Understanding the new NDIS Worker Screening Check
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a new, national check that assesses if a person who works with people with a disability poses any risk to them. It is now live across all states and territories in Australia. Registered NDIS providers are required to ensure that workers engaged in risk assessed roles have been cleared under the new NDIS Worker Screening Check.
When do I need to have a NDIS Worker Screening Check?
1- Working for a registered NDIS providers
You need to have an acceptable check that meets the transitional and special arrangements, or you need to undertake Worker Screening Check to get a clearance. This applies if you are engaged in a risk assessed role and the employer is responsible for assessing if the role is a risk assessed.
For those who are not engaged in a risk assessed role, it is not mandatory to have worker screening clearance, but it is recommended.
2- Working for unregistered providers
If you work for an unregistered provider, it is not mandatory to get an NDIS worker screening clearance . However, it is recommended that all NDIS providers apply and get it.
How do I apply for NDIS Worker Screening Check?
Workers will need to apply to the relevant Worker Screening Unit in their state or territory. To find out which department manages the Worker Screening Unit in your state/territory and where to apply, please visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s website here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/providers/worker-screening
Or, you may visit the WSU webpage for the state or territory where you live or work:
- Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
- New South Wales: Service NSW
- Northern Territory: SAFE NT
- Queensland: Disability Worker Screening
- South Australia: Department of Human Services Screening Unit
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
- Victoria: Department of Justice and Community Safety
- Western Australia: Department of Communities
When an application is made, you will be required to pay a fee and prove your identity. The cost and identity requirements vary by state or territory where the application is made. During the application process, workers will need to nominate which NDIS provider or self-managed participant engages them or intends to engage them to provide services. The NDIS provider or self-managed participant will then need to verify this information before the application can proceed to the assessment stage.
What if I have an existing worker screening check?
Registered NDIS providers must ensure that workers in risk assessed roles undertake worker screening as a condition of their registration in order to safeguard participants. Registered NDIS providers may be able to continue recognising a worker’s acceptable check if they do not have the NDIS Worker Screening Check under the transitional and special arrangements, subject to state or territory requirements. Please visit 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
Helpful Links for Further Information:
NDIS Certification vs NDIS Verification
The process to register as an NDIS provider
NDIS – Frequently Asked Questions
General Information: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workers/worker-screening
Applying for a worker screening check : https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workers/worker-screening/applying-worker-screening-check
