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Support coordinator match tool

Work out which coordination level may fit a participant: basic connection support, standard coordination, or specialist coordination for high complexity. Use this as a planning aid before NDIA conversations, plan reviews, and provider onboarding.

Levels

1, 2, 3

Connection to specialist

Questions

4 inputs

Complexity, behaviour, providers, confidence

Output

Matched level

With funding range guide

Use case

Plan prep

Discussion starter for evidence

How to use this tool

  1. 1. Answer the four planning questions in step 1.
  2. 2. Continue to results to see the suggested coordination level.
  3. 3. Use the result to guide evidence collection for plan review.

Coordination context

Level 1: setup and basic linking

Level 2: ongoing cross-provider coordination

Level 3: high complexity and multi-system response

Disclaimer: This is a guide only. Final support coordination funding and level are NDIA decisions based on formal evidence and participant circumstances.

Step 1 of 2 Coordinator match

Participant context

Why matching coordination level matters

The coordination level changes how much active implementation support a participant can reasonably expect. If the level is set too low, critical tasks may be left undone, for example unresolved provider conflicts, missed service transitions, or gaps in safeguarding follow-up. If the level is set too high without clear evidence, funding decisions at review can become harder to justify. A strong rationale ties the requested level to concrete barriers, risk factors, and plan goals.

This tool is designed to frame that rationale early. It does not make NDIA decisions, but it helps teams organise their thinking before plan meetings and provider onboarding discussions.

When Level 1 can be enough

Level 1 is often suitable where implementation is straightforward and the participant can make day-to-day support decisions with limited prompting. Typical examples include a small provider mix, stable informal supports, and clear service pathways already in place.

In practice, this may look like time-limited help with first connections, service handovers, and practical plan navigation, then a transition toward participant-led management as confidence grows.

When Level 2 becomes important

Level 2 is generally considered when coordination is ongoing rather than a one-off setup task. Common signs are multiple providers with overlapping responsibilities, frequent roster or communication issues, and repeated need for mediation to keep supports working together.

Participant capacity also matters. If a person cannot consistently coordinate service changes, follow billing and scheduling communication, or escalate provider concerns independently, a stronger coordination response is often more realistic.

When Specialist Support Coordination is considered

Specialist Support Coordination is usually considered where risk and complexity are significantly higher. This can include restrictive practice contexts, safeguarding concerns, unstable housing, repeated service breakdown, or regular interface with mental health, hospital, justice, child protection, or homelessness systems.

The strongest requests are evidence-led. Useful evidence includes incident trends, failed provider attempts, discharge risks, behaviour support documentation, and records showing why lower-intensity coordination has not been enough.

How Carevo fits in

Carevo is a connection platform that helps participants find and compare providers. It does not deliver support coordination directly. Use this match result to guide questions, shortlist suitable providers, and prepare evidence for NDIA decision-making with your coordinator or planner.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and Specialist Support Coordination?

Level 1 support connection is usually for straightforward setup and linking. Level 2 support coordination is for moderate complexity where participants need more active coordination across providers. Specialist support coordination is for high complexity, significant risk, or multi-system issues that require advanced coordination and escalation.

Can this tool decide funding by itself?

No. This tool is an educational estimate only. Actual support coordination funding and level are decided by the NDIA based on evidence, functional impact, goals, and risk factors in the participant context.

What evidence helps justify higher support coordination levels?

Clear risk and complexity evidence helps, such as multiple provider breakdowns, safeguarding concerns, behaviour support needs, housing instability, justice or health system interfaces, and documented capacity barriers in managing supports independently.

Is behaviour support automatically Specialist Support Coordination?

Not automatically, but behaviour support and restrictive practice contexts can indicate higher complexity. Final level depends on the full picture including safety, provider coordination burden, participant capacity, and how many systems are involved.

Does Carevo provide support coordination directly?

Carevo is a connection platform. It helps participants find and compare providers. It does not provide support coordination services directly.

Need support coordinators to compare?

Use the Carevo provider directory to compare NDIS providers by service and location. Build your shortlist after clarifying the likely coordination level.

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