Support Coordinator vs. Local Area Coordinator: Roles & Responsibilities
Empowrd • February 24, 2025
Understanding the difference between a Support Coordinator (SC) and a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is crucial for NDIS participants. Both roles provide support, but their responsibilities and level of involvement vary significantly. Let’s break down their key functions to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
What is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)?
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is funded by the NDIS but works for an NDIS partner organisation. Their primary role is to assist individuals in understanding and accessing the NDIS. However, they do not provide ongoing support or plan management.
Responsibilities of an LAC:
- Acts as the first point of contact for NDIS participants
- Helps connect participants with mainstream services and community supports
- Assists in developing and implementing NDIS plans
- Focuses on general and entry-level support, rather than complex cases
- Does not manage providers or provide long-term coordination
Best for:
✔ Participants with low to moderate support needs
✔ Those who need help understanding and accessing the NDIS
What is a Support Coordinator (SC)?
A Support Coordinator is directly funded within a participant’s NDIS plan, providing ongoing assistance in managing and implementing the plan. SCs work closely with participants who require more complex support and coordination.
Responsibilities of an SC:
- Provides ongoing assistance in implementing and managing an NDIS plan
- Helps participants navigate services, choose the right providers, and build independence
- Works with individuals who have complex needs, multiple services, or high-risk factors
- Assists in plan reviews, problem-solving, and advocacy
- Ensures smooth transitions between life stages or services
Best for:
✔ Participants with higher support needs
✔ Those requiring ongoing coordination with multiple providers
✔ Individuals transitioning between different life stages or services
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Local Area Coordinator (LAC) | Support Coordinator (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Who funds them? | NDIS Partner Organisation | NDIS Participant’s Plan |
| Role focus | General guidance & initial plan setup | Ongoing support & complex coordination |
| Complex cases? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Manages providers? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Assists with plan reviews? | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Ongoing relationship? | ❌ No, short-term | ✅ Yes, long-term |
LACs play an essential role in helping participants understand and access the NDIS, but their support is generally short-term and does not involve managing an NDIS plan. In contrast, Support Coordinators work closely with participants to coordinate, manage, and optimise their NDIS plan for long-term success.
If you have minimal support needs and just need help accessing the system, an LAC might be sufficient. However, if you require ongoing, complex coordination, a Support Coordinator is the better choice.
Need a Support Coordinator Who Puts Your Needs First?
At Empowrd, we are here to ensure your NDIS plan truly works for you. Whether you are in Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Whyalla, or the surrounding areas, our dedicated Support Coordinators are ready to connect you with the right providers and services.
Call us today to get started on your journey toward greater independence and achieving your goals.
Let’s make your NDIS plan work for YOU!
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
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