The duties of a Support Coordinator are varied. The activities they can assist you with will depend on your goals, needs and NDIS funding. Keep reading to find out more about the general duties of a support coordinator.
If you want to find out how to include support coordination in your plan and how to find a support coordinator, check out our previous post!
Help you understand your NDIS plan
If you’re new to the NDIS, understanding your plan can be a bit overwhelming. Your support coordinator will work with you so you can
- understand your support budgets
- how your funding is managed
- the evidence you may need to provide to access the help you need
For example, if you require support due to challenges to your mobility, your support coordinator can advice you to see an occupational therapist, who can then write a report of how this impacts your daily life.
Another example is, if you require high cost assistive technology (more than $15,000 per item), they can help you understand that in addition to a written assessment, you’ll also need to supply a quote to the NDIA.
If your budget is managed by the NDIA, this means you can only use providers who are NDIS registered. Your support coordinator should be able to explain this to you and assist you in finding providers that you can pay with your funding.
Plan and coordinate your NDIS supports
Depending on your needs and goals, you may require more than one provider to deliver your services and supports.
Your support coordinator can find the providers who can best meet your needs. They can also assist you with arranging a mix of services that will fit your schedule and your plan budget.
Connect you with your supports and services
Your support coordinator should be knowledgeable about the services in your local community. They can help you find not only NDIS services but community and government services that you can access.
Establish and maintain your supports
Your supports, such as home care services or physio appointments, will likely be an ongoing engagement. To protect yourself and ensure you get the services you need in time, your support coordinator can help you set up and understand your service agreements and service bookings.
They can also help you understand your provider’s cancellation policies and when they might charge you if you suddenly cancel.
On the other hand, your support coordinator can also help you decide what to do if the provider cancels or if you’re not satisfied with their service.
They will also check with you periodically to see how your current mix of supports is working for you, or if changes can be made.
Build your capacity
Working alongside your support coordinator can help enhance your ability to manage your own plan. They can teach you how to use the NDIS portal, arrange appointments and be more confident in communicating your needs.
You have choice and control, so your support coordinator should not make decisions for you. They are there to support you to make your own choices and decide how you prefer your supports to be delivered.
Help you in times of crises or when issues arise
The best response to disruptions is to prepare for them. Your support coordinator can assist you in creating a plan that can help you take action in unexpected situations.
There are a number of crisis services available, e.g. within the justice or family protection systems, and your support coordinator can help you connect with them, where appropriate.
Afea Support Coordination
Remember that your support coordinator is your ally and should act in your best interest. If you have concerns with the quality of your support coordination services or feel unsafe in any way, you should contact the NDIS Commission.
Our team of support coordinators are friendly, dependable and are experts in finding the best providers suited to your needs. If you want to know more, reach out to our team of experts by calling 1300 65 11 33 or filling out our form.
