Introduction

Support workers are a vital part of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) system in Australia, helping participants achieve their goals and live independently. However, questions often arise about whether support workers can engage in administrative work during their shifts. This guide explores the rules, legislation, and expectations, providing clear guidance based on the NDIS Code of Conduct, NDIS Act 2013, and Quality and Safeguards Commission materials.

What Does the NDIS Code of Conduct Say?

The NDIS Code of Conduct requires support workers to:
– Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
– Provide services safely, competently, and with care and skill.
– Respect participants’ rights to choice and control.
– Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of support delivered.

“Workers must provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner, with care and skill. They must keep accurate and up-to-date records and communicate openly with participants about the supports they provide.”
– NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

What Administrative Work is Acceptable?

Support workers can perform administrative duties directly linked to participant support, such as:
– Writing daily shift notes, progress records
– Filling out incident reports
– Messaging coordinators or therapists about participant needs
– Updating medication charts (if trained)
– Contributing to goal tracking and reviews

What Administrative Work is NOT Acceptable?

Support workers must not engage in general business or organizational admin tasks while on participant time, such as:
– Making staff rosters
– Filing office paperwork or handling invoices
– Providing support to other clients without approval
– Creating ads or marketing materials

“Workers must only perform duties that they are employed and trained to perform, and that relate to the services provided to participants.”
– NDIS Commission Code of Conduct Worker Guidance

Can Support Workers Assist Other Participants in the Same Location?

Support workers can support multiple participants only if:
– It is clearly outlined in each participant’s service agreement.
– The participant’s consent has been obtained.
– Supports are recorded separately and charged appropriately.

“Participants have the right to receive supports and services as agreed in their service agreement and plan.”
– NDIS Code of Conduct Guidance

Risks of Performing Unapproved Administrative Tasks

Workers and providers who misuse NDIS participant time may face serious consequences:
– Breach of the NDIS Code of Conduct
– Participant complaints
– Audit findings during NDIS Commission inspections
– Possible funding repayment demands or loss of registration for providers

Conclusion

In summary, NDIS support workers are allowed and expected to perform participant-related administrative tasks during their shifts, such as recordkeeping, reporting, and communication. However, workers must not engage in business admin like making rosters or assisting other participants without prior approval.

References

1. NDIS Code of Conduct – NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
2. NDIS Act 2013 – Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation
3. Worker Orientation Module – ‘Quality, Safety and You’ (NDIS Commission)

Sample Daily Administrative Checklist for NDIS Support Workers

Before the Shift:
– Review the participant’s support plan and goals
– Check any shift handover notes or alerts
– Confirm participant’s consent forms or behavior support plans are up-to-date
– Prepare any required equipment or safety checks

During the Shift:
– Maintain real-time documentation of activities
– Communicate clearly with the participant about tasks and choices
– Record any incidents immediately using the approved reporting process
– Respect participant privacy when documenting sensitive matters
– Stay focused on the participant’s needs – avoid unrelated admin or office duties

End of the Shift:
– Complete detailed daily notes
– Update medication records (if trained)
– Report any safeguarding issues to the supervisor
– Hand over information to the next shift
– Log work hours correctly

Never To-Do List:
– Never make rosters for other workers
– Never complete financial admin for the company
– Never assist other participants unless arranged and documented
– Never perform marketing, recruitment, or unrelated office tasks