Understanding the new NDIS Worker Screening Check process

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a crucial programme established by the Australian government to provide support and care to Australians living with a disability. However, the success of the programme greatly depends on the qualification and suitability of the NDIS workers who provide these services to participants. In recent times, the Australian government has introduced a new screening process to ensure that only the most qualified and suitable people work with participants in the NDIS programme. This new screening process is known as the NDIS Worker Screening Check. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at what the NDIS Worker Screening Check entails and how it works.

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a rigorous screening process that carefully assesses a person's qualifications and personal suitability to work with participants in the NDIS programme. It is an enhanced version of the previous screening system, which was known as the National Police History Check. The screening process aims to ensure that all NDIS workers are safe, skilled, and trustworthy. It also helps to prevent people with a history of violent or abusive behaviours from gaining access to participants' personal details and finances.

If you do not work for a registered provider, it is not mandatory to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening however it is heavily recommended.

The NDIS Worker Screening Check involves a multi-stage process that accounts for both national criminal history checks and personal suitability assessments. The screening process is mandatory for all paid NDIS workers, including self-employed individuals, recruiters, and businesses. The first step in the screening process is to complete an online application form, where workers must provide details of their personal and employment history, contact details, and identification documents. The second stage involves the national criminal history check, which is conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).

The personal suitability assessment is the third stage of the screening process. In this stage, NDIS workers are evaluated based on their work history, personal conduct, and conduct with the vulnerable people they have worked with in the past. The assessment includes interviews, referee checks, and written responses to scenarios that reflect the NDIS worker's role. The personal suitability assessment is conducted by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Commission (NDIS Commission), which is responsible for ensuring that quality standards are met when delivering NDIS supports and services.

Once an NDIS worker has completed all stages of the screening process, they will be granted a clearance that is valid for five years. A clearance certificate is a formal document that confirms that an individual has met the required standards of qualification and suitability to work with participants in the NDIS programme. The clearance certificate can be used across different NDIS roles and locations, as long as the worker's details remain the same.

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is an essential measure that guarantees the protection of vulnerable people involved in the NDIS programme. The enhanced screening process ensures only the most qualified and suitable people can deliver high-quality services and care. By introducing this screening process, the Australian government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the NDIS programme's safety and quality. As an ndis worker, it is essential to understand what the NDIS Worker Screening Check entails and its benefits. Compliance with the screening process is mandatory, and non-compliance is punishable by law. In conclusion, the NDIS Worker Screening Check is a necessary step in securing the safety and health of NDIS participants and promoting quality services and support.

Registered NDIS providers must ensure that workers involved in ?risk assessed roles undertake some form of worker screening as a condition of their registration in order to safeguard participants. Please have a look at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s website to see which existing checks are recognised under the transitional and special arrangements here:

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-02/acceptable-state-and-territory-checks.pdf

To find out more about the NDIS Worker screening process and how to become a registered NDIS Provider please contact Sustainable Certification today.