Key Takeaways
- Support coordinators manage and organize your NDIS plan - they don't deliver hands-on care
- There are 3 levels: Support Connection (basic), Coordination of Supports (standard), Specialist Support Coordination (complex needs)
- Not all plans include support coordination funding - it depends on your needs
- You can find coordinators through the NDIS Provider Finder, LACs, or registered providers like The Well Team
What Does a Support Coordinator Do?
A support coordinator is your NDIS plan navigator. They help you understand your funding, connect with the right providers, and ensure you're getting the most out of your plan. Unlike support workers who provide hands-on care, coordinators work behind the scenes to organize and optimize your supports.
Core Responsibilities
Plan Interpretation
Helping you understand your NDIS plan, what's funded, and how to use it effectively
Provider Sourcing
Researching and connecting you with quality service providers that match your needs
Service Agreements
Assisting with setting up agreements between you and your chosen providers
Progress Monitoring
Tracking your goals and ensuring services are delivered as planned
Budget Management
Helping you manage your funding to last throughout your plan period
Plan Reviews
Preparing you for plan reviews and advocating for your needs
Support Coordinator vs Support Worker
| Aspect | Support Coordinator | Support Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Organizes and manages your NDIS plan | Delivers hands-on support and care |
| What They Do | Connects you with providers, monitors progress, manages budget | Assists with daily tasks, personal care, community access |
| Funding Category | Capacity Building - Support Coordination | Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life |
| Contact Frequency | Regular check-ins (weekly to monthly) | Scheduled shifts (daily to weekly) |
| Qualifications | NDIS registration, coordination experience | Support work training, disability experience |
When is Support Coordination Included in Your Plan?
Support coordination isn't automatically included in every NDIS plan. The NDIA considers whether you need this support based on:
- The complexity of your disability and support needs
- Whether you have informal supports (family) to help manage your plan
- Your experience with the NDIS and confidence in managing services
- The number and variety of services in your plan
Understanding the 3 Levels of Support Coordination
The NDIS offers three different levels of support coordination, each designed for different needs and circumstances.
Support Connection
Basic, Short-Term
Designed for participants who need minimal help getting started with their NDIS plan.
- Short-term assistance (usually 1-3 months)
- Helps you connect with providers initially
- Builds your confidence to manage independently
- Suitable for first-time participants with straightforward needs
Ideal for: New participants with simple plans who want to learn to self-manage
Coordination of Supports
Standard, Ongoing
The most common level, providing ongoing coordination throughout your plan period.
- Continuous support for your entire plan duration
- Regular monitoring of services and goals
- Helps manage multiple providers
- Assists with plan reviews and changes
Ideal for: Participants with multiple supports who need ongoing coordination help
Specialist Support Coordination
Complex, High-Risk
For participants with complex needs requiring specialist expertise and intensive support.
- Intensive, specialized coordination
- For high-risk situations or complex circumstances
- Addresses barriers like housing, health, or justice involvement
- Requires coordinators with specialist qualifications
Ideal for: Participants with complex needs, multiple life challenges, or high-risk situations
Where to Find Support Coordinators
Finding the right support coordinator takes some research. Here are the main ways to discover coordinators in your area:
NDIS Provider Finder
The official NDIS website has a searchable database of registered providers. You can filter by service type, location, and specialty.
Visit WebsiteLocal Area Coordinators (LACs)
LACs can recommend support coordinators in your area and help you understand your options. They have local knowledge of available providers.
Registered Providers Like The Well Team
NDIS registered providers with proven track records offer reliable coordination services with quality assurance and accountability.
Learn MoreRegional & Remote Options
If you live in a regional or remote area, you may have access to coordinators who work via phone and video calls. Some providers specialize in remote coordination, ensuring distance doesn't limit your access to quality support.
Registered vs Unregistered
NDIS-managed participants must use registered providers. Plan-managed participants can choose unregistered coordinators, but registered providers offer quality assurance and NDIS oversight for added peace of mind.
What to Look For in a Coordinator
Not all coordinators are the same. Here are the key qualities to consider when making your choice:
Experience with Your Disability Type
Look for coordinators who understand your specific disability and have helped similar participants
Communication Style
Choose someone whose communication approach matches your preferences - phone, email, in-person, or text
Availability & Responsiveness
Ensure they can respond to your needs promptly and are available during times that work for you
NDIS Registration Status
Registered providers must meet quality standards, though some plan-managed participants choose unregistered providers
Track Record
Ask about their experience, success stories, and how they measure participant outcomes
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
When you're meeting with potential support coordinators, use these questions to help evaluate if they're the right fit:
- 1How many NDIS participants do you currently support?
- 2What experience do you have with my specific disability or situation?
- 3How often will we meet or check in?
- 4What happens if I'm not happy with a service provider you recommend?
- 5How do you help participants prepare for plan reviews?
- 6What's your process for responding to urgent issues?
- 7Are you a registered or unregistered provider?
- 8Can you provide references from current or past participants?
How The Well Team Can Help
Our experienced support coordinators are here to guide you through every step of your NDIS journey. We take the time to understand your goals and connect you with the right supports.
Or call us directly: (02) 9160 0299
Frequently Asked Questions
No, support coordination is optional. Many participants successfully self-manage their plans. However, if your plan includes support coordination funding, it means the NDIS assessed you would benefit from this support. You can choose not to use it, but the funding is there if you need help navigating your plan.
Yes, absolutely. You can change your support coordinator at any time if you're not satisfied with their service. Simply notify your current coordinator that you'd like to end the arrangement, and reach out to a new coordinator. There's no penalty for changing, and a good coordinator will support a smooth handover.
Support coordination is funded through your NDIS plan if you've been assessed as needing it. The hourly rates are set by the NDIS Price Guide (currently around $65-$100 depending on the level). You don't pay out of pocket - it comes from your Capacity Building budget.
Support coordinators help you implement your plan, find providers, and achieve your goals. Plan managers handle the financial side - paying invoices, tracking budgets, and processing claims. They're different services that work well together but serve distinct purposes.
Generally no. The NDIS requires support coordinators to be independent and avoid conflicts of interest. Family members cannot be paid support coordinators for their relatives. However, family can still be involved in meetings and decisions - they just can't be the paid coordinator.