One key resource that makes the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) more manageable is the support coordinator. Support coordination is designed to assist individuals in using their NDIS funding to access necessary supports, services, and community resources.
This article provides an in-depth understanding of the different types of NDIS support coordination, focusing on how a support coordinator helps participants achieve their goals.
Support coordination comes in three levels, each offering varying degrees of assistance based on a participant’s needs and NDIS plan. These levels include:
1. Level 1: Support Connection
Support connection is the most basic form of support coordination. The primary goal at this level is to help participants understand and connect with informal, mainstream, and funded supports. A support coordinator at this stage focuses on building a participant’s ability to manage their own services and supports in the future.
Key Functions of Support Connection:
- Assisting with locating providers for disability services
- Helping participants understand their NDIS plan
- Supporting participants to establish service agreements with their providers
- Building participant capacity to independently manage future services.
Participants with lower levels of complexity or those who are new to the NDIS typically receive support connection. This level is ideal for people who need guidance in understanding how to get the most from their plan but are working towards independent management.
2. Level 2: Coordination of Supports
Coordination of supports is the mid-tier level of support coordination. In this role, a support coordinator works closely with participants to ensure that they use their NDIS funding effectively. Support coordinators at this level assist participants in understanding their plans in detail, working with multiple providers, and navigating the often-complex landscape of disability services in Australia.
Key Functions of Coordination of Supports:
- Helping participants manage service delivery and provider relationships
- Supporting NDIS participants with the implementation of complex services
- Assisting participants with goal-setting and capacity-building activities
- Facilitating plan reviews and supporting with any NDIS plan changes.
This level is generally designed for participants with higher or more complex needs, who may need more consistent and involved support to maintain and access services.
3. Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
Specialist support coordination is a higher-intensity level of support coordination designed for participants with very complex needs. Specialist support coordinators often have qualifications in social work, psychology, or other relevant fields, as they are required to manage critical situations and coordinate high-level supports, including crisis intervention.
Key Functions of Specialist Support Coordination:
- Supporting participants with extreme, complex, or challenging needs
- Managing crisis situations that impact participant well-being
- Coordinating the involvement of multiple providers, including specialist services
- Developing strategies for overcoming significant barriers to achieving goals.
This type of support coordination may be necessary for participants with disabilities such as those who require intensive support from multiple service providers. Specialist support coordinators also focus on capacity-building, enabling participants to have greater control over their plans and services in the long term.
How Does a Support Coordinator Help Participants Navigate the NDIS?
A support coordinator serves as a vital guide through the complexities of the NDIS. They play an essential role in helping participants implement their NDIS plans, make informed decisions, and access the most appropriate services for their individual needs. Support coordinators work collaboratively with participants to ensure that every aspect of their NDIS plan is maximized.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator:
- Establishing service agreements and service bookings with providers
- Offering ongoing support during NDIS plan reviews
- Providing advocacy when needed, especially when participants face challenges with providers or services
- Building the participant’s capacity to manage their own plan.
What Qualities Should You Look for in a Support Coordinator?
When selecting a support coordinator, it’s crucial to find someone with the right experience, qualifications, and understanding of your unique needs. Support coordinators should have knowledge of the local disability services landscape in Australia and should be skilled in working with a variety of support providers.
Key Qualities to Consider:
- Experience with Complex Needs – Ensure that the support coordinator has a background in handling participants with complex conditions.
- Knowledge of Local Services – A strong understanding of available local providers and services is essential for effective coordination.
- Good Communication Skills – The ability to communicate clearly with participants, their families, and service providers is crucial for the success of the support coordination process.
NDIS Support Coordinator vs. Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
It’s important to distinguish between a support coordinator and a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). While both roles aim to assist participants with their NDIS plans, they differ in scope and function.
- LACs primarily help individuals access the NDIS and work with participants who may not have complex needs. LACs can assist with initial plan development and help participants navigate the early stages of the NDIS.
- Support Coordinators, on the other hand, work more intensively with participants, especially those with complex needs, to ensure the effective implementation of their plans and the achievement of their personal goals.
FAQs About NDIS Support Coordination
Q: What does a support coordinator do? A support coordinator helps participants understand and implement their NDIS plans, connects them with the right service providers, and supports them in achieving their goals.
Q: Do I need a support coordinator? If you have complex needs or find it challenging to manage your NDIS plan on your own, a support coordinator can provide valuable assistance.
Q: How is support coordination funded? Support coordination is funded through the NDIS. It is included in a participant’s plan if they require help implementing their supports and services.
Q: What is the difference between a support coordinator and a specialist support coordinator? A support coordinator works with participants who have less complex needs, while a specialist support coordinator is required for participants with significant challenges or complex disabilities, providing more intensive support.
Q: Can I change my support coordinator? Yes, if you feel that your support coordinator is not meeting your needs, you can change to a different provider or coordinator.
How to Access Support Coordination
To access support coordination, you’ll need to have it included in your NDIS plan. During your initial NDIS planning meeting or plan review, you can request support coordination if you feel that you would benefit from assistance in managing your supports. If approved, your NDIS plan will include funding for this service.
Support coordination is tailored to the participant's needs, so it’s crucial to communicate clearly with your NDIS planner or LAC to ensure you receive the appropriate level of support.
By selecting a qualified and experienced support coordinator, you can build the capacity to manage your NDIS plan independently and achieve the goals you’ve set out in your plan.
