A specialist support coordinator is a type of support included in an NDIS Plan under the capacity building supports. They coordinate the various supports funded in your plan.
If your plan describes what level of support coordination is funded, you can only purchase that. Otherwise, you can independently choose a provider.
Identifying your goals
As a relatively new role, many people may not be clear on what exactly the job of a Support Coordinator involves. As such, it’s important for both those working in this sector and those receiving care to understand the multifaceted nature of this career option.
Support coordinator ndis are responsible for helping participants understand their plan and connect to services. They also help participants shape their supports and manage their NDIS funding. They work at a deeper level to understand the specific interests and needs of each participant, as well as their strengths and challenges.
They are also often the first to become aware of issues relating to a participant’s safety or quality of their supports, and proactively support participants to address these concerns in line with NDIS guidelines. They also help participants develop a network of supporting individuals and organisations to provide short-term and ongoing support. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) are commonly used as a framework to guide goal setting.
Linking you to the right services
A good ndis worker support coordinator can help you find services that are right for your goals. They can also assist you with making connections within the community and broader systems of support. They can even make recommendations for you to get the most out of your NDIS funds.
They can also work with you to resolve points of crisis and build your capacity and resilience. This will prepare you for reassessments and reviews of your plan.
When choosing a support coordination provider, consider their experience, training, and community involvement. Look for providers with flexible working hours and open communication. You should also check whether they align with your values and preferences. This is important because you will be spending a lot of time with your NDIS support coordinator. It’s crucial that you find one that you click with. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best possible service. Also, be sure to ask about their costs and fees.
Managing your plan
A great support worker ndis coordinator has a deep understanding of the NDIS and its terminology. They can provide you with choices to help you maximise your plan. They can also set up service agreements, connect you with community services, and help you prepare for reassessments.
In addition, a good support coordinator will be able to negotiate a price for you from your providers using the latest NDIS price guide. They can even act as a mediator in case you have any issues with your providers.
A support coordinator can be a valuable asset for any participant, especially for those who are new to the NDIS. However, they are not a substitute for a Plan Manager who will focus on paying providers and preparing invoices. Whether you are Plan Managed, Self-Managed or NDIA-Managed, a support coordinator can help you navigate the NDIS and make the most of your funding. They will help you to build capacity to manage your own supports and pursue your goals more independently.
Keeping you informed
A great Support Coordinator can take the stress out of managing your ndis service provider supports, and make sure that you are getting value for money. They will be able to explain the NDIS price guide and how it affects your budget, as well as the different options available to you.
They will also provide you with advice on which services are most suitable for you, and can help you set up service agreements with providers. They can also check in with you to see how your supports are working, and can help prepare for reassessments.
Often, a Support Coordinator will be the first person to become aware of concerns about the quality and safety of a participant’s supports and services. They will need to be able to communicate this to the participant in plain and easy to understand language, as well as helping them to explore their rights. They will need to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.