What is a support coordinator?

A disability support coordinator is a person who connects NDIS participants to organisations that provide support and services, including community, mainstream and government services. It’s such a helpful service, some NDIS clients are even allocated funding for support coordination. 

Your NDIS support coordinator will work alongside you to ensure you get the supports you need when you need them. They will help you to access services and find the right mix of activities to achieve the goals set in your NDIS Plan.

In a nutshell: A support coordinator can help you or your loved one to get the maximum value from the NDIS plan.

The top 7 benefits of a support coordinator

A specialist support coordinator can:

1. Talk you through the various aspects of your NDIS plan.

Make your plan work for you. A support coordinator can help you to understand your budget, how your NDIS funding is managed, and what you can and can’t claim.

2. Work alongside you to plan and coordinate goals, support and services.

Whatever your goals, needs and circumstances, a support coordinator can help you find suitable providers. They can talk with you about the various community, government and funded supports available to you. 

3. Connect you with support and service providers

Your support coordinator should know about NDIS, community and other government services near you. They’ll be able to connect you to the best services to help you pursue your goals.

4. Establish and maintain supports

If you need a helping hand to set up service agreements and bookings, an NDIS support coordinator can help with that. Once your bookings are in place, your support coordinator will be there to troubleshoot any issues. For example, they can help you make a backup plan in case one of your providers needs to cancel. They can also assist with finding new services or changing providers to ensure you continue getting the support you need.

5. Coach you towards independence

This is one of the best benefits of having a specialist support coordinator. You can work with your support coordinator to build your confidence and skills to have more say over your plan. Together, you can explore different ways to exercise choice and control and ensure you get the most out of your NDIS plan.

6. Help to prepare for NDIS reviews

You can talk to your support coordinator about what worked well for you, including any progress you have made towards your goals. They will also ask what you want to try, change or improve in your next plan.  

7. Prepare for the unexpected

If a crisis should occur, knowing you have a plan in place will be comforting. Your support coordinator can help you to develop an emergency plan and help you take action, should you need it.

Who qualifies for support coordination?

Not all NDIS clients are initially provided with funding for support coordination. However, every NDIS participant has the right to request it. If you would like to add support coordination to your plan (or that of a loved one), we advise you to raise this at your next NDIS planning meeting.

Finding a Support Coordinator

Choosing the right person to support you is a big decision. We’ve put together a guide on the skills and attributes you should be looking for.

When you’re ready, the ‘Provider Finder’ tool in the NDIS participant portal will allow you to find support coordination providers near you.

If you (or a loved one) are seeking an NDIS support coordinator, Focus Care may be able to help.

Focus Care is a registered NDIS provider, and we proudly provide NDIS services. Our specialised support coordinators will empower you to be independent by supporting you in taking control of your journey.

When it comes to your care, your choices are our focus. With a person-centred approach, we take the time to get to know you and understand your goals.

I love being a support coordinator and seeing participants become independent and empowered with managing their NDIS supports.

– James

Focus Care’s NDIS support coordinators have worked with participants throughout Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter region, Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast to get the maximum benefits from their NDIS plan. We would love to help you too.

Our friendly support team is always on-hand to have a chat about your needs. When you’re ready to talk, just reach out. 

We’re here to help.