A support coordinator can help you a number of ways. They can assist you with understanding your plan, navigating the NDIS system, and your budget.
They can also help you to connect with services that align with your goals, as well as develop back-up plans for unexpected events or challenges.
What is a Support Coordinator?
Generally, a support coordinator ndis will help you navigate the different providers and services to find the right ones for you. Using their knowledge of the NDIS system they will ensure potential providers are reputable and meet Quality and Safeguards requirements. They will also help you work with these new providers and link you to any mainstream services that might be helpful. They will also assist you to resolve any points of crisis and help you prepare for your plan review.
They can also assist with the administration of your supports, including establishing service agreements, billing and reporting. Many support coordinators come into the role because they genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives. This can sometimes make setting boundaries a challenge as they strive to deliver the best services they can for their Participants. However, without clear boundaries in place it is easy for a Support Coordinator to overwork themselves, which can have negative impacts on the quality of support they are able to provide.
What are the benefits of having a Support Coordinator?
A Support Coordinator will help you to make the most of your NDIS funding and find the services that are right for you. They will work with you to identify your goals, set up service agreements and bookings with providers, check in regularly to see how the supports are working for you, and help you with any issues you may have.
They also have extensive knowledge of the disability and community sector services in your area, especially quality services that can meet your specific needs. This is a vital part of their role and is why they are able to make referrals for you.
A good Support Coordinator will show empathy, treat you with respect and understand what it’s like to have a disability. They will be able to build strong relationships with you and get to know you, your family, your friends, your needs and what you want from your life. They will take the time to explain things clearly and answer your questions.
How do I find a Support Coordinator?
The best Support Coordinators have a deep interest in your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. They care about your relationships and will go out of their way to find service providers that best suit you. They also have a deep understanding of the NDIS – especially the price guides – and will be able to tell you exactly what services you can get for your specific needs and goals.
If you’re plan-managed or self-managed and are interested in getting a Support Coordinator, ask friends or family members for recommendations. It’s also helpful if you can come prepared with a list of your goals and the funding categories, so they have a good idea of what you’re looking for.
Once you’ve found a potential coordinator, arrange a meeting with them to discuss your goals and what kind of support worker ndis you need. Bring your NDIS plan with you so they can look at the amount of funding you have available and what kind of supports are covered by it.
How do I get funding for Support Coordination?
If you have a significant functional impairment and comorbidities, then the NDIS may approve Specialist Support Coordination for you as part of your Plan. Unlike regular Support Coordination, this type of service helps you establish your support options and links you to a range of services and supports in the community, not just those that are directly provided by the NDIS.
NDIS participants often receive Support Coordination funding under the Capacity Building budget. It is not a permanent allocation, and some participants may not have it in their plans every time they have one.
Great Support Coordinators are clear communicators, both verbally and written, and they keep up-to-date with NDIS policies, regulations, and service providers offerings. They also have strong organisational skills, so they can effectively manage schedules and prioritise tasks. They should not be qcharging their participants for rostering, administration or intake processes that are expected to be covered by the monthly Plan Management fee.
