How to register as a support coordinator
Becoming a registered NDIS support coordinator offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of people within the disability community. Yet, the path to becoming a support coordinator can be complex, albeit highly rewarding.
To register as a support coordinator with the NDIS you will need to gain relevant qualifications, a police check, a working-with-children check, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check. When you apply for certification you will need to complete an audit of your business against the NDIS Practice Standards.
As a support coordinator you’ll have the privilege of being a trusted ally and advocate for NDIS participants, guiding them through the complexities of the system, and helping them access the support they need to live fulfilling lives. Given the weight of this responsibility, obtaining NDIS certification solidifies your credibility, demonstrating your commitment to upholding professional standards and ensuring the highest quality of care for those you serve.
Do Support Coordinators Need to Be NDIS-Registered?
As a support coordinator, you do not actually need to be NDIS-registered, but if you choose not to register it does limit what you can do and the participants you can work with. Even if you choose not to become NDIS certified, all support coordinators in the field must follow the NDIS code of conduct.
An unregistered support coordinator can only work with participants who are self-managing their plans. Albeit there are some advantages if you choose not to register – you will likely have a quicker and easier time starting up with fewer costs going towards licensing and auditing fees. You may also choose to offer more competitive prices for your clients as you wouldn’t have to be compliant with the NDIS price guide.
Becoming a registered NDIS support coordinator entails meeting not only the NDIS code of conduct but also the quality standards outlined in the NDIS practice standards. While this may initially seem daunting, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Here are some advantages of being an NDIS registered support coordinator:
- By registering, you gain the ability to work with a larger number of participants, broadening your impact within the disability community.
- Access to NDIA-managed participants, providing opportunities to support a diverse range of participants with varying needs.
- Your registration ensures your visibility on the NDIS Provider Finder, making it easier for participants to locate and engage your services.
- Holding the NDIS stamp of approval enhances your credibility and instils trust and confidence in your clients.
- Being registered facilitates quicker and smoother payments and cash flow through the NDIS portal, ensuring financial stability for your services.
- Registration opens up avenues for branding opportunities and relationship building, allowing you to strengthen your presence and connections within the disability support sector.
How to register as a support coordinator with the NDIS
If you choose to become an NDIS-registered support coordinator, you will need to register with the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission and abide by their best practices. The registration process includes the following steps:
1. Meet eligibility criteria
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the NDIS. This includes having any of the relevant qualifications for your area, experience and meeting regulatory requirements. Although there are no specific qualifications, it is highly beneficial to have a vocational qualification or a Bachelor’s degree in an allied health field.
Ideally, a course that resonates with the area of support you want to work in would be best. This may include qualifications in disability services, social work, community welfare, counselling, mental health or psychology.
2. Submit required documentation
As part of the registration process, you will need to submit various documents. Before applying, prepare the prerequisite information and checks, including:
- Your registered Australian Business Number or proof of not-for-profit status;
- A police check, which you can obtain through your state or territory’s police force;
- A working-with-children check, which you can apply for through your state or territory’s government service department, and;
- An NDIS Worker Screening Check to prove you can safely work with people living with disabilities.
3. Complete the registration process
After you have all of these completed you can apply for registration on the Provider Digital Access Page. You will need to complete the Initial Scope of Audit, which is a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards. The questions in this audit relate to the services you will be providing and the participants you will be supporting.
Once the audit is complete, the NDIA will give you a quote for fees you must pay based on your answers. The amount can vary significantly depending on the support needs of your participants, the number of people you employ and the services you provide but is likely to fall between $7,500 and $10,000 AUD.
4. Verification vs Certification
There are two pathways to becoming registered with the NDIS: Verification and Certification.
Verification audits are suitable for supports with lower complexity and minimal risk, while certification is for more complex supports, assessing an organisation’s operational and governance processes.
If you intend to provide support coordination, you’d be much better equipped with the certification audit. This process involves two stages:
- Stage 1 – an off-site audit of your policies and procedures.
- Stage 2 – reviewing records and participant files, conducting staff and participant interviews, and ensuring compliance with the NDIS standards. All of this is conducted on-site.
What qualifications do I need to be a support coordinator in Australia?
To work as a support coordinator in Australia, there are typically no specific mandatory qualifications mandated by the NDIS. However, having relevant qualifications and experience in fields such as disability services, social work, psychology, counselling or allied health can be advantageous.
Some employers or organisations may require their support coordinators to hold relevant tertiary qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree or vocational certificate in disability services or related fields.
As a support coordinator, it’s important to get to know the NDIS framework, its policies, and procedures intimately. You’ll also need to possess strong communication skills, problem-solving, organisational, and interpersonal skills to effectively support your NDIS participants.
How can Maple help with NDIS registration as a support coordinator?
At Maple, we offer comprehensive assistance for support coordinators navigating the process of NDIS registration. Our expert team can guide you in understanding the requirements and steps involved, from initial consultations to assistance with documentation.
Additionally, we offer ongoing support and resources to help you maintain compliance with NDIS standards and deliver high quality services to participants. Reach out today to find out more about our support services.
