The ndis plan manager job description is an important tool for disability service providers in Australia. This role focuses on the financial side of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. You help participants manage their funding so they can pay for the supports they need.
In this guide, Righteo explains what this job involves. You will find a detailed list of duties and a template you can use for your own hiring needs.
Key Takeaways
- A plan manager handles the financial tasks of an NDIS plan.
- Key duties include paying invoices, tracking budgets, and making monthly reports.
- Candidates must follow NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission rules.
- The role requires strong skills in bookkeeping and communication.
Introduction
The NDIS helps people with disabilities get the support they need to live well. There are different ways to manage the money in an NDIS plan. Many participants choose plan management. This means they hire a professional to handle their funding.
If you are looking to hire a staff member, you need a clear ndis plan manager job description. This role is different from other support roles. While some staff help with daily living, the plan manager focuses on the budget. You make sure providers get paid on time and the participant stays within their budget limits.
What does an NDIS plan manager do?
You might ask, what does an NDIS plan manager do? At its heart, this role is about financial administration. You act as a middle person between the NDIS, the participant, and the service providers.
The main goal is to take the stress of money management away from the participant. You help them use their funds correctly. You also give them choice and control over who they hire. Unlike NDIA-managed plans, plan-managed participants can use both registered and non-registered providers. Your job is to make that process work.
While you focus on the money side of a plan, you should understand how this role fits with other services. You can read our NDIS Support Coordinator Job Description to see how those roles work together for a participant.
Core NDIS plan manager duties
When writing a plan management job description, you must list the daily tasks. These tasks keep the participant's plan running.
Participant Financial Management
You are responsible for the overall financial health of the participant's plan. This includes:
- Claiming funds from the NDIS portal (PRODA) for services delivered.
- Making sure funds are spent according to the goals in the NDIS plan.
- Keeping accurate financial records for every transaction.
Processing Provider Invoices
This is a major part of the ndis plan manager duties. You will:
- Receive invoices from various service providers.
- Check that the services were actually provided.
- Verify that the prices match the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
- Pay the providers promptly, usually within a few business days.
Budget Tracking and Monitoring
You must watch the budget closely. This involves:
- Checking if the participant is spending too much or too little.
- Alerting the participant if they are at risk of running out of money.
- Helping the participant understand how much money they have left for the rest of the year.
Monthly Statements
Transparency is a key part of the plan management coordinator job description. You must:
- Create clear monthly statements for the participant.
- Show exactly where the money went and which providers were paid.
- Provide these statements in a format that the participant can understand.
Plan management coordinator job description requirements
To do this job well, a person needs specific skills. You should look for these qualities when you hire.
- Financial Literacy: You need to understand basic accounting and bookkeeping.
- Attention to Detail: Small mistakes in invoice numbers or bank details can cause big problems.
- Communication Skills: You will talk to participants, family members, and providers every day.
- Problem-Solving: Sometimes invoices are wrong or funds are blocked. You must find out why and fix it.
- Tech Savvy: You will use the NDIS PRODA portal and specific plan management software.
NDIS Plan Manager Job Description Template
You can use this job description template to create your own job ad.
Job Title: NDIS Plan Manager Location: [Insert Location, e.g., Sydney, NSW] Reports To: [Insert Manager Title]
Job Summary: We are looking for a detailed NDIS Plan Manager to join our team at Righteo. You will manage the financial aspects of NDIS plans for our participants. Your goal is to make sure providers are paid on time and budgets are tracked accurately.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process and pay provider invoices within [Insert Number] days.
- Claim funds through the NDIS PRODA portal.
- Track participant spending and provide budget alerts.
- Prepare and send monthly financial statements to participants.
- Maintain records that meet NDIS audit standards.
- Answer questions from participants and providers about payments.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or NDIS administration.
- Strong knowledge of the NDIS Pricing Guide.
- Ability to use plan management software.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A current NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Compliance and Registration Requirements
A plan manager cannot just start working without following the law. In Australia, you must meet the rules set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- Registration: Most plan managers are registered providers. This means you must pass an audit.
- Record Keeping: You must keep all financial records for five years. This is important for NDIS audits.
- Conflict of Interest: You must tell participants if you have a business link to other providers they use.
- Privacy: You handle sensitive financial and personal data. You must keep this information safe and private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a plan manager and a support coordinator?
A plan manager handles the money and pays the bills. A support coordinator helps the participant find and connect with services. They are different roles, but they work together to help the participant reach their goals.
Do I need a degree to be a plan manager?
There is no specific degree required by law. However, many employers look for people with a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or Accounting. Experience in the disability sector is also very helpful.
Can a plan manager help with finding providers?
The main role is financial. While you can give a list of providers who send you invoices, you do not usually help the participant choose or book their services. That is the job of a support coordinator.
How are plan managers paid?
Plan managers are paid through a specific category in a participant’s NDIS plan called "Improved Life Choices." The NDIS sets a fixed monthly fee for this service. It does not cost the participant any money out of their own pocket.
Conclusion
Writing a good ndis plan manager job description is the first step to building a strong team. By focusing on financial management, invoice processing, and budget tracking, you help participants get the most out of their NDIS plans.
Righteo is here to help you understand the requirements of the Australian disability sector. Use the template provided to find the right person for your organisation. Make sure you look for someone who is organised, good with numbers, and committed to helping people with disabilities live their best lives.