Valerie - Support Coordinator

Valerie - Support Coordinator

Qualifications: Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care,  Certificate IV in Disability Support, Introduction to NDIS Support Coordination, Currently completing Diploma of Nursing, Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA)

Areas of Expertise:

  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities 
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 
  • Neurological conditions & acquired brain injuries 
  • Psychosocial disabilities and complex mental health presentations 
  • Physical disabilities and mobility-related support 
  • Supporting individuals with high-risk behaviours or dual diagnoses 
  • Transitioning from hospital or residential care into independent living

Areas Covered: Western, Northern, Eastern Suburbs

Professional Experience

Throughout my career, I've supported NDIS participants from various backgrounds and life stages-young people building skills and older adults managing complex needs. I'm confident in navigating the NDIS and coordinating a wide range of supports, from allied health and behavioural therapy to supported independent living, transport, and employment services. 

As an NDIS Support Coordinator, my role is centred on empowering participants to confidently navigate their NDIS journey. I work closely with individuals to help them understand their plans, coordinate personalised supports, and access the right services that align with their goals and values. I believe that every participant deserves care that is not only tailored but also empowering - support that respects their voice, honours their choices, and strengthens their independence. 

With a strong foundation in community services, disability support, and healthcare, I bring a well-rounded and hands-on approach to coordination. My knowledge of the NDIS framework is supported by real-world experience, allowing me to guide participants through the system without added stress or confusion. I prioritise cultural safety, clarity in communication, and long-term outcomes that truly reflect what matters most to each individual. 

I approach every case with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to building trust. For me, it's not just about coordinating services - it's about helping people feel supported, heard, and in control of their lives.

A SUCCESS STORY: 

One of the most meaningful experiences in my role as an NDIS Support Coordinator involved working with a participant in his mid-30s who was living with complex PTSD and psychosocial disability. When I first met him, he had recently been discharged from a mental health inpatient unit and was struggling with daily routines, social isolation, and ongoing housing instability. His previous supports were fragmented, and he expressed deep mistrust toward service providers due to past negative experiences. 

My first priority was building rapport and ensuring he felt heard and respected. I worked closely with him to understand his goals-which included having stable housing, reconnecting with his daughter, and working toward part-time employment in the long term. Together, we reviewed his NDIS plan, identified underutilised funding, and engaged a psychosocial recovery coach, tenancy support, and a trusted mental health outreach service. 

I coordinated a care team meeting with his providers, ensuring communication was consistent and person-centred. We developed a shared plan with clear short- and long-term goals, including access to community-based supports, transport services, and counselling. Within six months, the participant had secured transitional housing, reconnected with family, and was actively attending a men's peer support group weekly. His confidence and independence grew remarkably. 

By the time of his plan review, his engagement with supports had increased by over 80%, and his funding was adjusted to include pre-employment mentoring and extended psychosocial support. Most importantly, he expressed feeling more "in control" of his life and proud of his progress. This case reminded me that recovery is deeply personal and rarely linear-but with consistent, coordinated support, people can absolutely rebuild their lives on their own terms.