NDIS Virtual Assistant vs. Support Coordinator: Who Does What?

Confused About Roles in Your NDIS Business?

If you're running an NDIS-registered organisation in Australia, you've likely heard about support coordinators and the growing popularity of NDIS virtual assistants. But many providers still ask:

“Aren’t they the same thing?”

The truth? They’re not — and understanding their differences is key to building an efficient, compliant, and client-focused NDIS operation.

What Does a Support Coordinator Do?

A Support Coordinator plays a direct, participant-facing role. They work with individuals on NDIS plans to:

• Connect them with suitable services

• Help them understand and implement their NDIS plan

• Build participant capacity for independence

• Coordinate and monitor service delivery

• Assist during plan reviews

Support coordinators are NDIS-funded professionals, often working with complex or high-needs participants. Their work is regulated under NDIS guidelines, and they must follow strict reporting and ethical standards.

What Does an NDIS Virtual Assistant Do?

An NDIS virtual assistant is a remote admin support professional — not participant-facing, but absolutely essential to backend efficiency.

They support your team by handling time-consuming tasks like:

• Data entry into NDIS software (e.g., PRODA, CRM, or Careview)

• Coordinating appointments and emails

• Preparing service agreements or intake documents

• Following up on referrals and reports

• Managing rosters, invoices, and compliance paperwork

  
  

They don’t replace a Support Coordinator — but they free them up to focus on higher-level work.

🧠 Think of them as your behind-the-scenes support crew — keeping the admin side running smoothly while your care team focuses on participants.

NDIS Virtual Assistant vs. Support Coordinator: Key Differences

Role	Support Coordinator	NDIS Virtual Assistant
NDIS Funded	✅ Yes	❌ No
Client-Facing	✅ Direct participant support	❌ Internal support only
Primary Focus	Participant outcomes & service linking	Admin, scheduling, documentation
Typical Location	On-site or hybrid	Fully remote (e.g., Philippines via VirtuPro)
Salary/Cost	Higher (specialist role)	Lower (outsourced admin support)

Why Australian NDIS Providers Use Both

The best-performing NDIS clinics, sole traders, and support coordination agencies don’t choose one over the other — they combine both.

• Support Coordinators handle strategy and face-to-face care

• Virtual assistants take on repetitive admin work that eats into billable hours

The result? Less burnout, faster operations, and more capacity to take on new clients.

Filipino Virtual Assistants: Why They're a Smart Choice

At VirtuPro, we match NDIS providers with trained Filipino virtual assistants who understand:

• Australian healthcare admin systems

• Client confidentiality (yes, they’re trained in compliance!)

• The importance of clear communication and accuracy

You stay in control — while your virtual assistant helps behind the scenes.

✅ Bonus: Many VirtuPro VAs are already experienced in NDIS-specific workflows, from intake to invoice.

Choosing the Right Support for Your NDIS Business

It’s not a choice between a support coordinator or a virtual assistant — it’s about building the right team around your clients.

If your Support Coordinators are drowning in paperwork... If your clinic manager is stretched thin chasing documents... If you're not sure how to scale without burning out...

...then it’s time to explore remote admin support.

Let VirtuPro Help You Support More Participants, Without Burnout

VirtuPro helps Australian NDIS businesses find qualified, reliable remote admin support. Our Filipino virtual assistants are vetted, trained, and ready to plug into your team — no steep learning curve, no hidden fees.

➡️ Get matched with a Virtual Assistant

➡️ Book a FREE consultation