Navigating National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding can be tricky. Support coordinators play a key role in helping participants make the most of their plans with peace of mind.
Support coordination, or coordination of supports as it’s often called, guides you to access the services included in your NDIS plan as efficiently and affordably as possible. It’s about tailoring and prioritising the right supports to fit your unique circumstances – all so that you can reach your goals and nurture independence.
Because of this, a support coordinator’s role is dynamic and adaptable.
Whether it’s finding and connecting you with the ideal providers or tweaking resources as your needs change, a support coordinator is there to help you build the skills and confidence to eventually manage these supports on your own.
At Hunter Care Group, our NDIS-registered support coordinators are deeply committed to performing this vital role, which we explain in this article.
Read on to discover the role of a support coordinator under the NDIS, the three levels of support coordination available and their value in enhancing your quality of life.
What is the role of a support coordinator in the NDIS?
At its core, the role of a support coordinator in the NDIS is to help you understand, manage and optimise your plan.
Here to guide you through every step of the NDIS journey, we’ll explain your budget and offer recommendations on how to use it effectively to reach your goals. Then we’ll help you organise and coordinate the most suitable supports for your needs.
That includes connecting you with the right disability support services, helping establish and maintain these supports, and updating them as your needs evolve. We also assist with any issues that arise with service providers, communicating directly with the NDIS on your behalf.
From application to ongoing management, our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan is designed to build your capacity.
Therefore, a support coordinator’s role varies based on your specific needs and goals, but typically includes:
- Explaining your NDIS plan: We’ll help you fully grasp your plan and make the most of it.
- Customising your support network: Together, we’ll design and coordinate supports that align with your personal aspirations.
- Connecting you with the right resources: Whether it’s social activities, educational programs, job opportunities, or healthcare services, we’ll link you to the best options in your community.
- Collaborating with your circle of support: We work closely with your family, service providers, and other supports to ensure your care needs are met.
- Setting up essential procedures: From service agreements to bookings, we can help you handle the logistics.
- Tracking your progress: We regularly review your journey towards your goals, making sure your NDIS supports evolve with your needs.
- Overcoming barriers: Anticipating challenges, we develop invaluable strategies to help you access the support you need in the face of obstacles.
- Reporting to the NDIA: We keep the NDIA informed with detailed reports.
- Supporting your choice: We coordinate with you, your support workers, and your family to ensure you have control over your supports.
- Boosting your independence: We’re here to help you find the most effective ways to live more independently.
- Planning for the unexpected: Whether it’s a move, changes in family support, or an unexpected hospital visit, we help you navigate life’s surprises.
- Preventing and managing issues: We create proactive plans to help you avoid and resolve crisis situations.
- Preparing for reassessments: We assist in submitting requests and getting ready for plan reviews.
- Building your confidence: Our goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to manage your plan independently, always aligned with your goals.
How does the support coordination differ from plan management?
Support coordination and NDIS plan management are often confused, but they each play distinct roles in your NDIS journey. While both aim to ensure you get the most out of your plan, they focus on different aspects.
Plan management revolves around finances, guiding you through the complexities of managing your NDIS funds. It helps you understand your budget, ensure providers are paid, and boost your financial literacy so you can confidently handle your plan’s finances.
Meanwhile, the role of an NDIS support coordinator is to be your strategic partner, helping you to access the right supports. It’s not just about connecting you with services—it’s about empowering you to build the skills and confidence to eventually navigate your supports independently.
What are the three levels of support coordination?
There are three different levels of support coordination. Importantly, the level included in your NDIS plan will be designed to cater to your unique needs and situation.
Level 1: Support connection
For those with lower care requirements, Support Connection is a short-term service that helps you make sense of your NDIS plan, link up with the right service providers, and get the most out of your funding. It’s also your stepping stone to gaining the confidence and know-how to manage your NDIS plan independently.
Level 2: Coordination of supports
Coordination of Supports is a higher level of support that centres around empowerment. This level gives you the tools to understand and implement your NDIS plan effectively. Beyond just connecting you with services, it fosters your ability to nurture relationships, manage your daily supports, live more independently, and become an active part of your community.
Level 3: Specialist support coordination
At the pinnacle of support coordination is Specialist Support Coordination. This level is only available to those with very complex needs that demand the highest degree of support. A specialist support coordinator helps to manage these supports, ensuring you receive consistent service delivery and can overcome barriers along the way.
Why should NDIS participants consider coordination of supports?
The choices you make regarding support services can shape your entire NDIS experience.
That’s why having an experienced Support Coordinator by your side can be crucial in building your independence and achieving your goals.
Here’s how we can benefit NDIS participants:
Strong connections
A great support coordinator isn’t just a guide—they’re a connector. With deep industry expertise and a network of trusted local service providers, we help you access the most reliable resources to make your NDIS plan a success. We also focus on empowering you with the skills to build strong provider relationships and advocate for what you need.
NDIS expertise
The NDIS can feel like a labyrinth, especially when you’re new to it. That’s where we come in. We break down the complexities, providing you with clear, actionable insights into your NDIS plan. With our support, you’ll feel confident navigating your options and charting a course to reach both your short and long-term goals.
Support options
Your needs are unique, and your support options should be, too. We present you with a variety of tailored supports and service providers, offering expert recommendations that align with your specific circumstances.
But remember, the choice is always yours—our goal is to help you make informed decisions while keeping you in the driver’s seat of your NDIS plan.
Problem solving
Encounter a roadblock with a service provider? The role of a support coordinator in the NDIS is to help you resolve any issues you face. Whether it’s mediating a disagreement or finding an alternative provider that better suits your needs, we are dedicated to ensuring your NDIS journey stays on track.
Plan updates
Once your NDIS plan is underway, it’s important to keep it aligned with your evolving goals. We’ll help you monitor its impact, making adjustments as needed to ensure your supports remain effective and relevant. With our ongoing guidance, your plan will continue to adapt to your changing goals.
What makes a good support coordinator?
When choosing the right NDIS support coordinator, look for the following qualities:
- Proven expertise: They have solid experience and qualifications in disability care, ensuring they know the ropes and can navigate the system effectively.
- Genuine commitment: A great coordinator is genuinely invested in your success, driven by a passion to help you achieve your goals.
- Comprehensive knowledge: They possess a deep understanding of the NDIS and adhere strictly to its Code of Conduct. Beyond that, they’re well-versed in the wider disability services landscape, including available supports, funding options, and policies.
- Tailored support: They take the time to truly understand your objectives, adapt to your changing needs, and focus on what will work best for you.
- Empowerment: A good coordinator empowers you to take charge of your life, offering compassionate support as you work toward your goals and promoting your choice and control every step of the way.
- Flexibility: They help you access the right supports, build your capacity for independence, and adopt a flexible, person-centred approach to help you navigate and overcome any challenges that arise.
- Excellent communication: They excel at building rapport, actively listening, and communicating effectively with you, your family, and service providers.
Problem-solving skills: They are adept at identifying challenges, crafting practical solutions, and making decisions that align with your best interests.
At Hunter Care Group, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your goals with personalised and practical support coordination.
Ready to learn more? Get in touch with us for coordination of supports in Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and the Upper Hunter.
Getting support coordination funding in your NDIS plan
Support coordination is available to anyone who needs it and can be funded as part of your NDIS plan if it’s considered “reasonable and necessary.”
When included in your plan, support coordination falls under the Capacity Building budget—a dedicated pool of funds designed to help you make the most of your NDIS plan with the guidance of a support coordinator.
If your plan specifies a certain level of support coordination, you’ll be able to access only that level. However, if the plan doesn’t specify a level, you have the freedom to choose the level that best aligns with your needs.
To determine your eligibility for support coordination, it’s a good idea to speak with your NDIS provider. They’re familiar with your unique situation and can help assess whether this kind of support aligns with your NDIS goals.
Discover Coordination of Supports in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Now that you understand the role of a support coordinator under the NDIS, you may be ready to take the next step.
At Hunter Care Group, our NDIS support coordination team stands as one of the largest and most experienced in the Hunter region. With over 48 years of combined expertise and deep connections across local support services and government departments, we’ve been a trusted partner since the very beginning of the NDIS rollout.
Your dedicated Coordinator of Supports (COS) will be your guide, ensuring your NDIS journey is smooth, efficient, and focused on helping you reach your goals.
For personalised help from our Coordination of Supports in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, please call us at (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online. We are always here to help.