When someone would require or benefit from Specialist Support Coordination rather than Level 2 Support Coordination

When a participant is approved for NDIS support, most are funded for either Level 2 Support Coordination or Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, or Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination (SSC) in addition to Level 2 Support Coordination.
 
A participant is more likely to benefit from Specialist Support Coordination when they have high and complex support needs, such as:
 

• rare, multiple, or dual diagnoses
• significant psychosocial or functional complexity
• a history of trauma
• limited or no informal supports
• frequent involvement with multiple service systems

 
Specialist Support Coordination supports participants to navigate and access both NDIS-funded and mainstream/community supports, particularly where coordination is complex or high risk. Participants funded for SSC may also be eligible for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and/or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). In these cases, the Specialist Support Coordinator often takes a lead role in liaising with SIL and SDA providers and managing complex service relationships on the participant’s behalf.
 
Participants receiving SSC commonly have large allied health and support teams. Depending on the participant’s level of engagement and functional capacity, the Specialist Support Coordinator works closely with these teams to ensure continuity of care, coordination of appointments, and that supports remain effective and aligned with the participant’s goals.
 
Specialist Support Coordinators bring a specialised skill set, often with backgrounds in psychology, social work, or similar disciplines. These skills are essential for managing high-risk or complex situations, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and ensuring the participant’s voice, choice, and control remain central to all decision-making.