What is an NDIS support coordinator?
A support coordinator is one of the primary support services involved in helping navigate the complexities of an NDIS plan.
They are responsible for working with you to understand your NDIS plan and build your capacity and understanding of the plan and how it specifically relates to you. This is in addition to connecting you with the most suitable service providers in your area, helping manage budgets, support you to pursue your goals and manage the complexities of life.
A good support coordinator has the drive and ability to help you achieve your short and long-term goals while tailoring their services to suit your changing needs. A dedicated support coordinator will assist you to manage your NDIS plan, environment, relationships and issues as they occur and is dedicated to building your capacity. Simply put, they ensure that you are front and centre in your NDIS journey and you are empowered to make decisions about your plan.
What does a support coordinator do?
The role of a Support Coordinator differs depending on your needs however, the primary function of a support coordinator is to ensure you understand your NDIS plan, your goals and what your disability-related needs are. It is their responsibility to know the scheme in full and to support you to overcome any barriers and make changes that are reasonable and necessary.
Support coordinators will assist you to monitor and manage your NDIS budget as effectively as possible and will connect you with service providers that are suitable for your needs, goals and ambitions.
Three different levels of support coordination
There are three different levels of support coordination that can be included in your NDIS plan if deemed reasonable and necessary. Support coordination funding is based on what support you require in addition to the support provided by your informal network, community services or other mainstream funding.
The three levels of support coordination are:
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Support Connection
Focuses on engaging you with informal, community, funded and mainstream supports enabling you to pursue your goals.
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Support Coordination
Focuses on building your capacity and skills to use your plan and pursue your goals. Your support coordinator will monitor and address any issues or barriers that arise and work to maintain your support. Support coordinators are required to report to the NDIA on how your plan has been implemented and any changes that are required.
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Specialist Support Coordination
In addition to what a support coordinator does, a specialist support coordinator works with you to address complex barriers and design a support model for you. A specialist support coordinator should either hold tertiary qualifications or have significant industry experience.
How support coordinators can help
There are many benefits to working with a support coordinator not limited to better plan comprehension and implementation. A support coordinator will support you to work toward a more independent life by making a plan that suits your needs and abilities to pursue your goals. A support coordinator can also foster a sense of community by connecting people and groups who share similar passions.
Your support coordinator will help manage funding, negotiate costs with service providers and ensure you are receiving the best support possible. Your support coordinator will also assist with admin, helping navigate the NDIS portal, plus assisting with bookings and service agreements.
How to choose the right support coordinator for your needs
Assessing the suitability of a support coordinator is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the best outcomes. Understanding their industry or past experience, ability to be adaptable, their connections and networks, and creative ideas to improve your plan will help you choose the right person for your needs.
Generally, you will get a good idea of a support coordinator’s suitability by asking them the following questions:
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Could you provide examples of your experience working with someone with similar needs?
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How can you help me achieve my goals?
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How will you adapt if changes need to be made to the plan?
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How will you manage any conflicts of interest?
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What connections do you have that will help me?
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How will you help me and the person in my care to coordinate our own support?
By asking these questions you will gain a better understanding of the person you may choose to work with.
Chat to dedicated support coordinators
At Scarlet Homecare, our committed and experienced support coordinators manage the services of participants to ensure a positive impact on their wellbeing, health, informal networks and more.
We support people to live as independently as possible and understand that this is achieved by providing tailored support that is specific to the individual. We are here to help participants in South Australia lead more happy and independent lives.
To discuss our support coordination services, give our friendly team a call today on 08 8120 4069 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you.
