When navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), families and participants often encounter two key roles: the support worker and the support coordinator. While both are vital to achieving participant goals, their roles, responsibilities, and impact are very different. Understanding these differences is essential to make the most of your NDIS plan.
In this guide, we’ll break down the responsibilities of each, highlight how they complement each other, and help you decide which role is right for your needs.
What Is an NDIS Support Worker?
An NDIS support worker provides direct, hands-on assistance to participants. Their focus is on day-to-day support, helping participants live independently, engage socially, and achieve their personal goals.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Worker
- Personal care: Assisting with grooming, dressing, or eating.
- Daily tasks: Cooking, cleaning, or shopping.
- Community access: Supporting participants to attend appointments, social events, or leisure activities.
- Social support: Building confidence, companionship, and engagement with others.
- Therapy assistance: Helping implement therapy routines designed by allied health professionals.
In short: Support workers are the people who are “on the ground,” providing practical and emotional support directly to participants.
What Is a Support Coordinator?
A support coordinator helps participants navigate the NDIS system and get the most out of their funding. They don’t provide direct personal care. Instead, they act as guides, organisers, and advocates within the NDIS framework.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator
- Plan implementation: Helping participants understand and use their NDIS funding.
- Service connections: Linking participants with the right providers (support workers, allied health professionals, community services).
- Capacity building: Teaching participants how to manage their own supports over time.
- Problem-solving: Addressing barriers to service delivery.
- Reporting: Providing progress updates and evidence for NDIS plan reviews.
In short: Support coordinators are planners and organisers who ensure participants’ needs are met through the right mix of services.
Support Worker vs Support Coordinator: The Key Differences
| Aspect | Support Worker | Support Coordinator |
| Focus | Day-to-day personal and practical support | Strategic planning and NDIS plan management |
| Interaction | Direct, daily or weekly contact with participants | Regular but less frequent, often administrative |
| Skills | Personal care, community engagement, therapy help | NDIS knowledge, organisation, advocacy |
| Funding Category | Core Supports | Capacity Building – Support Coordination |
| Outcome | Independence, social participation, daily living | Access to the right services, long-term success |
Do Participants Need Both?
In many cases, yes. Here’s why:
- A support worker ensures the participant’s daily needs are met.
- A support coordinator ensures the participant’s NDIS plan is managed effectively and connects them with the right services.
Together, they form a team that supports both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Benefits of Knowing the Difference
By understanding the distinction, families can:
- Use NDIS funding more effectively.
- Avoid confusion when selecting services.
- Build a strong support network tailored to specific goals.
- Reduce stress by knowing who to contact for what.
Final Thoughts
Both support workers and support coordinators are vital in the NDIS journey — but their roles are distinct. Support workers are the hands-on helpers making daily life easier, while support coordinators are the strategists ensuring the plan works effectively. Knowing how they complement each other helps families build a stronger, more effective support system.
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