What is an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a mandatory background check for many workers and volunteers delivering supports and services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is designed to determine whether an individual is cleared to work with people with disability.
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is an essential requirement for both NDIS Registered Providers and their workers. For Providers, it ensures legal obligations are being met. It also helps them employ only suitable care workers who have passed necessary background checks. For workers, it shows suitability of employment and investment in their disability services career.
How to Apply for the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
The application process for the NDIS Worker Screening Check involves:
- Completing an online application form
- Providing proof of identity
- Sharing details of relevant criminal history via a national police check
- Submitting additional information or documentation in some instances.
Once the application has been submitted, it’s reviewed by relevant authorities. This includes the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Worker Screening Unit of the relevant state of territory where the application is made.
If approved, the applicant receives a Worker Screening Clearance that’s valid for 5 years, unless surrendered or revoked.
Who Needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
NDIS Worker Screening Checks are mandatory for certain types of workers and roles involved in the NDIS scheme.
Registered NDIS Providers
All workers in risk-assessed NDIS roles must have this NDIS check before they can provide services with Registered Providers. This applies to sole traders, self-employed workers and other Registered Provider organisations.
Types of risk-assessed roles include:
1. Key Personnel Roles, including Directors and Managers
2. Worker roles when normal duties include the direct delivery of specified supports/services to people with disability and
3. Other roles when normal duties require more than incidental contact with Participants, including:
- physical touch;
- building rapport with people with disability as an expected part of normal duties; or
- contact with multiple people with disability during the direct delivery of a specialist disability support or service or in a specialist disability accommodation setting.
4. Volunteers
- in regular contact with people with disability
- providing risk-assessed supports or services to a person with disability.
Registered NDIS Providers
Unregistered Providers can also apply for the Worker Screening Check.
The check helps to:
- Ensure NDIS Providers do not employ individuals who pose a risk to people with disability
- Reduce the risk of harm to NDIS participants and other vulnerable individuals
- Protect the rights of people with disability receiving NDIS supports
- Make sure only safe, suitable, and trusted workers are engaged in the disability support sector
Exemptions for NDIS Provider Screening
Worker Screening Clearance is not essential where:
- The Worker has only incidental contact with a Participant;
- The Worker is not in a risk-assessed role;
- The Worker is a secondary student doing formal work experience with an NDIS Registered Provider;
- The Worker is engaged by an Unregistered Provider, and are not providing supports to an NDIS Participant who requires the Check; or
- The Worker provides services to self-managed Participants, and those Participants do not require the Check.
Penalties apply to those who require the Check but do not have one prior to delivering services to NDIS Participants.
Importance of NDIS Worker Screening Check
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities. It provides assurance that workers responsible for the care of vulnerable persons have been thoroughly screened for any risks. Through a comprehensive background check, such as criminal history and child protection information, the check prevents those with a record of misconduct from working with NDIS Participants.
It protects against harm to the Participants, keeping only those suitable to work within this delicate sphere of work and allowing them to do so. This is crucial in preserving trust within the NDIS as well as protecting the rights and safety of disabled individuals.
How to Apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check
Here are the steps for applying for the NDIS Worker Screening Check:
Start the Application
Go to the relevant state or territory government portal and start your online application for the NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Complete Personal Information
Give your personal details, including name, address, and work history. Be ready to provide any other background details.
Submit Documentation
Upload identification documents of proof (passport, driver’s license). The states might require further documents or fingerprints for greater security.
Pay the Application Fee
After submitting your details, you’ll be prompted to pay the application fee, which varies by state and territory. The cost can generally be paid online via the portal.
Wait for Processing
The screening authority will review your application, including criminal history, child protection records, and other relevant checks. The processing time can take several weeks.
Receive Notification
After the screening, you will be informed of the outcome of your check. If successful, you will be granted a check and recorded on the NDIS Commission’s National Worker Screening Database (NWSD).
Validity of Check
The validity of the check is five years. You may use it to work with NDIS Participants for this duration, unless the check is surrendered or revoked.
Preparing for Your NDIS Worker Screening Check Application
Your NDIS Worker Screening Check results will be labelled Clearance or Exclusion.
Clearance
- This means you passed the screening check and are deemed safe to work with NDIS Participants.
- In this instance, a Clearance will be issued. It includes your name, , NDIS Worker Screening ID and the expiry date.
- The Clearance is valid for 5 years in all Australian states and territories, unless surrendered or revoked. This means it isn’t necessary to do another NDIS Worker Screening Check if you change locations or NDIS Providers. In the case of changing NDIS Providers, the new Provider simply links the worker to their organisation through the NDIS Commission portal.
- Prior to expiry, you must apply for a new screening check to continue working in NDIS roles.
Exclusion
- This means you may pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of NDIS Participants. For this reason, you are prohibited from working in risk-assessed roles in the NDIS.
Results from the worker check clearance are added to the NDIS Commission’s national Worker Screening Database (NWSD).
How the NDIS Screening Check operates in each state of Australia
NDIS Check New South Wales (NSW):
In NSW, the NDIS Worker Screening Check is managed by Service NSW. Applicants need to submit their details through the Service NSW portal. The processing time can take up to 6 weeks.
NDIS Check South Australia (SA):
In South Australia, applications are processed by the Department of Human Services. Applicants must submit an online application and may be required to provide additional documents for verification. The processing time can take up to 4 weeks.
NDIS Check Victoria (VIC):
In Victoria, the check is managed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety. Applicants must submit an online application and can expect a processing time of up to 3 weeks.
NDIS Check Queensland (QLD):
The Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors administer Queensland’s NDIS Worker Screening Check. The online application portal requires personal information and supporting documents. The processing time can take up to several weeks.
NDIS Screening Check Tasmania (TAS):
In Tasmania, applicants apply through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, and applicants must submit identity documents.
NDIS Check Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
In the ACT, applications are processed by Access Canberra. The online application includes submitting identification documents, with processing taking on average 6 weeks.
NDIS Checks Northern Territory (NT):
SAFE NT manages the Northern Territory’s NDIS Worker Screening Check. Applicants must submit an online application, and the processing time is typically 4-6 weeks.
NDIS Check: Western Australia (WA):
In WA, applications are processed by the Department of Communities. Applicants need to apply online and may submit additional identification documents for verification. The processing time can take up to several weeks.
Exceptions from requirement for an NDIS Screening Check
Some employees will be exempt from the NDIS Worker Screening Check based on their position and degree of direct interaction with NDIS Participants. For instance, volunteers with negligible or indirect exposure to Participants could be exempt from the screening, along with administrative officers.
Verifying entitlement to an exemption with the appropriate screening authority is essential.
NDIS Screening Check Validity
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is for five years from the issue date. After five years, you must renew your screening check to keep working with NDIS Participants. If there has been any change in your criminal history or fresh information that may affect your clearance, you must notify the concerned authority immediately, even if the five-year time limit is not yet up.
Renewing or Updating Your NDIS Worker Screening Check
An NDIS Worker Screening Check is valid for 5 years. If your Clearance is close to expiring, you’ll receive a notification that it’s time to renew. If your details have changed, you must update your information.
Renewing Your Clearance:
- Submit a new application to the Worker Screening Unit in your state or territory.
- You’ll need to (again) provide personal details, contact information, and relevant documents. A risk assessment will decide whether you pose harm to people with disability.
- You will be notified of the outcome, i.e. whether you maintain Clearance status.
Difference Between a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check
The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is mainly concerned with a person’s criminal history, determining whether charges or convictions are made against them in all states and territories. It is utilised for numerous employment and volunteer applications.
Conversely, the NDIS Worker Screening Check is more than just a criminal history check. It involves broader scrutiny to identify whether someone is appropriate to work with vulnerable NDIS Participants. The check also encompasses assessing child protection information and other safety and conduct records to ensure that only personnel who reach the high standards of the NDIS get cleared to work.
Conclusion
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is an essential part of the NDIS system. It assesses risk factors for disability employers and workers via a rigorous checks system. Not all employees at your business will need to complete a check clearance application, however, it is mandatory for all workers in risk-assessed roles. These workers must receive valid clearance – and maintain it – to care for people with disability.
Always stay informed and diligent in maintaining NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance. Stay abreast of NDIS Commission changes and follow update processes as needed.
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FAQs
How do I get my NDIS worker check?
Once your screening check is approved, you will receive confirmation of the clearance via email containing the NDIS Worker Screening ID and the expiry date.
How much does an NDIS worker check cost?
The cost of the NDIS Worker Screening Check varies by state/territory and application type, ranging from $50 to $150. Visit the state or territory-specific portal for the exact fee.
How do I track my NDIS screening check?
You can track your application status through the state or territory portal where you applied. Updates on the progress will be posted regularly.
What is the validity of the NDIS screening check?
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is valid for five years from the date it is issued, however check with the state or territory where you applied to ensure your check is still valid.
Who can be a referee for the NDIS worker screening check?
A referee should be someone who can vouch for your character and work history, such as a current or past employer, supervisor, or colleague.
