How to Become a Support Coordinator: Step-by-Step Guide
If you are also one of those responsible citizens who are always ready to help others and want to bring positive change to people’s lives through your assistance, then becoming a support coordinator would be a good option for you.
In this article, we will learn what is support coordinator & how to become a support coordinator, what their duties are, and how you can build a career in this field because it can bring a new change in your life as well as in the lives of others. Let’s understand in simple language what exactly a support coordinator is.
What is a Support Coordinator?
In society, you often hear the term “social worker,” which refers to someone who helps those in need. Support coordinators are similar; they help needy people in society, such as disabled and elderly individuals, by providing them with the services they need the most.
Their job is to understand the problems of these people and provide them with appropriate services under a specific plan. This work is usually carried out through community services or government schemes available in that area.
Qualifications and Requirements to Become a Support Coordinator
For this, you must have completed 12th grade, but the qualifications may vary in different countries. For example, in the USA, if you want to become a support coordinator, you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, such as work/ allied health.
Similarly, if we talk about the UK, to become a support coordinator, you need to have GCSEs plus a diploma in health and social care. Additionally, you can also pursue a certificate or diploma in community services, etc., as there is a highdemand for these qualifications in this field.
In addition to this, having some other important things will also be beneficial for you, such as:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have your Character Certificate.
- To become a support coordinator, it is mandatory to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the police in your area.
- You will also need to get a Children Check Done.
- Completing a First Aid Certification from a registered institution will prove advantageous for you.
Along with this, it is essential to have several skills, such as:
- Basic Computer Skills
- Ability to use the NDIS portal
- Proficiency in using email and the internet
- Skills in writing various types of reports
- Essential skills in Budget Management, Documentation, Teamwork, Planning, Organizing, and problem-solving
Salary and Benefits of a Support Coordinator
Although this is a field where people typically don’t prioritize money highly, everyone needs to make a living, so it deserves some financial benefit.
For example, if we talk about the salary of a support coordinator, a fresher can earn $20-25 per hour, which translates to an annual income of $45,000 to $55,000. For someone with 2 to 5 years of experience, the hourly rate can go up to $25-35, leading to an annual salary of $55,000 to $70,000.
In addition to this, there are many extra benefits that come with the job, such as:
- A Retirement Fund of up to 10.5%
- Four weeks of annual leave every year
- Ten days of sick leave annually
- Separate funding for professional development and training
- The option to work from home if desired
- Double pay for working on public holidays
In this work, it is important to listen to everyone’s opinions carefully.
Best Qualifications (Certifications/Diploma/Degree) for Support Coordinators
Support coordinator can be an excellent career option; however, alongside your educational qualifications, having a certificate or diploma can be considered your first successful step in this career.
You can pursue this education at various levels, some of which include the following certificate and diploma courses:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) – Duration: 6-12 months
- Certificate IV in Disability – Duration: 12-18 months (Best option for Support Coordinator)
- Diploma of Community Services – Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
- Diploma in Disability – Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
- Bachelor of Social Work – Duration: 3-4 years
- Bachelor of Community Services – Duration: 3 years, etc.
Top Methods to Search for Support Coordinator Jobs
In today’s competitive job market, finding a job is as difficult as it is easy. You can search for a job using three main methods: first method is using a support coordinator online job portals, the second is directly visiting registered provider websites, and the third is seeking help from a recruitment agency.
Most likely, you will find a job by using the first method. However, if you don’t find a job through the first method, you can include the other two methods in your search. You should start applying continuously through all three methods—sooner or later, you’re bound to get a job opportunity.
Online Job Portals
Searching for jobs on online job portals has become quite easy because many major platforms have established themselves, such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These Large platforms have a wide variety of job listings. You can also visit government portals to search for support coordinator jobs. This is the easiest way to search for jobs.
Directly Visiting Registered Provider Websites
You can also use the NDIS Provider Finder tool, where you can directly check available support coordinator jobs on the NDIS website. Some registered providers include Life Without Barriers, Aruma, Ability Options, Achieve Australia, and others. By visiting their career pages, you can search for support coordinator job openings.
Using a Recruitment Agency
You can also seek help from a recruitment agency for this job. However, before applying through an agency, keep in mind that not all recruitment agencies are equally reputable. Some are good, while others are not, so you need to choose an agency carefully and thoughtfully.
Some well-known agencies are Hays, Randstad and Healthcare Australia, and Chandler Macleod, etc. You should prepare and send them an updated CV. If they have any job openings related to your field, they will contact you.
