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Writer's pictureFirst2Care Team

Top Tips on Working with your Support Coordinator

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.

Two cheerful young women smiling while using a laptop together.
Two cheerful young women smiling while using a laptop together.

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:

  1. Level 1: Support Connection

  2. Level 2: Coordination of Supports

  3. 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.

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