Whether you’re new to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or an existing participant, the scheme can seem complex – so it’s only right that we need someone in our corner, helping us out. In the NDIS, support coordinators fill this role perfectly.
But the truth is that everyone’s needs are different, and you might need more help than others. In this instance, the NDIS might fund you a Specialist Support Coordinator, who have greater knowledge of the scheme and how you can achieve your goals.
In this article, we’ll explore when you might need a Specialist Support Coordination and how they can help you make informed decisions about your Plan. Support coordination is an invaluable service that helps NDIS participants access the support they need.
What is Specialist Support Coordination?
Specialist Support Coordination is the top level of support coordination. Funded through a NDIS Plan, it’s typically for participants with more complex needs; as such, the support that’s provided is more in-depth compared to traditional support coordination.
When Do You Need Specialist Support Coordination?
As discussed, one of the main reasons you’d receive Specialist Support Coordination is because of Complex Needs. This could include physical, mental health, or behavioural needs. This level of support coordination is therefore designed to help manage multiple and complex supports.
Sometimes, despite our best-laid plans, we’re also met with crises. Thankfully, Specialist Support Coordinators are perfect for Crisis Situations. If you find yourself in a crisis, specialist support coordination can help you quickly and effectively – to get you the support you desperately need and then to hopefully avoid a future crisis.
Transitioning from Other Systems brings with it its own challenges. In these instances, participants transitioning from other support systems, such as the justice or mental health systems, may need extra support – the type of support that Specialist Support Coordination expertly provides. This can help you get onto the NDIS from those other support systems.
We don’t all have informal supports (family, friends, etc.) to help us navigate the NDIS. As such, a lack of Informal Support is a good reason to access Specialist Support Coordination, to help you build and manage your support networks effectively. No one deserves to do it alone.
Why is Specialist Support Coordination Important?
Specialist Support Coordinators are trained experts in complex case management, with experiences that ensure they can best support you in navigating challenging situations.
These coordinators develop detailed and personalised support plans that take into account your needs and goals. This might include something a simple as making better connections within your local community.
Thankfully, Specialist Support Coordinators know their local services and providers, so that they can take your goal and find the right support within your area.
Specialist Support Coordination also build the participant’s capacity to manage their own supports over time, including developing skills and confidence to navigate the NDIS.
How Do You Access Specialist Support Coordination?
To access Specialist Support Coordination, you need it funded within your NDIS plan. During your planning meeting or reassessment, talk to your NDIS Planner about why you need this service.
What Can a Specialist Support Coordinator Help You With?
- Connect you with services: A specialist support coordinator connects you with appropriate services, specific to your needs.
- Help you manage a crisis: In the event of a crisis, a specialist support coordinator can give you immediate support and help you mitigate risks in the future.
- Monitor and review your NDIS Plan: A specialist support coordinator continuously monitors your progress over the course of your Plan and helps you adjust where needed. This can then be used to help you at NDIS Plan Reassessments.
FAQs About Specialist Support Coordination
What is the difference between Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination? Support Coordination helps participants understand and implement their NDIS plan, while Specialist Support Coordination is for participants with more complex needs who require extra support and expertise.
How do I know if I need Specialist Support Coordination? If you have complex needs, are in a crisis, lack informal support, or are transitioning from another system (just like we discussed above), you may benefit from Specialist Support Coordination.
Can I change to Specialist Support Coordination? Yes, if your needs change and you require more support, you can request a review of your NDIS plan (often called a change of circumstances) to include Specialist Support Coordination.
What qualifications do Specialist Support Coordinators have? Specialist Support Coordinators have extensive experience and qualifications in disability services, social work, social services, or something similar.
Conclusion
Specialist Support Coordination is great for NDIS participants with complex needs, providing tailored support to help them achieve their goals. By understanding when and why you might need Specialist Support Coordination, you can decide whether you need that level of support.