How to Become a Support Coordinator

GoodHuman-ing 101: How to become a support coordinator

Carers within the community are our unsung heroes. NDIS support coordination plays a key role in helping Aussies with disabilities live more independently, be an active part of the community and form meaningful relationships with those around them. 

Support coordination is wonderfully fulfilling. Coordinators make a real difference to people’s quality of life – but client and fund management, invoicing and NDIS registration can be tricky. 

Scroll on to understand how you could become a support coordinator, plus all the tools you need to help you work within NDIS guidelines. 

What is a support coordinator?

Support coordination steps in to help individuals navigate what support they need. A support coordinator works closely with clients to identify their needs, personalise support and ensure they receive appropriate services. 

This ranges from ensuring they understand their NDIS plan and setting up service agreements with providers to resolving issues with service delivery, building community networks, and helping participants develop the skills they need to access support.

Support Coordinators may be employed in settings such as community health, mental health, NDIS and family services. 

How to become a Support Coordinator

1. Complete year 10 or year 12 

You must finish at least year 10 of high school to start studying for a career as a support coordinator. 

2. Earn a vocational qualification 

You can work as a Support Coordinator without formal qualifications. However, employees might prefer candidates with a qualification in disability, community services, mental health, social work or allied health. 

You need to complete relevant vocational qualifications such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015), Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115) or Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015).

3. Get the relevant checks

If you're looking to become a support coordinator, you’ll need a few key background checks. A National Police Certificate (police check) is a must-have, proving good character and a clean record. You can apply for one online or in person through your state or territory’s police force.

Planning to work with children? You’ll also need a Working with Children Check (called a Blue Card in QLD or a Working with Vulnerable People check in the ACT). This ensures you’re safe to work with kids and can be applied for through your state or territory’s government.

And if you're stepping into the disability sector, an NDIS Worker Screening Check is required to confirm you meet the safety standards for working with people with disabilities.

4. Consider getting a bachelor's degree to expand your options 

Another option is heading to university to earn a degree in an allied health field. While it’s not always required, some employers prefer support coordinators with formal qualifications – especially for entry-level roles. Certain specialties are only available at the bachelor level, so studying at university might be the best way to dive deeper into your area of interest.

Degrees like a Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Human Services are great pathways into the field.

5. Gain experience by volunteering in social support 

Volunteering is a wonderful way to support the community, develop a sense of purpose and get out and have fun. Including volunteering in your CV shows employers your skills, experience, communicates your values and passions and suggests you’re the type of person to take initiative!

NDIS support coordination qualifications

There’s no set degree or diploma required to become a support coordinator, but qualifications still matter. In fact, those who want to be NDIS registered will need to show your “relevant qualifications.”

There’s heaps of options to get qualified. A Certificate III, diploma, or bachelor’s degree (or higher) in allied health can set you up on your journey. A Bachelor of Community Welfare or a Diploma of Mental Health are both strong and popular pathways into support coordination.

Want to specialise? Extra credentials can help you stand out. If you’re working with Indigenous communities, for example, a Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care could be a smart move.

Do support coordinators need to be NDIS registered?

No! Support coordinators don’t need to be NDIS registered. But it does come with a lot of benefits. 

For one, you can work with a whole lot more people and spread a whole lot more good. Only participants who are self managing their plan can work with unregistered support coordinators. 

You’ll also get a spot in the NDIS Provider Finder, a tool for participants searching for registered providers. That means more visibility and potential clients coming straight to you.

It can also help with branding and relationship-building. NDIS registration means you meet the government’s standards for competency and qualifications, and commitment to the NDIS Code of Conduct. 

On the admin side, registration comes with smoother payments and better cash flow. Since payments are processed directly through the NDIS portal, you’ll see fewer delays. That said, it does mean a bit more paperwork. You’ll need to implement systems for incident and complaint management, and of course, you'll need to undergo an audit as part of the registration process.

FAQs about becoming a support coordinator

What is a support coordinator’s work environment like? 

Support coordinators are flexible in where they work, whether it’s in community health centres, mental health clinics, or government departments like family services or the NDIS. Their role often can also include meeting clients at their workplace, or sometimes even travelling to clients’ homes to offer tailored support and guidance.

How do you become a registered NDIS support coordinator? 

To get registered as a support coordinator with the NDIS, you'll need to have the right qualifications, along with a police check, a working-with-children check, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check. 

If you want to learn more about becoming a registered and costs, read How to Become an NDIS provider. 

What makes a good support coordinator? 

First and foremost, a good support coordinator has a deep understanding of the NDIS framework, keeping up with updates, policies, and procedures to provide accurate, timely information to participants. The following qualities can also help you land a job as a support coordinator: 

• Clear Communication: Good communication builds trust. They’re skilled at explaining complex information in simple terms and listening to participants’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and empowered.
• Empathy: With compassion, they create a safe, respectful space where participants can openly discuss their needs, fears, and goals. They respect and understand Australia’s cultural diversity, ensuring every participant feels valued and supported in a way that aligns with their cultural beliefs.
• Organisation: Juggling multiple appointments and participants requires strong organisational skills. A great Support Coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, helping participants make the most of their NDIS plan.‍
• Problem-Solving: They are quick thinkers, tackling challenges with innovative solutions to ensure continuous support for participants.

How GoodHuman empowers Support Coordinators

Staying on top of everything as a Support Coordinator can feel like juggling a million things at once. You need to nurture strong relationships with participants, manage multiple NDIS accounts, keep time efficient yet personal, and – let’s not forget – make sure your invoicing is spot-on.

GoodHuman’s budgeting tool lets you track spending across multiple funds and forecast future costs, all while staying on top of your budget. When something needs a human touch, you can rely on our built-in alerts to avoid the dreaded unbillable hours.

Our support coordination software streamlines everything, from time-tracking to invoicing with built in NDIS pricing, and gives you a full view of client records and goals.

Speak to the GoodHuman Team Today

You’re doing great – and we’re here to help lighten the load. Let GoodHuman handle the admin so you can focus on what you do best.