With the complexity of the NDIS and the variety of services available, a support coordinator can help individuals get the most from their NDIS plans.
Support coordination is an essential service under the NDIS that empowers participants to access the right support for their needs.
Whether you're new to the NDIS or looking for guidance on your current plan, understanding the roles and services of different support coordinators is key to a successful NDIS journey. Let’s explore what support coordination involves and the types of coordinators available to help you achieve your goals.
Support Coordination helps connect participants to services and supports aligned with their needs and goals. Clickability offers a range of support coordination options tailored to individual NDIS requirements.
What is NDIS Support Coordination?
Support coordination refers to a set of services that assist NDIS participants in implementing and managing their NDIS plans. It ensures that individuals are connected to a broad range of supports, including funded services, community resources, and informal assistance from family and friends. Support coordinators work closely with participants to help them understand, organize, and maximize their NDIS plans.
Support Coordinator: Works with participants to arrange and coordinate services, keeping their goals, support needs, and funding levels in mind.
Local Area Coordinator (LAC): May assist in planning but is typically not as involved in ongoing support as a dedicated support coordinator.
Types of Support Coordination
NDIS offers three levels of support coordination, each catering to different participant needs:
Support Connection: This entry-level service focuses on helping participants connect with local services. Support Connection is typically short-term and involves guidance in navigating and understanding the NDIS system, with the goal of building independence.
Support Coordination: At this level, participants receive more in-depth assistance with setting up their services. A support coordinator will work to ensure services align with the participant’s goals, track their budget, and manage their plan. This level of support coordination is ongoing and is particularly helpful for individuals who need consistent guidance.
Specialist Support Coordination: Intended for participants with complex needs, Specialist Support Coordination offers intensive support to those who require a high level of assistance. These coordinators are often experienced in crisis management and complex service arrangements, providing targeted support for people with multifaceted health or disability needs.
Comprehensive List of Services Provided by Support Coordinators
Support coordinators perform a wide variety of tasks, all aimed at helping participants achieve greater independence and plan effectiveness. Here’s a list of services that are commonly provided:
Establishing Support Networks: Support coordinators help connect participants with local providers, community resources, and other relevant support networks.
Managing NDIS Funding: Coordinators assist in budget planning to ensure funding is allocated to the right services. This includes tracking expenses to stay within the allocated funding limits.
Capacity Building for Independence: A key goal of support coordination is to help participants become more independent. Coordinators support them in developing skills for daily living and making decisions about their supports.
Support for Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs: For participants with mental health conditions, support coordinators can provide access to psychosocial recovery coaches and other mental health services.
Crisis Support: Specialist support coordinators, in particular, help manage crises, creating and implementing emergency plans.
Why Choose a Specialist Support Coordinator?
Specialist support coordinators are trained to provide intensive, hands-on support for participants with complex health needs or difficult personal circumstances. These professionals often have experience in crisis management and working with individuals with significant disabilities. They play a vital role in:
Developing Complex Support Plans: Addressing multiple service needs in a coordinated approach.
Navigating Medical and Disability Services: Assisting with complex networks of healthcare providers.
Handling Crisis Situations: Helping participants through unexpected or urgent situations with quick action and access to necessary support.
Did You Know? Approximately 20% of NDIS participants have complex support needs that are better served by specialist support coordinators.
The Process of Working with a Support Coordinator
Support coordinators engage in a structured process to provide ongoing support to NDIS participants. Here’s an overview:
Initial Assessment and Planning: The coordinator meets with the participant to understand their goals and funding. Together, they draft a plan that aligns with the participant's needs.
Service Agreement Setup: Coordinators help participants establish agreements with their service providers to ensure clear expectations and consistent support.
Regular Check-ins and Plan Reviews: Support coordinators monitor progress and assist participants in preparing for their regular NDIS plan reviews, adjusting goals and services as needed.
Choosing the Right Support Coordinator for Your Needs
When selecting a support coordinator, it’s essential to consider the following:
Experience with Specific Disabilities: If a participant has unique needs, such as psychosocial or mental health requirements, a coordinator with expertise in that area can be particularly beneficial.
Availability: A coordinator with a manageable client load can be more responsive, which is helpful in managing time-sensitive needs.
Alignment of Values: Look for coordinators who align with your goals, values, and preferences for collaboration and communication.
Tip: For a list of rated-and-reviewed support coordinators, check out Clickability’s directory. They can help you find your perfect support coordinator.
Support coordination is a vital part of the NDIS that empowers participants to navigate the complexities of disability support, build independence, and achieve their goals. By understanding the different levels and types of services available, participants can make informed decisions that enhance their quality of life and maximize the benefits of their NDIS plans.
