What do I do when my Support Coordinator isn’t doing their job?

As someone who has worked closely with clients as a support coordinator, I’ve seen first-hand the damage that hands-off support coordination can do. When support coordinators don’t take an active role in advocating for their clients, it can lead to a lack of proper support, missed opportunities, and an overall negative impact on the lives of the participants.

You rely on your support coordinator to help you navigate the system and get the services and funding you need. Unfortunately, not all support coordinators are created equal. In fact, many fall short of providing the level of support and advocacy that participants require.

Instead of taking a proactive approach and fighting for the best possible outcomes, some coordinators may simply check boxes and do the bare minimum. This can leave participants feeling frustrated and unsupported, struggling to access the services they need to live their best lives.

It’s not enough for a support coordinator to simply connect their clients with service providers and then step back. Active involvement is necessary to ensure that the services provided are meeting the client’s unique needs and goals and to intervene when necessary to address issues or changes in circumstances.

1. Communicate concerns: The first step is to communicate your concerns with your support coordinator. Be clear and specific about the issues you’re facing and the support you need. If your support coordinator is receptive, they may be able to adjust their approach to better meet your needs.

2. Request a new support coordinator: If your concerns are not addressed, you can request a new support coordinator. Speak to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or your plan manager about the issues you’re facing, and request a new support coordinator be assigned to you.

3. Seek advocacy support: If you’re not satisfied with the response from the NDIA or plan manager, you can seek advocacy support. Advocacy organizations can provide advice and support to help you navigate the NDIS system and ensure your rights are being upheld.

4. File a complaint: If you’ve exhausted all other options and still feel that your support coordinator isn’t doing their job properly, you can file a complaint with the NDIA. They have a complaints process in place to investigate and resolve complaints made by participants.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you do have options. You have the right to request a new support coordinator or to work with an independent disability support service like ours. We believe that every participant deserves a support coordinator who will go above and beyond to ensure their needs are met, and we’re committed to providing that level of service.

At Meta Healthcare, we understand the challenges that participants face in navigating the NDIS system. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support coordination services that are tailored to each individual’s needs. Our experienced team will work with you to create a plan that takes into account your goals, preferences, and unique circumstances. And we won’t rest until we’ve secured the funding and services you need to live the life you deserve.

If you’re feeling let down by your support coordinator, don’t give up hope. There are people and organizations out there who truly care and who are willing to fight for you.