At Able2 we are fortunate to have 3 Family Key Workers as part of our Early Intervention Service, as well as a large team of Support Coordinators. It is important that the differences in approach and support provided by each one of these excellent support areas is clearly understood.
In the NDIS system, a Family key worker is a professional who comes from allied health or early childhood background, and acts as the main contact and coordinator of therapeutic supports for your child. They make sure everyone works together to provide the best care in all areas of your child’s life.
The key worker role provides a central point of contact to:
- Conduct assessments
- Monitors developmental milestones
- Deliver multi-skilled therapy
- Manage therapy plans
- Coach parents in real-time
- Consult with other Allied Health professionals
- Integrates Therapy into Life
They follow the key worker model to support both child and family in everyday natural environments – like home, school or childcare situations, or other places in the community.
Is a Family Key Worker the same as a Support Coordinator?
No – the roles might seem similar at first glance, but Family Key Workers and Support Coordinators are not the same thing.
- Support Coordinators focus primarily on helping participants navigate the NDIS by connecting them with services. They may work with NDIS participants of any age, and their focus is administrative and navigational.
- Family Key Workers actively deliver therapy and interventions, though they can also help coordinate delivery of these from other allied health professionals. They are crucial in providing best-fit support for children, guiding early intervention for better long-term outcomes.
While Family Key Workers do coordinate, it’s specifically about coordinating the clinical team (e.g., talking to the paediatrician or the school teacher) rather than managing the NDIS budget.
To speak to one of our Early Childhood Team, please reach out to us at Able2.
