Support Coordinator

Job summary 

As Support Coordinator, you are responsible for providing support to NDIS participants to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Your primary responsibility will be to assist NDIS participants in understanding and implementing their NDIS plans. You will work collaboratively with participants, their families, and other service providers to ensure that participants receive the services they need to achieve their goals.
 

This role will necessitate close engagement with community partners as well as our sister organisation, Outreach Doctors, which offers an integrated primary healthcare service.

Reporting to the Service Delivery Manager, this is a part time role (20 hours per week) with potential for an increase in hours as the business grows. This position is graded at a SCHADS award level 4.

About Unicopia

Unicopia is a disability service provider that promotes independence and progress in a safe, inclusive environment. Our mission is to empower vulnerable individuals in the Fraser Coast Region to actively participate in and contribute to society. We value respect, honesty, and confidentiality, and work with community organisations, businesses, and government agencies to provide high-quality programs that meet diverse needs. To learn more about Unicopia and our commitment to excellence, visit our website.  

About our region 
 

Welcome to Hervey Bay, a coastal town in Queensland, Australia. Our vibrant community is perfect for those seeking a work-life balance with a mix of modern amenities and stunning natural beauty. Working in Hervey Bay offers a fantastic work-life balance and a low cost, high standard of living. With outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and a friendly community, Hervey Bay is the ideal place to call home.

Key responsibilities

Support coordination

• Work collaboratively with NDIS participants, their families, and other service providers to implement NDIS plans.
• Provide information and support to participants regarding their NDIS plans and funding.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with participants and their support networks.
• Connect participants with appropriate service providers and coordinate services to meet participant’s needs.
• Support participants to access the community and achieve their goals, including assistance with finding and maintaining employment, education, and housing.
• Manage administrative tasks related to the coordination of NDIS plans and funding, including documentation, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Monitor progress against NDIS plans and work with participants to identify and resolve any issues that arise.
• Provide advice and guidance to participants and their support networks regarding the NDIS and disability services sector.
• Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of client information, including implementing appropriate security measures and adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
• Create and manage service agreements with NDIS participants, outlining service expectations, costs, and terms.
• Manage billings, invoices, and claims related to NDIS services, ensuring accuracy and compliance with NDIS guidelines.
• Strengthen the participant's ability to coordinate supports and participate in the community, and ensure services are delivered within their budget plan.
• Ensure mainstream services meet their obligations and responsibilities.
• Build the capacity of the participants to achieve greater independence in self-directing services and support.

Other

• Provide regular reports to management on the status of NDIS service delivery, including progress against key performance indicators and any issues or risks.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of assessments, interventions, and progress reports for the NDIS and other stakeholders.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with new research, trends, and practices in the disability sector.
• Adhere to Unicopia policies and procedures and ensure that the highest ethical standards are maintained.

Person specification

Qualifications/training   

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as social work, disability services or psychology.
• Current NDIS Screening Check, Police Clearance, and Blue Card (or willingness to obtain).
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates (or willingness to obtain).    

Experience

• Significant experience working in the disability sector, preferably in a support coordination role.
• Complex case management experience.
• Experience in managing risks associated with service delivery and implementing appropriate risk management strategies.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment. 
• Experience developing and fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders with shared values resulting in improved quality of services and avoidance of duplication of care provision.           
• Direct experience working with diverse groups, specifically people with mental health conditions, indigenous community, LGBTIQ+ community and those with disabilities (desirable).

Knowledge         

• Knowledge of the NDIS and its regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Good understanding of privacy and confidentiality regulations to ensure the protection of client information.
• Local knowledge of mainstream services, community resources, and support providers to assist participants in accessing services that meet their needs and maximise their supports.    

Skills/abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with NDIS participants, families, and service providers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with participants and their support networks.
• Strong analytical skills particularly in relation to NDIS associated documentation e.g. pricing, service agreements.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team environment and maintain a professional approach to service delivery.
• Strong organisational skills to manage administrative tasks related to the coordination of NDIS plans and funding, including documentation, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Good analytical skills to monitor progress against NDIS plans and work with participants to identify and resolve any issues that arise.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance to participants and their support networks regarding the NDIS and disability services sector.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and develop solutions to complex issues.
• Proficiency in computer applications, such as Microsoft Office and database management.
• Confidence with report writing particularly relating to the requirements of the NDIS (desirable).

Expected behaviours and personal attributes       

• Compassionate, empathetic, and patience to work with people with disabilities and their families.
• Non-judgmental and respectful of individual differences, values, and beliefs. 
• Integrity and ethical conduct to ensure highest ethical standards when working with participants, families, and service providers.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a changing environment.
• A strong commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the unique health needs of diverse patient populations, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the LGBTIQ community. 

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.