Case Management

What Is Case Management?

Case Managers act much like project managers. They bring together all the services involved in supporting a person with an injury or disability, developing and coordinating a cost-effective plan tailored to the individual’s goals.

The Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand defines Case Management as:

“A process, encompassing a series of collaborative phases that help clients access relevant resources to achieve their goals. This includes assessment, planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation, all while considering the client’s unique needs, preferences, and available supports.”

For many private clients, Case Management is a long-term and sometimes episodic service. Some find it too time-consuming to manage their own services, while others may not have the cognitive ability or support network to take on that responsibility. In these cases, professional Case Managers often provide ongoing support — and some clients have relied on these services for over 30 years.

What Is Specialist Support Coordination?

Specialist Support Coordination is a NDIS-funded service designed for participants with complex needs. This role is typically short-term and focuses on building the participant’s capacity to manage their supports independently.

The NDIS places strong emphasis on ‘natural supports’ — such as friends and family — and expects the Specialist Support Coordinator to help participants transition toward managing their own plans. Importantly, this role is not intended to provide advocacy; separate advocacy services should be engaged if needed.

Understanding the Difference

While both roles support individuals in navigating services and achieving goals, there are key differences:

• Case Management is often long-term, holistic, and flexible. It’s well-suited to clients who need or prefer ongoing professional coordination.
• Specialist Support Coordination under the NDIS is typically short-term and capacity-building, with a focus on independence and using natural supports.

It’s also important to know that both services must be provided by professionals with a tertiary qualification.

At Lighthouse Health Group, we offer both Case Management and Specialist Support Coordination — tailored to each client’s needs.