NDIS Support Coordination Explained

The NDIS process can be overwhelming and confusing for many people. This is where support coordinators can make your life that little bit easier. A support coordinator will help you get the most out of the supports within your NDIS plan, such as our NDIS psychology for psychosocial support.

The goal of support coordination:

• Help you understand and utilise your NDIS plan to achieve your goals

• Connect you with NDIS providers, community resources, mainstream services and government programs

• Build your confidence and skills to help manage your plan independently

The 3 Levels of Support Coordination

Level 1: Support Coordination

This is support to help a participant “understand their plan, connect with NDIS providers and communities” as well as other supports to get the most out of their NDIS plan. This level should help grow the participant’s confidence and skills to manage their plan independently. 

Level 2: Coordination of Supports

This level is more comprehensive and provides a variety of supports to help participants build their capacity to “maintain relationships, manage tasks, live independently and be included in their community”. This should boost the participant’s confidence and skills to take charge of their lives, “not just their services”.

Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination

This is a higher level of support for participants with more complex situations who require specialist assistance. A specialist support coordinator will help navigate challenges in the participant’s support environment and ensure consistent service delivery. They have more advanced training and expertise in specific areas, including but not limited to, mental health, housing, around-the-clock care…

Where do you start?

Step 1: Check your Current NDIS Plan

A good starting point is to thoroughly review your current NDIS plan to understand what supports and services are included, and to identify areas where you need additional help or adjustments. You will want to look out for Capacity Building Supports budget. If you have Support Coordination listed, you should see a fixed amount for a Support Coordinator to help you use your plan.

Note: If you do not see Support Coordination under Capacity Building, you will need to do a plan reassessment. See here on preparing for your plan reassessment.

Step 2: Identify your Goals

Brainstorm what you want to achieve with your NDIS plan. Having clear goals will help your support coordinator tailor their assistance to your specific needs.

Step 3: Connect with a Support Coordinator

You have the option to choose either registered or unregistered support coordinator providers.

To find a registered support coordination provider, you can use the NDIS Provider Finder tool. Call or email a support coordinator you like to kick off the process.

Step 4: Develop a Plan of Action

Work with your chosen support coordinator to create a detailed plan of action, this is called a "service agreement". This plan should outline the steps you will take to reach your goals and the supports you will use along the way:

• what services will be available and provided by the support coordinator

• the roles and responsibilities of you and your support coordinator

• how to resolve any problems

• what happens if you or your support coordinator want to change or cancel your support coordination services.

You decide who has access to your plan. You should discuss with your support coordinator what information they will need to effectively support you.

Step 5: Review and Adjust

It's good to regularly review your plan with your support coordinator to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. You can make adjustments as needed to ensure you are getting the most out of your NDIS supports.

Working with your Support Coordinator

Once you have connected with a support coordinator, you and your support coordinator should meet to talk about the services that will be delivered. Support coordination can be delivered through in person meetings, over the phone or video based, depending on how you like to communicate.

Tips for Working Effectively with Support Coordinators

• Be Clear About Your Goals: In order for your support coordinator to properly assist you, be clear on what you want and what you want to achieve.

• Communicate Openly: Keeping an open line of communication is essential in building a good working relationship. Be sure to share any concerns you may have or changes in your situation.

• Stay Engaged: Be an active participant in the planning and decision-making process, your input is important to create an effective plan tailored to your needs.

• Ask Questions: There is no such thing as a stupid question. Make sure to ask as many questions as you can if you are unsure about anything, your support coordinator is there to help you understand.

• Be Patient: It takes time to build the right supports and achieving your goals. Be patient with the process and work closely with your support coordinator to make steady progress.

Working with a support coordinator can significantly enhance your experience with the NDIS. When you have someone who can help you access the right tools and understand different processes, you will be able to navigate the realm of the NDIS with confidence and clarity.

References:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/support-coordinators#what

https://astalty.com.au/articles/what-are-the-three-levels-of-support-coordination

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination/finding-support-coordinator

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/connecting-participants/service-agreements