Support coordinator: Roles and responsibilities

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a complex and overwhelming process for many participants and their families. This is where the vital role of an NDIS support coordinator comes into play. 

The NDIS support coordinator roles and responsibilities include client assessment and planning, connection to services, coordination and management of the supports, advocating for their clients, monitoring and reviewing their progress, providing clients and their families with important information about their NDIS plans and keeping records for any future adjustments.

At Maple, our goal is to empower all NDIS participants with the knowledge they need to achieve the best possible outcomes. We assist you in understanding the wide range of resources available, guiding you through the changes and complexities of the NDIS. Our support helps you to learn how various people and services can assist you, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the system effectively.

What is the responsibility of a support coordinator?

A Support Coordinator plays an essential role in helping participants navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and access the support and services they need. A Support Coordinator might have different responsibilities, depending on the level of support coordination you need as well as your goals and preferences. Some support coordinators might have expertise in certain aspects of their role to better support you through specific goals.

The role of an NDIS support coordinator include:

1. Assessment and Planning: Collaborating with clients to understand their unique needs, goals and preferences, and helping them to develop a personalised NDIS plan that outlines the necessary supports and services that can be available to them.
2. Connecting to services: A Support Coordinator can identify and connect their clients with appropriate service providers, community resources, and supports that align with their NDIS plan. This can include healthcare providers, therapists, educational services and community activities.
3. Coordination and Management: Coordinating multiple supports and services to ensure they are delivered to the client seamlessly and effectively. This involves scheduling appointments, managing service agreements, and ensuring all parties are working together harmoniously.
4. Advocacy: Acting as the client’s advocate, ensuring their needs and preferences are respected and addressing any issues with service providers and bureaucratic processes.
5. Monitoring and review: Continuously monitoring their client’s progress and the effectiveness of their NDIS plan, making necessary adjustments to meet their evolving needs and goals.
6. Education and empowerment: Providing clients and their families with information and guidance on maximising their NDIS plan, including understanding their rights, available supports, and how to access services.
7. Crisis management: Offering support during crises or significant life changes, ensuring their clients have the resources and assistance to navigate these situations.
8. Record keeping: Keeping detailed records of all interactions, services provided, and progress made. They will provide reports of your progress to the NDIS, such as an initial plan implementation report, a mid-term implementation report and a plan reassessment report.
9. Capacity building: A support coordinator can help their client to explore ways to help them build their confidence and how to exercise their choice and control. They can also help their clients explore opportunities to fulfil tasks more independently.

Is support coordination covered by the NDIS?

The good news is that support coordination can be covered by the NDIS for eligible participants. It is included in participants’ NDIS plans under the Capacity Building Supports budget. Support coordination is designed to help participants understand and implement their NDIS plans. 

Depending on an individual’s needs and circumstances, the NDIS may fund different levels of support coordination:

1. Support connection is the most basic level and provides assistance in building a participant’s ability to connect with informal, community and funded supports. It can help them to get the most out of their plan and achieve their goals.
2. Coordination of supports is a more comprehensive support to build the participant’s ability to manage their services and supports, coordinate various services and navigate the system effectively.
3. Specialist support coordination exists for participants with more complex needs. This level of support involves a higher degree of coordination, addressing complex barriers and ensuring consistent service delivery across multiple providers.

What is the difference between a support worker and a support coordinator?

A support worker and a support coordinator serve distinct but complementary roles in assisting people living with disabilities in Australia. A support worker provides direct, hands-on assistance with daily activities such as personal care, household chores, and social engagement, focusing on the immediate needs of the participant.

In contrast, a support coordinator helps clients navigate the NDIS system, developing personalised plans, connecting them with appropriate services, and ensuring seamless coordination and management of those services. While support workers address and support participants in their day-to-day practical needs, support coordinators take a broader, strategic approach to empower clients and optimise their long-term outcomes.

What is the difference between a plan manager and a support coordinator?

A plan manager and a support coordinator also serve different roles within the NDIS framework. A plan manager focuses on the financial aspects of an NDIS plan, handling tasks such as managing budgets, processing invoices, and ensuring providers are paid on time. 

Their primary role is to assist clients with the financial administration of their NDIS funding, while a support coordinator provides strategic guidance and coordination of your services. Your plan manager can work closely with your support coordinator to help you navigate the NDIS system more broadly and effectively.

How can Maple help with Support Coordination?

At Maple Community Services we are dedicated to helping our NDIS participants navigate the complexities of their plans through our comprehensive support coordination services. Our experienced team of support coordinators works closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals so you can make the most of your NDIS funding. 

Reach out to our team today to find out how we can help you with your support coordination needs.