This article will explain the role and benefits of support coordinators, and how to know if you have support coordination funding in your NDIS plan:
- What is NDIS support coordination?
- What is the role of support coordinators?
- Benefits of support coordination
- How do I know if I have funding for a support coordinator?
- Support coordination services at AHP
What is NDIS support coordination?
NDIS support coordination is about plan management, accessing supports, and helping to allocate a participant’s funding to the right services. There are three different levels of support coordination that can be included in your NDIS plan.
Level 1: Support Connection
Short-term support to help a participant better understand their plan, connect with service providers and local community, mainstream, and other supports to get the most out of their NDIS plan.
Level 2: Coordination of Supports
Support to organise a mix of capacity building support and services to increase a participant’s ability to maintain relationships, manage tasks, live more independently, and be more involved in their community.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
The highest level of support coordination, used for participants whose situations are more complex and require specialist support. A specialist support coordinator will help participants to manage challenges in their environment and ensure consistent delivery of service.
What is the role of support coordinators?
NDIS support coordinators play an important role in the lives of people of all abilities to assist them with plan funding and any complex issues through their skills and knowledge of the NDIS. A good support coordinator works with you to determine your NDIS goals, and develop and implement an action plan for how to achieve them. A support coordinator’s role is to help manage and maximise your funded supports. This can be done a number of different ways including understanding your plan, selecting different providers, and connecting with other services.
According to the NDIS, your support coordinator is generally responsible for activities such as:
- Helping you understanding your NDIS plan.
- Planning and coordination of your supports.
- Connecting you with supports and services.
- Establishing and maintaining your supports.
- Coaching, refining, and reflection.
- Reporting to the NDIA.
- Capacity building for independence.
- Preparation for unexpected events.
- Crisis situation resolution.
- Acting in your best interest.
Benefits of support coordination
- Better understanding of your NDIS plan.
- Less stress and more time to focus on your goals.
- Connect with providers, mainstream, government, and community services.
- Increased independence and confidence to exercise choice, use, and coordinate your supports.
- Ongoing support for you, your family, and/or carers to help manage your plan and get the most out of your funding.
- Assistance with finding, negotiating, and managing service agreements with both short and long-term allied health service providers.
- Preparation for your NDIS plan review
How do I know if I have funding for a support coordinator?
The NDIS determines support coordination funding based on what is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ to pursue your goals. In addition to this, they will also take into account support provided by family, friends, and other community and government services. Support coordination funds are included in the Capacity Building budget. This is a fixed amount for a support coordinator to help you use your plan.
If your NDIS plan states the level of support coordination funded, you can only purchase that level of support coordination. However, if your plan does not describe the level of support coordination you are eligible to receive funding for, you can choose to purchase the level of support coordination that best meets your needs.
If you do not have funding for support coordination included in your plan, or are looking to change your current level of funding, your Local Area Coordinator can assist with this.
Support coordination services at AHP
AHP now offer individualised goal focused support for NDIS participants of all abilities.
Our experienced support coordinators will work collaboratively with you to connect you with the right service providers and necessary supports for your circumstance. Whether you need help to address complex or challenging situations, or assistance participating in daily life, our support coordinators are there for you.
AHP support coordinators can:
- Put you in touch with formal and informal supports aligned with your specific needs – it’s all about YOU when it comes to support coordination.
- Help you navigate your NDIS plan to ensure you unlock its full potential.
- Connect with providers and supports that help you to reach your goals.
- Check in with you regarding your chosen providers to ensure they are working for you.
- Support you with anything unexpected that might occur throughout the process.
Contact our team 1800 247 342 or complete our referral form to learn more about AHP’s support coordination services.
