Level 3 Support Coordination: How It Works and Who It’s For?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to empower Australians living with disability to live more independently and achieve their goals. But let’s be honest — the NDIS can be complex, especially for people managing multiple needs or services. That’s where Support Coordination comes in.
While many participants receive general support coordination, those with more complex situations may require something extra — that’s where Level 3 Support Coordination (also known as Specialist Support Coordination) becomes vital.
In this article, we’ll take a deep look at what Level 3 Support Coordination is, how it works, and who it’s designed to help.
What Is Level 3 Support Coordination?
Level 3 Support Coordination, officially called Specialist Support Coordination, is the highest level of support coordination available under the NDIS.
It’s designed for participants who face complex challenges that require more intensive, expert-level coordination between multiple service systems — such as health, housing, justice, or mental health services.
A Specialist Support Coordinator (SSC) is usually a qualified professional — often with a background in allied health, psychology, or social work — who has the expertise to manage difficult, high-risk, or crisis situations.
Their role isn’t just to connect you with services but to stabilise your support environment, manage crises, and build a long-term foundation for independence.
How Level 3 Support Coordination Works
While all levels of support coordination help participants make the most of their NDIS plans, Level 3 is more hands-on, structured, and specialised.
Here’s how it typically works step by step :
Step 1: Understanding Your NDIS Plan and Needs
Your Specialist Support Coordinator starts by getting a complete picture of your NDIS plan, goals, and circumstances.
They look at:
- The types of support you receive
- The challenges you face day-to-day
- Areas where things may not be working well
This step helps them identify risks, barriers, and priorities — for example, unstable housing, breakdown in support services, or mental health crises.
Step 2: Developing a Complex Support Plan
Once your needs are clear, the coordinator develops a customised coordination plan outlining:
- Which services are required
- Who will deliver them
- How they’ll work together
- What to do if something changes or goes wrong
This plan acts as your roadmap to stability — helping every service provider understand their role in supporting you.
Step 3: Connecting You with the Right Services
A key part of the coordinator’s role is connecting you with providers who are the best fit — not just anyone available.
They might help you:
- Find the right allied health professionals
- Connect with housing or mental health support
- Coordinate with hospitals or justice systems
- Build links with community and social networks
This ensures all areas of your life are covered in a cohesive and coordinated way.
Step 4: Crisis Management and Problem-Solving
For many participants with complex needs, crises can happen suddenly — a breakdown in services, housing loss, or a medical emergency.
A Level 3 coordinator is trained to respond quickly, ensuring:
- Immediate stabilisation of your situation
- Communication between all services involved
- A clear action plan to prevent the crisis from escalating
They also help develop long-term solutions to reduce the chance of future emergencies.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Review
Support coordination doesn’t stop once your services are in place.
Your coordinator regularly checks that:
- Services are working well together
- Your goals are being met
- Providers are accountable and effective
- Risks are being managed
If something changes — like your health, housing, or behaviour — they adapt the plan accordingly and communicate with the NDIS if adjustments are needed.
Step 6: Building Your Independence
Even though Level 3 coordination is intensive, the ultimate goal is empowerment — helping you build the capacity to manage your supports with greater independence over time.
Your coordinator focuses on teaching you and your family how to:
- Understand your NDIS plan
- Communicate with providers
- Advocate for your needs
- Make confident decisions
This ensures that once things stabilise, you have the skills to move toward more self-directed support.
Who Is Level 3 Support Coordination For?
Not every NDIS participant needs Level 3 support — it’s specifically designed for people whose circumstances are highly complex or high-risk.
You may be eligible if you:
✅ Have multiple disabilities or chronic health conditions
✅ Experience mental health or behavioural challenges
✅ Are involved with justice, child protection, or housing systems
✅ Face frequent crises or unsafe living environments
✅ Have difficulty engaging with services or maintaining stability
✅ Need coordination between multiple service systems (e.g. hospital, community, therapy, and social supports)
Essentially, if your situation requires professional expertise and close coordination across several areas, Level 3 Support Coordination is the right level of assistance.
Example Scenarios Where Level 3 Support Coordination Helps
To make it clearer, here are a few real-life examples (names changed for privacy):
1. Emma – Living with Psychosocial Disability
Emma experiences severe mental health challenges and sometimes struggles to engage with her providers. Her Level 3 coordinator works with her psychiatrist, community mental health team, and housing provider to ensure consistent support and crisis prevention.
2. Liam – Transitioning from Hospital to Community Living
After a long hospital stay, Liam needed coordinated support from therapists, community housing, and NDIS providers. His Specialist Support Coordinator managed all communication and created a clear transition plan that reduced stress for both Liam and his family.
3. Sophie – At Risk of Homelessness
Sophie’s living arrangements were unstable, and her support workers frequently changed. Her coordinator collaborated with housing services, NDIS providers, and local councils to create a safe and stable environment while addressing her long-term needs.
These examples show how Level 3 coordination goes far beyond standard support — it provides structure, safety, and problem-solving for participants in challenging situations.
Difference Between Level 2 and Level 3 Support Coordination
| Aspect | Level 2 (Coordination of Supports) | Level 3 (Specialist Support Coordination) |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity of Needs | Moderate | High / Complex |
| Coordinator Qualifications | Disability sector experience | Allied health, psychology, or social work |
| Main Focus | Building participant capacity | Crisis management and risk reduction |
| Approach | Proactive, supportive | Intensive, strategic, multidisciplinary |
| When It’s Used | Participants with multiple providers | Participants with high-risk or complex needs |
Key Benefits of Level 3 Support Coordination
Here are the most important benefits participants experience when working with a Specialist Support Coordinator:
✅ 1. Stability in Complex Situations
Even when life feels chaotic or unpredictable, a skilled coordinator helps bring structure and calm through clear plans and proactive action.
✅ 2. Stronger Multi-Agency Collaboration
They bridge gaps between health, housing, justice, and NDIS providers to ensure everyone is aligned in supporting your goals.
✅ 3. Expert Crisis Management
Their professional training enables them to act quickly and effectively in emergencies, preventing small issues from turning into major crises.
✅ 4. Better Outcomes and Quality of Life
Participants experience smoother service delivery, reduced stress, and more consistent progress toward goals.
✅ 5. Capacity Building and Empowerment
Although intensive at first, the process helps participants grow more independent and confident in managing their own supports.
How to Access Level 3 Support Coordination
You can only receive Level 3 Support Coordination if it’s approved and funded in your NDIS plan under the Capacity Building – Support Coordination category.
Here’s how to request it:
- During your NDIS planning or review meeting
- Explain the complexity of your situation (e.g. frequent crises, multiple services).
- Emphasise why you need a higher level of coordination.
- Provide supporting evidence
- Reports from psychologists, doctors, or social workers can demonstrate the need for specialised support.
- Ask specifically for “Specialist Support Coordination”
- Using the correct term ensures it’s funded at the right level.
- Choose a registered provider experienced in complex cases
- Not all support coordination providers offer Level 3, so check qualifications and experience before signing up.
What to Expect from Your Level 3 Support Coordinator
When you start with a new coordinator, you can expect them to:
- Take time to understand your background and challenges
- Build trust and open communication
- Collaborate closely with your existing service providers
- Keep detailed notes and progress reports
- Always focus on your NDIS goals and preferences
They’ll be your main point of contact when things feel complicated or when you need someone to connect the dots between different services.
Tips to Make the Most of Level 3 Support Coordination
To get the best outcomes, it helps to actively participate in the process. Here’s how:
1. Communicate openly
Share your goals, concerns, and preferences honestly — your coordinator can only help if they fully understand your situation.
2. Attend regular reviews
Check progress regularly and let your coordinator know if something isn’t working.
3. Keep records
Document your appointments, issues, and achievements. This helps during NDIS plan reviews and service updates.
4. Learn about your plan
Ask questions about how your funding works. The more you understand, the more control you gain.
5. Build a partnership
View your coordinator as a teammate — not just a professional. Collaboration leads to better, faster results.
Choosing the Right Level 3 Support Coordinator
When selecting a provider, look for one that offers:
- Experience in complex case management
- Qualified staff with backgrounds in social work or allied health
- Crisis response experience
- Strong communication and regular progress updates
- Person-centred approach focused on your individual needs
The right coordinator won’t just “manage” your supports — they’ll help you thrive through consistent, compassionate, and professional assistance.
Final Thoughts
Level 3 Support Coordination plays a vital role for NDIS participants dealing with complex or high-risk circumstances. It’s about more than just connecting services — it’s about creating stability, solving problems, and building lasting independence.
If you or someone you support feels overwhelmed managing multiple supports, or if things often feel out of control, Specialist Support Coordination could be the key to turning things around.
At 360 Support Coordination, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way — helping you understand your NDIS plan, access the right services, and bring structure and calm back into your daily life. Our team is committed to ensuring that every participant feels empowered, supported, and confident in achieving their goals.
👉 Let’s make your NDIS journey smoother, more connected, and truly person-centred — together.
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