can fully utilise their plans. The inclusion of support coordination within the NDIS framework is intended to streamline the process for participants, making it easier for them to access the NDIS and supports that are essential for their well-being and personal goals.
This approach aims to provide a more integrated and efficient experience for participants, facilitating a pathway towards greater independence and community participation. By focusing on the participant’s needs and goals, support coordination contributes to the overall effectiveness of the NDIS in delivering tailored, outcome-focused support.
The Impact on Participants
What support coordinators do can significantly influence the experience of NDIS participants by providing them with guidance and expertise in navigating their plans and the broader NDIS landscape.
This support is crucial for many participants, especially those who may find the system complex or overwhelming. With the assistance of a support coordinator, participants are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care, manage their funding effectively, and connect with the most appropriate services. This not only enhances the participant’s ability to achieve their personal and developmental goals but also promotes a sense of independence and confidence.
Furthermore, support coordinators can play a key role in identifying and resolving issues that participants may encounter with service providers, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience with the NDIS.
This approach aims to provide a more integrated and efficient experience for participants, facilitating a pathway towards greater independence and community participation. By focusing on the participant’s needs and goals, support coordination contributes to the overall effectiveness of the NDIS in delivering tailored, outcome-focused support.
Accessing a Support Coordinator
Eligibility for support coordination is determined based on the individual’s needs and circumstances, as outlined in their NDIS plan. Not all NDIS participants will require or qualify for support coordination.
Typically, participants who have more complex needs, require significant assistance in managing multiple supports, or face challenges in accessing services may be deemed eligible for support coordination. This can include individuals navigating significant transitions, such as moving out of long-term hospital care into supported housing like short-term accommodation (STA), medium-term accommodation (MTA), supported independent living (SIL) or those with limited informal support networks.
The aim is to identify participants who will benefit most from the specialised guidance and planning assistance that a support coordinator can provide.
The Process for Including Support Coordination in NDIS Plans
To access support coordination, participants undergo a planning process with the NDIS. The general steps to accessing support coordination and similar services can be found via the NDIS website, however, accessing support coordination typically only requires a few steps outlined below.
1. Planning Meeting
During the initial or review planning meeting with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), participants express their needs, goals, and the challenges they face in managing their support or accessing services.
2. Assessment of Needs
The NDIS planner assesses the participant’s situation to determine if support coordination is reasonably necessary to achieve the outcomes outlined in their plan. This involves considering the complexity of the participant’s needs and the level of support required to maximise their plan’s benefits.
3. Inclusion in the Plan
If deemed eligible, support coordination is included as funded support in the participant’s NDIS plan. The type and intensity of support coordination provided (e.g., support connection, coordination of supports, or specialist support coordination) will match the participant’s individual needs.
4. Choosing a Support Coordinator
Once support coordination is included in their plan, participants can choose a support coordinator, like New Growth Care Group, from a range of providers registered with the NDIS. Participants have the flexibility to select a coordinator who they feel will best understand their needs and preferences.
5. Implementation
The chosen support coordinator will then work with the participant to understand their goals, plan for the necessary support, and connect them with suitable service providers.
Getting Started With a Support Coordinator
Support coordinators are an important part of the NDIS system, helping bridge the wide array of services and supports available to participants. A support coordinator is responsible for guiding these participants through the NDIS, connecting them with service providers, and assisting in managing those services to achieve goals.
This role is tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants, whether they require basic guidance, comprehensive support management, or specialised intervention for complex situations.
New Growth grew from recognising the gaps facing participants in the NDIS. In being passionate about helping participants find the right support, we bridge these gaps between participants, their families and carers, support workers, and Allied Health professionals.
Our support coordinators can help you take care of the details of your life that have become too difficult or time-consuming to deal with alone. Whether it’s finding the right providers, scheduling appointments, or managing your home, we can help. With compassionate support, our goal is for participants to feel more confident and comfortable in their daily lives.
Contact us to get started, or learn more about us online.
New Growth Care Group’s Support Coordination
New Growth grew from recognising the gaps facing participants in the NDIS. In being passionate about helping participants find the right support, we bridge these gaps between participants, their families and carers, support workers, and Allied Health professionals.
Our support coordinators can help you take care of the details of your life that have become too difficult or time-consuming to deal with alone. Whether it’s finding the right providers, scheduling appointments, or managing your home, we can help. With compassionate support, our goal is for participants to feel more confident and comfortable in their daily lives.
Contact us to get started, or learn more about us online.
