Support coordination, in everyday language

What the role is there to help with

Support coordination helps you turn your NDIS plan into support arrangements you can use. A coordinator can explain options and help organise connections. The aim is to strengthen your own ability to direct your support. It is useful to ask what that will mean in practice, rather than relying only on the name of the service.

For example, you might ask for help preparing questions for a provider. You could decide to make the call yourself while the coordinator helps you prepare, or ask for more assistance with the conversation. The amount and type of help should be discussed in light of your needs, preferences and funded support.

Know which level your plan includes

The NDIS describes three levels: Level 1 support connection, Level 2 support coordination and Level 3 specialist support coordination. Level 2 helps organise supports and build skills for everyday life and community participation. Level 3 addresses more complex support situations. It needs to be specifically included in your plan.

Look at the wording in your plan and write down anything you do not understand. Ask your my NDIS contact to clarify the funded level if necessary. A website quiz, provider conversation or referral cannot approve a different level of funding.

Keep the different roles clear

A support coordinator and a plan manager have different jobs. A plan manager handles financial administration, such as paying provider invoices and helping monitor budgets. A coordinator works on support connections and arrangements. Psychosocial recovery coaching is another role, with a particular focus on people with psychosocial disability.

If several people are involved, try drawing a simple list with each person’s name, role and preferred contact details. Next to each role, write one example of something you would ask them about. This can give you a useful reference when an invoice, appointment or support question comes up.

• Who should I contact about arranging a support?
• Who can explain an invoice or funding statement?
• Who should I contact if my circumstances change?
• What do I do if the person I usually contact is unavailable?

Check whether the support is useful to you

You can prepare for a review conversation by noting what has become easier and what is still difficult. Keep examples specific: an unanswered question, a booking you now make yourself, or a support arrangement that is hard to follow. These observations can help guide a discussion about next steps.

Ask your coordinator to explain their proposed priorities in language you understand. You might agree to focus on one task at a time and check in after it is tried. A useful arrangement should make clear what you are working on, who is doing each task and how you can ask for changes.