Although the NDIS offers participants choice and control over their supports, sometimes it can be beneficial to have a little extra support to ensure you’re making informed decisions. Having a support coordinator as part of your support team can make a huge difference to your NDIS journey.
Tip #1 Understanding the role of your Support Coordinator
Support coordination is a capacity building service that can help you to better manage your NDIS supports. If you are approved for support coordination, the NDIA will assign one of the following three levels depending on your circumstances:
Level 1: Support Connection
Level 2: Coordination of Supports
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
The level of support included in your plan may change some of the roles and responsibilities of your support coordinator. However, some typical roles include:
Help understanding your NDIS plan
Planning and coordinating supports
Connecting you with supports and services
Establishing and maintaining your supports
Coaching your capacity building for independence
Reporting to the NDIA
Preparing for unexpected events and crisis situations
Acting in your best interests
It’s important to note that while a support coordinator can help with all of the above, it is not their role to make decisions for you. They can present you with information and help you make informed decisions.
Tip #2 Use their knowledge to pursue your goals
Working with support coordinators gives you the benefit of their knowledge and experience. They can help you to better understand the ins and outs of your plan, find the best providers to suit your needs and goals and help you make more informed decisions. Having someone who knows how the NDIS works and who understands your specific support needs and goals can make a huge difference in your NDIS journey.
Tip #3 Knowing when to refer to your SC or someone else
Although support coordinators do a lot to help NDIS participants manage their plan, there are other support people that may be better suited to assist depending on the situation. One common example is support coordinators vs. plan managers.
If you have a support coordinator and a plan manager as part of your NDIS plan, you’re probably aware that both can help you with the management and implementation of your NDIS plan. However, sometimes there can be confusion around the difference in the roles that a support coordinator and plan manager plays in your NDIS journey.
While both work closely with participants to ensure they receive the support they need and to help manage NDIS plans, a plan manager focuses on the financial and administrative aspects of a plan, whereas a support coordinator focuses more on helping participants access their supports.
Tip #4 Learn or improve your capacity building skills
Support coordinators can be a great tool to help you build your confidence and skills to better manage and implement your plan yourself. They can show you how to:
Use NDIS systems and processes
Set up your supports and negotiate with providers
Evaluate your current supports
Change the way your supports are delivered
Track your plan and goals
Exercise your choice and control
Communicate your needs
Create opportunities within the community
Get the most out of your NDIS plan
Your support coordinator should always provide information to you in your preferred language and method of communication to help you make decisions about your supports.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.