About this resource
Hiring your own workers can give more choice and control, and it comes with responsibilities. This checklist covers describing the role, recruitment, interviews and references, worker screening, written agreements, employer or contractor obligations such as tax, superannuation and insurance, and ongoing management.
Purpose
To help participants hire directly with awareness of their responsibilities.
Who it is for
Primary profession: NDIS providers and support coordinators. Also relevant for disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Self-managing participants, nominees and support coordinators.
Practice setting: Self-management and support coordination.
Suggested uses
- Planning direct hiring
- Capacity building
- Support coordination
- Reviewing arrangements
Instructions for practitioners
- Encourage participants to seek advice on employment obligations.
- Discuss worker screening and safeguards.
- Check current NDIS guidance for self-managed participants.
- Support skills in managing workers.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Work through each section.
- Get advice where you need it.
- Keep records.
Accessibility considerations
Offer an Easy Read version and support with each step.
Scope and limitations
General information. It is not legal, tax or employment advice. Obligations differ for employees and contractors.
Research basis
This resource is designed to align with the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct; using it does not by itself demonstrate compliance. Case management practice standards describe assessment, planning, coordination, review and planned exits with the person at the centre. Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk.
- Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand. (2013). National standards of practice for case management (3rd ed.). https://www.cmsa.org.au/
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Code of Conduct. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
