If you’re navigating the NDIS or accessing disability and mental health services, you’ve likely come across terms like Support Worker, Social Worker, and Recovery Coach. While all three roles can be part of your support team, they each play a different role in your life and recovery journey.
Understanding what each professional does can help you choose the right people to support your goals, advocate for your needs, and use your funding more effectively.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes each role unique — and how they can work together.
A Support Worker provides practical, hands-on help with everyday tasks and activities. They often assist with things like:
Support Workers are often the most visible part of a participant’s day-to-day routine and are usually funded through Core Supports in your NDIS plan.
They do not provide therapy or clinical advice, but they can be essential in helping you stay safe, connected, and independent.
A Social Worker is a qualified professional with training in mental health, trauma, disability, and community support. They take a holistic, therapeutic approach to wellbeing, and may assist with:
Social Workers can be funded through Therapeutic Supports under the NDIS or accessed through community health services. They often work with people facing complex challenges and focus on the individual and the environment around them.
At Newcastle Social Workers, this is our specialty — providing person-centred support that looks beyond a diagnosis to help people rebuild their lives.
A Recovery Coach is a newer NDIS role designed to support people with psychosocial disability (a disability that arises from a mental health condition). Recovery Coaches combine:
They work with you to:
Recovery Coaches are funded under Capacity Building – Psychosocial Recovery Coaching in your NDIS plan. Some may also have lived experience themselves, offering a peer-based approach.
| Role | Focus Area | Funded Under | Example Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Worker | Daily tasks and community access | Core Supports | Transport, personal care, social support |
| Social Worker | Therapeutic and emotional support | Therapeutic Supports | Counselling, crisis help, system navigation |
| Recovery Coach | Psychosocial disability and recovery | Capacity Building | Goal setting, service coordination, mental health coaching |
Not necessarily. It depends on your goals, needs, and what’s included in your NDIS plan.
Some participants only need one type of support, while others may benefit from a team approach that includes all three roles. For example:
Each role plays a different part, but they can help you feel more confident, connected, and supported together.
At Newcastle Social Workers, we offer both Social Work and Support Coordination services. We regularly work alongside Support Workers and Recovery Coaches to ensure you get well-rounded, recovery-focused support.
Contact us today if you’d like help understanding your NDIS plan, choosing the right supports, or accessing services that align with your goals.
