If you’re new to NDIS and still wrapping your head around all the processes and jargons, you may already heard the word ‘Support Coordination’ at least once and wonder what it is and how it sits within the NDIS landscape.
What is Support Coordination?
The easiest way to describe a Support Coordinator is think of it as a project manager but for NDIS participants. A Support Coordinator guides and helps people with disabilities figure out the best resources and services (for example: therapy, home help, special equipment and many more).
Sourcing and managing multiple services could be overwhelming: ‘What services do I need?’, ‘How to change providers?’, ‘What’s service agreement?’, and so on. Some people may prefer to do this themselves, called Self-Managed NDIS. However for others, this is when Support Coordinators are needed.
Support Coordinators assist you with finding the most suitable services, connecting you to service providers, and ensuring the services align with your goals
Support Coordinator: Scope of Services
Support Cordinators begin by carefully reviewing your NDIS plan and goals. Then, they develop a plan to achieve your goals by connecting you with the most suitable services and providers.
The role doesn’t stop there, they continue to monitor and support the implementation of your plan, ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout its duration.
A Support Coordinator usually steps back when you’re confident and capable of independently managing your own services and supports, or when your NDIS plan has been fully implemented.
Different Types of Support Coordination
Support coordination is divided into three (3) levels, depending on the participant’s needs:
Level 1: Support Connection – For people who just need help finding services and connecting with providers.
Level 2: Coordination of Supports – For people who have multiple or complex needs and need more regular, active help in managing supports. It focuses on building your ability to manage supports effectively.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination – For people with highly complex needs who face significant barriers to accessing all supports and services. They typically have more in-depth knowledge and qualifications (e.g. healthcare professionals, legal team, and social worker), and only step in when more intensive or expert coordination is needed.
Can I have a Support Coordinator work with me?
Like every other NDIS supports and services, Support Coordination is something that will need to be deemed ‘reasonable and neccesary’ by your NDIS planner. Here are some situations where you need Support Coordination for:
– You’re new to NDIS
– You have complex needs
– You never had funding before
– You have substantial funding but need assistance in finding supports
– New change in your life (moving home)
– More than 1 person with disability in family
– You dont have any relative to support you
What to look out for when choosing a Support Coordinator?
Objectivity
Often times, a Support Coordinator may work or be connected to organisations that provide multiple services that could be in your plan. Before choosing a Support Coordinator, ask what safeguards and criteria are in place to ensure they recommend the most suitable services for you, instead of defaulting to their own.
Local Knowledge
Extensive knowledge and a wide network of high-quality and reliable disability services in your area and surroundings. This allows you to conveniently access supports that prioritise your personal goals with the least amount of hassle and without the need for extensive travel.
Result Driven
NDIS is all about capacity building which means helping you acquire new skills, increase your independence, and receive value for money from your supports.
A good Support Coordinator should focus on the outcomes outlined in your NDIS plan while factoring in your goals and what’s important to you. Support Coordination will design a plan on how to achieve your goals and work together towards them.
Sincerity
A good Support Coordinator should genuinely care about you and your needs. They will try their best to understand your needs, listen to what you have to say, and involve you in every decision-making process. Only by doing so they’re able to link you to the right services that are inline with your priorities and goals.
Discover Hands On People Difference
At Hands On People, we’re determined to always deliver a hands-on, personalised approach carefully tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.
No two people are the same, which is why we take the time to get to know every participant personally. We ensure that the support we provide is practical, and aligned with participant’s aspirations, preferences, and day-to-day realities.
Our work goes far beyond simply connecting individuals to services. We believe in building genuine, long-term relationships that foster trust, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. Every interaction is guided by a respect for the participant’s emotional and psychological well-being.
By truly listening, understanding, and adapting to each person’s journey, we create a space where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
At the core of our mission is a belief that care should be both professional and human, delivered with heart, integrity, and consistent follow-through.
Let us help you live your best life by contacting our friendly team on 08 7915 4555 or email [email protected]. Get to know us and learn more about our services: https://handsonpeople.com.au/services.
