A Support Coordinator is a professional dedicated to assisting you, the participant, in navigating the NDIS. They are available to address any questions related to the NDIS, including funding inquiries, provider recommendations, and clarifications regarding your plan.
It is essential to understand the distinction between a Support Coordinator (SC) and a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). An LAC is employed by an NDIS partner organization, such as Latrobe Community Health, and provides valuable assistance to anyone with an NDIS plan. In contrast, a Support Coordinator is a funded support service provided by the NDIS and works specifically for you. Typically, a Support Coordinator supports multiple participants who share the same local and geographical area, so they know the services in their area really well!!
Support Coordinators possess a variety of skills and attributes that uniquely qualify them to ensure you can access the supports you need while connecting you to appropriate services. They can also help clarify the terminology used within the NDIS, enabling you to better understand your plan.
A Support Coordinator usually has extensive knowledge of local support options, encompassing both mainstream services accessible to everyone and disability-specific supports exclusively available to NDIS participants. NDIS supports can be diverse, ranging from social day programs for skill development to community participation with suitable support workers or specific types of therapists.
There is a wide range of therapists available, and a knowledgeable Support Coordinator can help you understand the differences among them, guiding you on which therapist may be best suited to support your specific needs. For example, while emotional regulation might be a focus in therapy, each professional, such as a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or Psychologist, may approach the issue from a different perspective.
Your Support Coordinator is also available to assist with making changes to your NDIS plan, including advocating for you during the plan review process and modifying how your plan is managed (there are three different management options). Understanding the intricacies of NDIS plans, particularly regarding what constitutes "reasonable and necessary" funding versus everyday expenses that are not funded, can be challenging. With recent media attention and changes to the criteria, your Support Coordinator is your go-to resource for any clarifications. If they do not have an immediate answer, they will ensure they find the information you need.
It is crucial for a Support Coordinator to stay informed about any changes introduced by the NDIS, including funding increases and distinctions between what the NDIS will and will not fund. They will also monitor your budget on a monthly basis, ensuring that your funding statement from plan managers aligns with the drafted budget.
Reports are essential for demonstrating the progress you have made, as the NDIS relies on documentation from your therapist and Support Coordinator to assess the achievements you have made with the support you receive. One of the primary goals of your Support Coordinator is to advocate for you during the plan review process, participating in meetings to ensure all team members fulfill their responsibilities, which may include submitting reports, quotes, or recommendations.
In times of uncertainty and when you are unsure who to contact, your Support Coordinator can provide guidance or direct you to the appropriate resources to address various life challenges. This support may involve urgent requests for different support options or simply a need to discuss your current situation.
Ultimately, your Support Coordinator is dedicated to supporting you and building your confidence to empower you to advocate for yourself in the future.
Geronimo employs experienced Support Coordinators in Geelong and Melton, who are eager to assist you on your NDIS journey. If you would like to link in with a Geronimo Support Coordinator, please visit our referrals page and a member of the team will be in touch!
https://www.geronimo-ot.com.au/referral
Written by Benita Simons, Support Coordinator