What Does a Support Coordinator Do?

 

Many participants who have a Support Coordinator in their NDIS Plan do so because they don’t have an informal support network who could help them navigate the system. They may also have complexities that need to be managed, like multiple providers and interfaces.

A Support Coordinator is an NDIS registered provider who must comply with the NDIS code of conduct and quality standards. This article will look at some of the key characteristics that a good support coordinator should have.

They’re experienced with the NDIS

A great support coordinator ndis will have deep knowledge of the NDIS, its processes and the available services. They will also be familiar with services in your local area. This means they can help you find the best NDIS funded, community or mainstream supports to achieve your goals and manage your plan.

They will help you choose the right services and providers, negotiate with them, set up service agreements, service bookings and work with you to make sure your needs are met and you get what you need from your NDIS plan. They’ll also be flexible to accommodate unforeseen challenges and changes.

A good support coordinator will understand the importance of choice and will encourage you to try different options to see what works best. They’ll be able to explain these different options clearly and help you make an informed decision about the right supports for you. They will also ensure you are aware of any risks or safety concerns with your supports and services.

They’re interested in your wellbeing

A good support worker ndis Coordinator will have your best interests at heart and genuinely care about helping you achieve your goals. They’ll take the time to learn about you and understand what your goals are before recommending any services. They’ll also help you to understand the NDIS and what your options are for accessing supports.

They’ll have extensive knowledge of disability and community sectors services in your area – especially the quality ones. They’ll also work with you and your family to ensure everyone is on the same page.

They’ll also have checks in place to avoid recommending their own services or those that are funded by their employer. This ensures that they can connect you with a wide range of quality supports that will suit your needs. They can even help you to find new supports that weren’t in your original plan. This is because they’re always looking for ways to give you the best bang for your buck.

They’re a good listener

The job can be emotionally charged at times, so it’s important for Coordinators to listen carefully and be attentive. They should also ask questions to understand the situation and figure out how they can help. This helps them to make a more informed decision about what support is best for their participant.

A good Coordinator will focus on the outcomes outlined in the participant’s plan and how they can work together towards those goals. They should always be transparent with their participants about what they can and cannot do and the checks and balances that are in place to ensure their recommendations are unbiased.

They should be able to explain how they will use their limited hours to optimise the plan and support their participants develop their own networks and skills. This way, participants are able to use their Plan Review hours efficiently and get the most out of their investment in their Support Coordination.

They’re organised

Depending on how much time you spend with your support coordinator, it’s important that they’re organised. They should have a good understanding of the ndis provider Adelaide expectations and what they can and cannot do. They should also have an extensive knowledge of disability and community sector services in the area they operate.

As the role of Support Coordinator is still new, some participants are unclear about what they can and cannot expect from their providers. A good Support Coordinator should take the time at the beginning of a Plan to honestly discuss what they can realistically achieve within their funding allocation. This helps participants set their expectations and allows them to work collaboratively with their Coordinator to develop personalised strategies. Ideally, your Coordinator will not be working for an organisation that also provides direct support as it is against the NDIS code of conduct. However, if they do, make sure there are checks and balances in place to prevent them from recommending their own services over others.