Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the process. This is where a Support Coordinator plays important role in helping you to make sense of – and make the most of – your plan.
At Mosaic Community Care, we understand the importance of having the right support to help you make the most of your NDIS plan. Part of that is understanding what support coordination is, and how it can help you on your NDIS journey.
What is a Support Coordinator?
Support coordination funding is designed to help NDIS participants understand and implement their NDIS plans. This sits under your Capacity Building budget.
At a general level, support coordination is exactly what it sounds like: Your support coordinator will work alongside you to connect with services, build your confidence, and ensure your supports are working as intended. They’re your advocate, guide, and NDIS expert all in one.
Benefits of Support Coordination Services
If you’re wondering whether you need support coordination, consider the benefits you may gain:
- Personalised support: Tailored assistance that aligns with your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
- Increased independence: Helps you gain greater independence and improve your ability to manage supports in the long run.
- Stress reduction: Takes the pressure off by helping you stay organised and get the most out of your funding.
- Crisis management: Provides support during unexpected or crisis situations, ensuring continuity of care.
Is Support Coordination included in my NDIS Plan?
Support Coordination is a Capacity Building support. To determine if you have this, look on your NDIS plan for a section that outlines your ‘Capacity Building’ funds. You can view your plan through the my NDIS mobile app, or the myplace online portal.
There are three levels of support coordination that may be funded by the NDIS in your plan:
Level 1: Support Connection
This level of support coordination is for participants who need assistance understanding their NDIS plan and connecting with basic services. It focuses on getting started and accessing essential support.
Level 2: Support Coordination
This level is for participants who need help building their capacity to manage their own supports and navigate the NDIS. It involves more in-depth support coordination to ensure a smooth transition to self-management.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
This level is for NDIS participants with high or complex needs (those with specific high level risks in their support environment), who require a specialist support coordinator to manage their plan and access services. It focuses on addressing complex situations and mitigating risks.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator
A support coordinator does much more than just organise appointments – they can also help you to understand the NDIS system, and ensure consistent service delivery. Their key responsibilities include:
- Helping you to understand your plan and use your funds effectively.
- Connecting you with services such as therapy, assistive technology, or community groups.
- Helping you to establish service agreements with support workers.
- Coordinating with you and your chosen NDIS support providers to ensure your supports are delivered smoothly.
- Helping you build capacity and encouraging you to take on more responsibility over time.
- Managing crises and navigating unexpected situations.
- Monitoring your progress and regularly checking in with you.
Support Coordination vs Plan Management
It’s important to note that support coordinators are not plan managers. While both can play a vital role, they serve different purposes and are funded separately.
A support coordinator helps you understand and implement your NDIS plan.
A plan manager assists with the financial aspects, such as managing your NDIS funds and paying providers.
Whether you have one, the other, or both depends on your specific support needs. If you don’t have support coordination in your plan currently and want to add it, you can contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Planner and request a review. Or, if you’re new to the system, you can request support coordination at your planning meeting.
Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
‘Psychosocial disability’ is an umbrella term for disability that may arise from a mental health condition. Beyond the diagnosis of a mental health condition, it’s about how the condition interacts with a person’s social environment and impacts their ability to function. For example, it can include things like reduced participation in the community and employment, or ability to keep up with day-to-day needs.
Psychosocial disability can fluctuate and affect people differently. Not everyone who has a mental health condition will also have a psychosocial disability.
Through Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, a person receives specialist support to find and access suitable mental health services, better understand the NDIS, and build capacity to increase their resilience. This can generally be funded under the same budget category as Support Coordination, within your Capacity Building budget.
Choosing the Right Support Coordinator for You
The right support coordinator will help ensure that your NDIS funded supports are used in the best way possible. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Experience and expertise: Look for a support coordinator with experience and expertise in working with NDIS participants.
- Personalised approach: Ensure they take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
- Communication skills: Good communication is key. Your support coordinator should be approachable and responsive.
- Reputation: Check reviews and ask for recommendations from other participants.
Finding Your Ideal Support Coordinator with Mosaic
Mosaic Community Care is a registered NDIS provider. We offer Level 2 Support Coordination, Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination, and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching.
Our approach to Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching is centred around you. Our priority is to get to know you first, so we can better help with your specific needs, challenges and goals.
By understanding your unique circumstances, and any service providers you currently utilise, we can collaboratively develop a tailored support plan within the first month. This plan will detail your goals and support preferences, ensuring that every aspect of your NDIS journey is aligned with your needs and aspirations.
If you’d like help finding a trusted support coordinator, or understanding if you’re eligible, we are here to help with friendly, professional advice. Why not contact our friendly team on 08 9314 8900 or enquire online today to get started on your NDIS journey.