COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Financial Management for NDIS Plan Managers course. This course is designed to equip plan managers with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to effectively manage NDIS funding on behalf of participants. As a plan manager, you play a critical role in ensuring that funds are used appropriately, invoices are processed correctly, and financial reporting is maintained to meet compliance requirements.
This course begins by outlining the role of a plan manager in financial management, providing an overview of NDIS funding categories, and explaining the legal and ethical obligations involved in managing participant budgets.
Understanding NDIS pricing arrangements is essential for effective financial management. This section explores the NDIS Price Guide and pricing limits, strategies for managing price changes and updates, and best practices for handling provider charges to ensure accurate payments and budget allocations.
Budgeting for NDIS plans helps participants maximise their funding. This section covers how to create and manage participant budgets, monitor expenses, adjust budgets as needed, and communicate financial details clearly to participants so they remain informed about their funding.
Managing NDIS payments is a core responsibility of plan managers. This section details the process of handling provider invoices, managing participant claims, and ensuring payment reconciliation to maintain accuracy, prevent errors, and avoid delays in service provision.
Accurate financial reporting and record-keeping are key to ensuring transparency and compliance. This section highlights the importance of maintaining detailed financial records, best practices for reporting, and preparing for audits to ensure that financial management aligns with NDIS requirements.
Technology plays a significant role in streamlining financial management processes. This section explores financial management software, digital tools for budget tracking, and data security measures to safeguard financial transactions and participant information.
Managing financial risks is crucial to maintaining the integrity of NDIS plan management. This section provides strategies for identifying potential financial risks, implementing risk controls, and responding effectively to financial issues to prevent mismanagement and financial loss.
Supporting participants with financial literacy enables them to make informed decisions about their budgets. This section focuses on educating participants about their funding, empowering them to manage their allocated budgets responsibly, and addressing financial challenges that may arise.
Fraud prevention is a key consideration in financial management. This section covers the risks of fraud within NDIS plan management, best practices for implementing fraud prevention measures, and how to respond to suspected fraudulent activities to protect participant funds.
Managing plan reviews and transitions ensures continuity of care and financial stability. This section explores how to prepare for NDIS plan reviews, manage transitions between different funding arrangements, and ensure that participants receive uninterrupted support during changes.
Handling complex financial situations requires expertise and adaptability. This section examines managing high-cost supports, assisting participants with complex needs, and effectively handling unspent funds to ensure that resources are used efficiently and in accordance with participant goals.
Compliance with NDIS rules and guidelines is a fundamental responsibility for plan managers. This section provides an overview of NDIS financial regulations, the importance of transparency and accountability in financial management, and strategies for staying updated on policy changes.
Building strong relationships with providers ensures seamless financial transactions and service delivery. This section explores best practices for vetting and selecting providers, managing professional relationships, and collaborating on financial matters to ensure smooth service provision.
Continuous improvement in financial management helps maintain best practices and adapt to changes within the NDIS framework. This section highlights strategies for monitoring financial performance, seeking feedback from participants and providers, and implementing process improvements for greater efficiency.
Supporting participants in rural and remote areas presents unique financial challenges. This section discusses tailoring financial management approaches for remote participants, overcoming barriers to service access, and ensuring equitable distribution of funding regardless of location.
Managing financial disputes is an important aspect of plan management. This section examines common causes of financial disputes, strategies for resolving conflicts effectively, and preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future disputes.
Professional development for plan managers enhances expertise and ensures ongoing improvement in financial management practices. This section explores how to stay updated on industry trends, build financial management skills, and contribute to the broader NDIS sector through knowledge-sharing and best practices.
Real-life case studies provide practical applications of financial management concepts. This section presents examples of financial challenges in NDIS plan management, lessons learned from these cases, and how to develop effective financial management plans that align with participant needs.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage NDIS funds effectively, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and support participants in making the most of their NDIS plans while maintaining financial integrity and accountability.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to NDIS Financial Management
- Role of a Plan Manager in Financial Management
- Overview of NDIS Funding Categories
- Legal and Ethical Obligations
2. Understanding NDIS Pricing Arrangements
- NDIS Price Guide and Pricing Limits
- Managing Price Changes and Updates
- Handling Provider Charges
3. Budgeting for NDIS Plans
- Creating Participant Budgets
- Monitoring and Adjusting Budgets
- Communicating Budgets to Participants
4. Managing NDIS Payments
- Processing Provider Invoices
- Managing Participant Claims
- Payment Reconciliation
5. Financial Reporting and Record-Keeping
- Importance of Accurate Record-Keeping
- Best Practices for Financial Reporting
- Preparing for Audits
6. Using Technology for Financial Management
- Financial Management Software
- Digital Tools for Budget Tracking
- Ensuring Data Security
7. Managing Financial Risks
- Identifying Financial Risks
- Implementing Risk Controls
- Responding to Financial Issues
8. Supporting Participants with Financial Literacy
- Educating Participants About Their Budgets
- Empowering Participants to Manage Funds
- Addressing Financial Challenges
9. Fraud Prevention in Financial Management
- Understanding Fraud Risks
- Implementing Fraud Prevention Measures
- Responding to Suspected Fraud
10. Managing Plan Reviews and Transitions
- Preparing for Plan Reviews
- Managing Plan Transitions
- Ensuring Continuity of Supports
11. Handling Complex Financial Situations
- Managing High-Cost Supports
- Supporting Participants with Complex Needs
- Managing Unspent Funds
12. Compliance with NDIS Rules and Guidelines
- Understanding NDIS Financial Rules
- Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
- Staying Updated on NDIS Changes
13. Building Strong Relationships with Providers
- Vetting and Selecting Providers
- Managing Provider Relationships
- Collaborating on Financial Matters
14. Continuous Improvement in Financial Management
- Monitoring Financial Performance
- Seeking Feedback from Participants and Providers
- Implementing Best Practices
15. Supporting Participants in Rural and Remote Areas
- Unique Financial Challenges in Remote Areas
- Tailoring Financial Management for Remote Participants
- Ensuring Equity in Service Delivery
16. Managing Financial Disputes
- Common Causes of Financial Disputes
- Resolving Disputes Effectively
- Preventing Future Disputes
17. Professional Development for Plan Managers
- Staying Updated on Financial Management Trends
- Building Financial Expertise
- Contributing to the NDIS Sector
18. Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Real-Life Examples of Financial Management
- Developing Financial Management Plans
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.