Distinguishing the Roles of a Local Area Coordinator from a Support Coordinator
Do you have a disability, or are you caring for a family member living with a disability? Understanding the roles different forms of support play in assisting people facing challenges is important. A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and Support Coordinator are invaluable to the support network, but their roles differ greatly. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sets these two distinct positions apart and explain how they each aid people with disabilities in achieving greater independence and quality of life.
Who is a Local Area Coordinator?
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is a trusted community specialist who supports people with disability, their families and carers in planning and designing individualized support solutions that are right for them. They work with each individual to create an individualized plan which meets their needs and interests.
The role of the LAC is to ensure that individuals get the best possible support from the services available in their local area. They listen to what their clients want, help them access relevant services, guide them through decisions about funding options, and make sure they are linked up with local resources. The goal of the LAC is always to create better life outcomes for those they serve.
They also provide vital links between government agencies and non-government organizations, ensuring that individuals and their families are informed of the latest services and potential support. The LAC advocates for those they represent, working with them to ensure their rights are respected and their voices heard. NDIS Support Coordination in Perth helps people with disability to access and coordinate their NDIS funding, as well as connecting them with the necessary supports and services.
What are the Responsibilities of a Local Area Coordinator?
The responsibilities of a Local Area Coordinator can vary depending on the specific role they are hired to fill. However, some of the common responsibilities associated with this job include the following:
- Developing and implementing local area service plans and strategies to meet identified community needs.
- Planning and coordinating activities between service providers, government departments, and other relevant stakeholders to improve access to services for individuals and families in the community.
- Working closely with clients to determine their needs and develop personal support plans to achieve their desired outcomes.
- Assisting those in need with access to appropriate services, such as housing assistance or employment support programs.
- Facilitating communication among team members to ensure that everyone works together towards the same goals.
- Assessing and evaluating services provided by local agencies, organizations, or other entities to ensure they meet community needs.
- Maintaining detailed records of all activities related to the position, including client files and service plans.
- Keeping up-to-date on changes in relevant legislation and policies to provide accurate information and advice to clients.
Who is a Support Coordinator (SC)?
When a participant receives “support coordination” funding in their NDIS plan, a paid NDIS support coordinator is assigned to help them. These aids are added due to the high degree of complexity of the requirements, which may necessitate greater support than is currently offered. The support coordinator will streamline all the aid you get from different sources.
Since NDIS support coordinators are independent contractors, participants can choose anyone they like inside the system. During the meeting with the LACs, you should also consider the various support coordination tiers.
What are the Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator?
- Helping people who use the NDIS plan learn the skills they need to understand and use the plan. They also discuss the plan and advise on how to use the money to reach long-term goals.
- Helps people with disabilities get a combination of services that will make it easier for them to keep relationships, live independently, and be an active part of the community.
- Telling people what the things in their plan mean, to give them power and help them feel connected and supported. By doing this, you can be sure that the money will be spent correctly.
- Putting NDIS members in touch with the providers they want in their plans.
- Helping people approved for the NDIS to talk with providers about what they can offer and how much they will have to pay from the plan.
- The support coordinator makes sure that there are service agreements and service bookings.
- Making sure that the services a participant uses help them reach their goals. Any services that don’t help the participant will not be included in the plan so that the person can focus on the most important things.
- Helps people get ready for plan reviews when they are coming up.
Differences Between a Local Area Coordinator and a Support Coordinator
- Local Area Coordinators work with individuals to develop a plan that outlines the services and supports needed to achieve their goals. In contrast, Support Coordinators help people access those services and supports.
- A Local Area Coordinator works at the local level to assist people in gaining access to government-funded support services. In contrast, a Support Coordinator works at a state level to coordinate these services for eligible participants.
- Local Area Coordinators are responsible for assessing individual needs and developing plans of care tailored for each person. In contrast, Support Coordinators provide oversight of the service delivery system itself, not just each individual’s care plan.
- Local Area Coordinators can refer individuals to specialists or resources as needed, while Support Coordinators facilitate the transition between service providers and ensure continuity of care.
- Finally, while Local Area Coordinators provide individualized mentorship and guidance to those they serve, Support Coordinators are more involved in monitoring compliance and ensuring services are delivered according to regulations.
This comparison illustrates how both Local Area Coordinators and Support Coordinators play important roles in providing comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities or other special needs. While their duties may differ, both positions strive to advocate for and ensure access to quality services for those needing them most.