The Complete Guide to Specialist Support Coordination
A practical guide for participants, families and professionals
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What is Specialist Support Coordination?
Specialist Support Coordination (SSC) is the highest level of Support Coordination
funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is designed for participants
whose circumstances are highly complex and who require specialist support to
overcome significant barriers, coordinate multiple services, and implement their NDIS
plan.
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Unlike standard Support Coordination, SSC often involves working across a range of
systems including health, housing, mental health, justice, education, child protection
and other government or community services. The focus is not only on connecting
supports, but also on identifying, monitoring and reducing risks, overcoming barriers,
and building a sustainable network of support around the participant.
The NDIA determines whether Specialist Support Coordination is funded based on each
participant's individual circumstances.
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Support Coordination vs Specialist Support Coordination
Support Coordination assists participants to implement their NDIS plan and build
capacity to coordinate supports.
Specialist Support Coordination is intended for participants whose circumstances are
significantly more complex. It focuses on coordinating multiple service systems,identifying and reducing risks, and addressing barriers that prevent successful
implementation of a participant's NDIS plan.
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When might Specialist Support Coordination be funded?
There is no published checklist that automatically qualifies someone for Specialist
Support Coordination. Funding decisions are made by the NDIA based on each
participant's individual circumstances, available evidence, and whether Specialist
Support Coordination is considered reasonable and necessary.
In general, SSC is intended for participants experiencing significant complexity that
requires a higher level of coordination across services and systems.
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What does a Specialist Support Coordinator do?
A Specialist Support Coordinator coordinates services for people whose situations are
significantly complex. Their role is to identify, monitor and reduce risks, remove barriers,
and work collaboratively with participants, families, providers and mainstream services
to build a stable and sustainable support network.
Responsibilities may include:
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• Coordinating multiple agencies and providers.
• Identifying, monitoring and reducing risks.
• Addressing barriers to implementing an NDIS plan.
• Responding to crises and significant changes.
• Facilitating collaboration across services.
• Supporting long-term, sustainable outcomes.
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How does the NDIA decide who receives SSC?
The NDIA assesses each participant individually. There is no publicly available eligibility
checklist. Two participants with similar disabilities may receive different levels ofSupport Coordination depending on the complexity of their circumstances and the
supporting evidence presented.
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Where to get Specialist Support Coordination in Australia?
If you're looking for Specialist Support Coordination in Adelaide, it's important to choose a provider with experience supporting people with very complex needs, high risk, or significant barriers to implementing their plan. Here2Home provides Specialist Support Coordination across metropolitan Adelaide and South Australia, working with participants who require coordination across multiple services and systems. Here2Home can also provide Specialist Support Coordination outside of SA nationwide if face to face isn't necessary. We can communicate via Telehealth, Phone and Email. ​
You can also follow the below to search for alternative providers:
Use the NDIS Provider Finder to search for registered providers in your area.
Ask your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator.
Make sure to check that the provider offers Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3) specifically, not just general support coordination (Level 2). You can request Level 3 through your planning meeting or plan review with evidence of complex needs. NDIS will then decide if you meet the criteria for this level of support.
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Why Choose Here2Home?
Every participant has a dedicated Specialist Support Coordinator backed by the
collective knowledge of an experienced team.
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• Approximately 40 Support Coordinators and Specialist Support Coordinators working
collaboratively.
• Experienced leadership who continue to practise as Specialist Support Coordinators.
• Ongoing supervision, mentoring and collaborative case discussions.
• More than 1,200 participants supported since 2019.
• Over 630 participants currently being supported across South Australia.
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This collaborative approach means participants benefit not only from the experience of
their dedicated coordinator, but also from the collective expertise of the wider
Here2Home team.
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Specialist Support Coordination is intended to be Time Limited. As risks reduce and stability is achieved, funding transitions to Level 2 Support Coordination. Choosing a provider that offers both services means you can stay with the same organisation throughout your NDIS journey, avoiding unnecessary disruption and maintaining relationships. It avoids further paperwork and having to retell your story all over again. In some cases you may even be able to keep the same coordinator.
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*Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal or funding advice.Decisions about Specialist Support Coordination funding are made by the NDIA based on each participant's individual circumstances.