The NDIS Support Coordination Benefits

June 14, 2021

When deciding how to manage your NDIS plan funding, it can be overwhelming to weigh up the options available to you.

In this blog we will focus on one of the NDIS Capacity Building Supports that may be available to you, NDIS Support Coordination. Support Coordination is facilitated by a Support Coordinator, whose primary role is to ensure your plan is properly put into place, link you to community and other supports to help you live more independently

Keep reading to find out what Support Coordination is, the role of a Support Coordinator, common NDIS Support Coordinator Qualifications, and how to receive this type of funding.  

What is NDIS Support Coordination? 

Support Coordination is designed to help connect you with service providers and manage ongoing provider relationships. 

There are three levels of support coordination that can be included in your plan: 

• Support connection. A short-term type of support coordination that is designed to help connect you with service providers, ensuring you get the most out of your plan to pursue your goals. 
• Support coordination. Also referred to as coordination of supports, this support helps you to build the skills you need to understand, implement and use your plan. A support coordinator will work closely with you to ensure you have a range of supports to increase your capacity to manage service delivery tasks and maintain relationships.
• Specialist support coordination. Designed for people with complex needs or difficult circumstances, this specialist type of support coordination assists participants that have barriers to accessing supports. 

Role of an NDIS Support Coordinator 

A Support Coordinator plays an important role for people of all abilities, complementing your life and putting your NDIS plan into action. From helping you connect with the right supports to resolving any issues with service providers, Support Coordinators assist across a few different aspects of your NDIS plan, helping build your confidence so you can exercise choice and control.

The NDIS breaks down a Support Coordinator’s role into the following:

• Connection. By connecting participants with service providers within the community, a Support Coordinator plays a critical role in the ongoing success of plan implementation. 
• Plan knowledge. Support Coordinators can help you navigate and understand your NDIS plan. They take the time to understand your needs so that they can make appropriate recommendations. 
• Provide choice. A Support Coordinator’s role is to show all available and practical options to you to ensure you have choice and remain in control of your supports. They will also provide their recommendations based on what options will be best for your individual circumstances. 
• Crisis resolution. If any issues were to arise with service providers, a Support Coordinator is there to help resolve them or act as a mediator if required. They can also end any provider relationships if the fit isn’t right. 
• Reflect and refine. Once you’ve settled into your plan, your Support Coordinator will work with you to reflect on your experiences to date and make any adjustments necessary (where possible) to ensure the ongoing success of your plan. 

What are the most common NDIS Support Coordinator Qualifications? 

NDIS Support Coordinator Qualifications are diverse due to the role’s varied and specialised nature. Support Coordinators will often have a background in allied health or certifications in disability support, welfare work or similar. Most NDIS Support Coordinators will have also completed a short NDIS Support Coordination course or obtained a disability certification. 

Most importantly, Support Coordinators are experts in the NDIS. At Disability Plan Services, we provide ongoing support to our employees to ensure they are always aware of the latest NDIS changes and can provide you with the best support. If you have a background in allied health and are interested in transitioning into support coordination, contact us today.  

How can I apply for funding? 

If you are navigating the NDIS for the first time or experienced a significant lifestyle change such as a change to your living circumstances, then you may be eligible for Support Coordination. in your plan. You can apply for this type of funding through the NDIS. 

Once you have received approval for this type of funding, you can choose a Support Coordinator through an NDIS Plan Management Provider, such as Disability Plan Services. 

At Disability Plan Services, all of our NDIS Support Coordinators are passionate about finding the right supports to help you achieve your goals. Our experienced team are real people who can help to find and negotiate with  providers, build your skills or manage challenges in your environment. Our NDIS Support Coordinators want to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, connecting you with local health professionals so that you can optimise your NDIS plan funds and achieve your goals.

If you’re looking for a Support Coordinator in South East Queensland, get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services today.